KWin Effects

From openSUSE

The KDE 4 version of the KDE window manager, KWin, has built-in desktop effects, allowing the user to have 3D desktop effects without the use of an alien window manager or the sacrifice of integration or functionality. While also being very easy to enable.

Contents 1 openSUSE 11.1 2 openSUSE 11.0 2.1 Getting composite support 2.2 KDE4: Enabling and configuring effects 2.3 KDE3: Enabling and configuring effects 2.3.1 Install KDE4 KWin and Systemsettings 2.3.2 Select KDE 4 KWin as your window manager 2.3.3 Enable and configure KDE 4 KWin effects 2.4 Upgrading to KDE 4.2

KDE 4.1 KWin Cover Switch

Kwin Effects are enabled by default when the graphics card+driver combination supports it.

Configure effects in systemsettings -> Desktop -> Desktop Effects

Getting composite support

You need your hardware and driver to support composite.

• For Nvidia all you need to do is installing drivers the easy way, via 1-click. Instructions here. If you have already installed the drivers via 1-click, you don't have to do anything.

• For ATI all you need to do is installing drivers the easy way, via 1-click. Instructions here. If you have already installed the drivers via 1-click, you don't have to do anything.

• With an Intel graphics card you needn't do anything. Composite is enabled by default

KDE4: Enabling and configuring effects

Launch systemsettings (Personal settings / Configure desktop from the menu). Go to Desktop -> Desktop Effects to enable the effects. Here you can also configure which effects to use, their keyboard shortcuts etc.

KDE3: Enabling and configuring effects

on openSUSE 11.0 it's very easy to use KDE4 KWin with effects in your KDE3 sessions.

Install KDE4 KWin and Systemsettings

zypper in kdebase4-workspace kde4-kwin

Select KDE 4 KWin as your window manager

Launch kcontrol (Personal settings / Configure desktop from the menu). Go to KDE Components -> Session management, select KWin (KDE4) in the window manager combo box.

Enable and configure KDE 4 KWin effects

Launch systemsettings. Go to Desktop -> Desktop Effects to enable the effects. Here you can also configure which effects to use, their keyboard shortcuts etc.

Upgrading to KDE 4.2

KDE 4.2 KWin has more and better effects. For upgrade instructions see here