Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE) is a stylish and user-friendly desktop environment originally developed for Deepin Linux, a distribution based on Debian. This environment is known for its sleek and modern design, which focuses on providing a clean and intuitive user experience.
DDE is recognized for its polished and visually appealing interface. It incorporates a blur and transparency effect, giving it a distinct look compared to other desktop environments.
Alongside the desktop environment itself, Deepin comes with a suite of native applications designed to match the overall aesthetic of the environment. This includes utilities for system settings, file management, media playback, and more.
Users can customize the desktop layout, choosing between a more traditional layout or a modern style similar to macOS, with a dock and a full-screen app launcher.
DDE supports efficient window management tools and effects, such as multitasking view and virtual desktops, which help in managing multiple open applications.
The DDE is designed to be accessible to users transitioning from other operating systems like Windows or macOS due to its familiar user interface elements.
Even though DDE has received praise for its aesthetics and user experience, it has also faced some criticism for its closed-source components and ties to the Chinese government.
Deepin Desktop Environment is developed using Qt and is available not only for Deepin Linux but can also be installed on other distributions through various community-maintained packages. DDE supports most mainstream Linux operating systems such as Arch Linux, Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE etc.
In this guide, we will see how to install Deepin desktop environment in Arch Linux and its variants such as EndeavourOS and Manjaro Linux.
Table of Contents
Install Deepin Desktop Environment in Arch Linux
Make sure your Arch Linux distribution is up-to-date.
$ sudo pacman -Syyu
Once the system is updated, reboot it to apply the new changes.
$ sudo reboot
Now, we need to install xorg (X Window System) that provides graphical environment.
$ sudo pacman -S xorg xorg-server
Finally, install Deepin desktop environment along with other required components using command:
$ sudo pacman -S deepin lightdm-deepin-greeter lightdm deepin-kwin
Note: The lightdm-deepin-greeter package is required to avoid blank screen and flickering issues.
Additionally, you can install deepin-extras package to install Deepin game center, Deepin video player, Deepin music player, Deepin screencapture and screenshot, Deepin terminal and a bunch of few other cool apps.
To do so, run:
$ sudo pacman -S deepin-extra
That's it. Deepin DE has been installed in Arch Linux. Let us go ahead and configure the display manager.
Configure Deepin DE Display Manager
Deepin DE uses lightdm display manager. You need to enable DDE's lightdm greeter.
To do so, edit:
$ sudo nano /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf
Find the following line:
#greeter-session=example-gtk-gnome
And, uncomment and change it as shown below. Or simply add it underneath the above line.
greeter-session=lightdm-deepin-greeter
Save the file and close it.
Then, start and enable lightdm login manager to start at boot as shown below.
$ sudo systemctl start lightdm.service
$ sudo systemctl enable lightdm.service
Now, reboot your Arch Linux to log in to the Deepin DE.
Login to Deepin DE
Here it is how my Arch Linux Deepin DE login screen screen looks like. Enter your password to login.
Start using Deepin DE!
Deepin Screenshots
DDE is often hailed as one of the most visually appealing Linux desktop environments. Its clean, modern, and professional-looking interface captivates users with its elegance.
Here are some screenshots of my Arch Linux with Deepin DE.
Deepin Desktop:
DDE introduces a fresh bottom dock that combines the traditional Dock and Tray. The Dock includes the application launcher, a “Show Desktop” button, frequently used application shortcuts, and the system tray. Users can customize the display of both the system-level tray and the Dock.
Application Overview:
Accessible by clicking the “Launcher” button, the application overview view allows quick searching and launching of applications.
Deepin File manager:
The Deepin File Manager is an integral part of the Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE). It combines functionality with a visually pleasing design.
Features:
- Sleek Interface: The file manager boasts a clean and modern interface, consistent with the overall DDE aesthetics.
- Tabs and Split View: Users can open multiple tabs within the same window, making it easy to manage files across different directories. Additionally, the split view allows simultaneous browsing of two folders.
- Integrated Search: The search bar provides quick access to files and folders.
- File Previews: Hovering over files displays previews, which is handy for identifying content without opening files.
- Customizable Sidebar: Users can customize the sidebar with frequently accessed locations.
