Compton on CentOS: Unlocking Endless Configuration Possibilities

Compton is a lightweight yet powerful window compositor for Linux that enhances desktop visuals with effects like transparency, shadows, and smooth animations. On CentOS, configuring Compton can transform your workflow by improving performance, enabling advanced visual tweaks, and ensuring compatibility with various desktop environments. Below is a structured guide to exploring its full potential.

1. Installation on CentOS

Before diving into configuration, ensure Compton is installed. Use the package manager tailored to your CentOS version:

• CentOS 7 (or earlier):

  sudo yum update -y && sudo yum install -y compton
  

• CentOS 8+ (or Rocky/AlmaLinux):

  sudo dnf install -y compton
  

Verify installation with:

compton --version

2. Basic Configuration: The Foundation

Compton’s primary configuration file is located at ~/.config/compton.conf (user-specific) or /etc/compton.conf (system-wide). If the file doesn’t exist, create it with a text editor (e.g., nano).

Key Basic Options

• Backend: Determines how Compton renders graphics. For most users, glx (OpenGL) is recommended for performance.

  backend = "glx";
  

• Shadows: Exclude resource-heavy windows (e.g., Firefox) from shadows to improve FPS.

  shadow-exclude = ["class='^Firefox'", "title='.*Firefox.*'"];
  

• Transparency: Adjust opacity for inactive windows or specific apps.

  opacity = 0.8;  # 0.0 (fully transparent) to 1.0 (fully opaque)
  ignore-root = true;  # Disable root window transparency (avoids desktop glitches)
  

Save the file and apply changes by restarting Compton:

compton -c ~/.config/compton.conf

3. Advanced Configuration: Unlocking Hidden Power

Once comfortable with basics, explore these advanced options to tailor Compton to your needs:

Multi-Monitor Support

For multi-monitor setups, use xrandr to verify configurations (e.g., xrandr --query) and adjust Compton’s rendering for each display. Add this to your config to avoid duplicate effects:

xrandr-args = "--output HDMI-1 --auto --right-of eDP-1 --output DP-1 --auto --right-of HDMI-1";

Performance Optimization

• Disable Unnecessary Effects: Turn off shadows or fading if they impact performance.

  shadow = false;
  fade = false;
  

• Enable GPU Acceleration: Use glx-no-stencil to reduce memory usage.

  glx-no-stencil = true;
  glx-copy-from-front = true;  # Faster redrawing
  

• Limit Resources: Use --cache to set a cache size (e.g., 1GB) to prevent lag.

  compton --cache 1024
  

Idle Detection & Auto-Shutdown

Reduce CPU usage when idle by enabling detection and setting a timeout (e.g., 5 minutes):

idle-detection = true;
idle-detection-timeout = 300000;  # 300,000ms = 5 minutes

Logging for Debugging

Enable verbose logging to troubleshoot issues (e.g., black screens, flickering):

compton --verbose > compton.log 2>&1

4. Integration with Desktop Environments

Compton works seamlessly with most desktop environments (DEs) but may require DE-specific tweaks:

GNOME

Add Compton to GNOME’s startup applications:

1. Open gnome-session-properties (gnome-tweaks → “Startup Applications”).
2. Click “Add” and enter:
   • Name: Compton
   • Command: compton -c ~/.config/compton.conf

Xfce

Edit ~/.xprofile to autostart Compton:

compton -c ~/.config/compton.conf &

Openbox/i3

Include Compton in your window manager’s startup file (e.g., ~/.config/openbox/autostart):

compton -c ~/.config/compton.conf &

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Black Screens: Disable GPU acceleration temporarily (backend = "xrender") to isolate the issue.
• Flickering: Enable glx-damage (optimizes redrawing) or increase vsync delay.

  glx-damage = true;
  vsync = "sync";
  

• High CPU Usage: Lower the cache size or disable effects like fading.

6. Exploring Creative Possibilities

Beyond basics, experiment with these creative tweaks:

• Custom Shadows: Define shadow colors/offsets for a unique look.

  shadow-color = "#00000080";  # Semi-transparent black
  shadow-offset-x = 5;
  shadow-offset-y = 5;
  

• Rounded Corners: Some forks of Compton (e.g., picom) support rounded corners—check for compatibility.
• Dynamic Transparency: Use fade-detection to animate window transparency when switching apps.

By mastering these configurations, you can turn Compton into a versatile tool that balances performance and aesthetics on your CentOS system. Whether you’re optimizing for gaming, productivity, or aesthetics, Compton’s flexibility ensures there’s a solution for every need.