Installing themes as apt packages

Forpli · March 2, 2026, 5:36am

Yesterday I installed many different gtk and icon themes from ubuntu repository with 'sudo apt install...' on Zorin 17 Lite.
It was the first time that something strange happened with the XFCE desktop. All icons flashing, like something running through all opened windows (Thunar, Settings, Zorin appearance)...The desktop seems to have crashed or hanged up. I was able to stop that only with a logout. I've never seen something like that before, neither in Gnome nor XFCE.

My question is:
Are some gtk and icon themes which can be found in Synaptic Package Manager not suitable for Xfce?

How can I configure Synaptic to only display themes that are suitable for Xfce?

Isn't this method recommended - to install themes via apt packages?

E.g. I installed the pop gtk theme, but there is no window manager for that theme. I'm not sure if I can really mix all different icon and gtk themes themes found there and preinstalled on Zorin.
Maybe
apps: pop-dark
icons: elementary-xfce
cursor: bibata-modern-ice
window manager: numix

I searched for "gtk-themes" and "icon-themes" in synaptic and then installed some:

Storm · March 2, 2026, 5:55am

Yes.

No.

Nope. Manual installation is recommended. Also the themes and icons can be terrible outdated.

Forpli · March 2, 2026, 5:58am

Thank you! Then I go back to the method to install themes from xfce4-look.org or github.

Forpli · March 2, 2026, 11:07am

I must say, I removed all apt packages of the themes, but I found no other good ones or had problems.
Then I installed again the pop gtk theme and elementary xfce icons. I´d prefer a good looking light theme, but I`ll test now for a while how it behaves. I also added a window xfwm theme for pop.

Forpli · March 2, 2026, 3:19pm

I have now found a few themes that I also like and that are somewhat reminiscent of MX Linux: the Matcha GTK theme and the Papirus MX blue icon theme. I like that the windows are not dimmed when unfocused (only the text in the top bar).