- Cloud Integration: Deepin File Manager supports popular cloud storage services like Google Drive and OneDrive.
- Drag-and-Drop: Moving files between folders is intuitive using drag-and-drop.
- Context Menu Options: Right-clicking on files or folders reveals context-specific actions.
- Mounting Devices: Easily mount external drives and network shares.
- Trash Management: Deleted files go to the trash, allowing for easy recovery.
Deepin Terminal:
DDE comes with an elegant and a powerful Terminal application.
Features:
- Customizable Themes: Users can personalize the terminal appearance with various themes.
- Tabs and Split Panes: Similar to the file manager, the terminal supports multiple tabs and split panes.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Efficiently navigate using keyboard shortcuts.
Deepin Music:
The Deepin Music App is designed for music enthusiasts.
Features:
- Sleek Interface: Like other Deepin apps, the music player has an elegant design.
- Local Music Library: Import and organize your local music collection.
- Playlist Creation: Create custom playlists and manage them effortlessly.
- Equalizer: Adjust audio settings to your preference.
- Mini Mode: Switch to a compact mode for minimal distraction.
Deepin Settings:
The revamped System Settings module uses the Deepin UI graphics library. Each settings module (Display, Sound, Personalization, Power, Account, Network, etc.) features a new design, making it easy to personalize system configurations. Noteworthy features include automatic screen brightness adjustment based on ambient light levels.
There is more and its is nearly impossible to cover all Deepin goodies in a single article. Spin it up in a VM and explore it yourself. You won't be disappointed.
Conclusion
Deepin DE is elegant and eye-candy. DDE works fine just out of the box, and has all goodies that brings a near perfect desktop experience.
DDE continues to gain popularity among Linux users, especially those who prioritize a visually appealing interface with ease of use.
If you're looking for a Linux desktop environment for your Arch Linux system that prioritizes aesthetics, ease of use, and keeps pace with innovation, Deepin Desktop Environment might be a good fit for you.
Related Read:
- How To Install GNOME Desktop Environment In Arch Linux
- Install Budgie Desktop Environment in Arch Linux
- Install MATE Desktop Environment in Arch Linux
Resources:
13 comments
Well I made it all the way to systemctl start and enable. Where do I use this command, in the /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf file or do I save after changing greeter-session=lightdm-deepin-greeter? Not sure. I saved the file greeter-session and tried to run the command to enable all I got was a blank black screen,
Just open the file /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf in any editor of your choice and uncomment the line “greeter-session=lightdm-deepin-greeter”. Save and close the file. Then, Start and enable deepin service. It should work.
My control center isn’t the same as yours yet I did everything like you. Any solutions?
nope, does not work. start results in black screen and blinking cursor.
Try to install lightdm-deepin-greeter (pacman -Sy lightdm-deepin-greeter), then try reinstall deepin (pacman -Syu deepin). Worked for me.
Hola! me pasó lo mismo, y el problema era que dejé un espacio en blanco al final de la línea. Solucionado
When I try to install deepin I got a problem, already exists a file named lightdm and can not create a folder with same name.
Can I remove this file?
I am using Antergos distro
thnx
Same here. I simply did: sudo rm /etc/lightdm
So pacman can install its files. But next is the
systemctl start lightdm.service
which only gives black screen and blinking cursor.
i install manjaro deepin 17 but now after install there i no deepin software center how to get software center
Manjaro deepin sadly does not want to be installed on my machine. It fails to write the bootloader. Some crappy python script…
This manual seemed to be good, but fails on
systemctl start lightdm.service
where it results in a black screen with a blinking cursor up left.
I really love Deepin but it does not want to be on my machine…
Can you help me? I’ve installed everything, then when i type systemctl start lightdm.service screen is black and flicker once every one second and stay black all the time, theres nothing on display, then i rebooted, typed systemctl enable lightdm.service and every reboot screen is flickering the same way, there is nothing on the screen, why is that?
installed Arch + Deepin on my Asus Zenbook UX330CA. no problem at all. All the fn+keys are good except the light sensor , sleep and hibernate are smooth. It’s fast, and it’s beautiful. Made in China