How To Install LXQt Desktop Environment on Manjaro

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install LXQt desktop environment on Manjaro. Manjaro, a popular Arch-based Linux distribution, boasts a strong blend of user-friendliness and performance. It offers several desktop environments out of the box, such as Xfce, GNOME, and KDE Plasma. However, those seeking a lightweight yet feature-rich alternative often turn to LXQt. The LXQt environment represents the fusion of LXDE and Razor-qt projects, creating a fast, low-resource option for modern systems. This desktop delivers a smooth user experience on both new hardware and older machines, thanks to its resilient design and minimal memory usage.

In addition to its lightweight nature, LXQt shines with a high degree of customization. Users can adjust panels, menus, and diverse system settings to suit a wide variety of workflow preferences, making it an excellent choice for anyone eager to tailor a Linux environment to their exact needs. Furthermore, LXQt benefits from active community development, resulting in continuous improvements and bug fixes. Its modular architecture also gives enthusiastic tweakers a chance to install only the components they prefer.

This guide provides a thorough walkthrough on how to install, configure, and optimize the LXQt desktop on Manjaro. It begins with prerequisites, moves on to installation methods, covers essential configurations, and concludes with troubleshooting procedures. The instructions combine terminal commands with detailed explanations to cater to all levels of Linux users, from beginners to seasoned experts. By the end, readers will gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to run the LXQt desktop effectively on their Manjaro systems.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the LXQt installation, ensuring the system meets certain prerequisites can save time and potential issues. Familiarity with basic Linux commands, a reliable internet connection, and adequate disk space go a long way toward a smooth installation process. By having the proper configuration in place, it becomes simpler to complete the installation steps and avoid common pitfalls.

Below is a brief overview of what is generally required:

• System Requirements: LXQt is known for its low resource usage. A machine with at least 1 GB of RAM and a modest CPU will suffice for typical desktop tasks, although 2 GB of RAM or more promotes smoother multitasking.
• Backups: Backing up critical data is always recommended, especially when installing new desktops or components. Although Manjaro installations are straightforward, having a fallback can prevent headaches should something unexpected occur.
• Disk Space: Set aside at least 2–3 GB of free space for LXQt packages and potential dependencies. More space may be required if additional productivity applications or theming files are expected to be installed.
• Internet Connection: The installation process fetches packages from official or community repositories, requiring a stable connection to complete downloads successfully.
• User Privileges: A user account with sudo privileges is necessary to install packages and modify certain system settings.

Installation Methods

Manjaro users have multiple ways to install LXQt. Some might prefer the convenience of a ready-made community edition ISO with LXQt preconfigured. Others may already be running Manjaro with a different desktop environment and simply want to add LXQt to their existing setup. Both approaches are valid and offer distinct benefits.

Fresh Installation (Community Edition ISO)

Manjaro’s community-driven editions cater to various desktop environments, including LXQt. These editions are maintained by community members who apply custom configurations to ensure stable and optimized user experiences right out of the box. Below are the concise steps:

1. Obtain the ISO: Visit the official Manjaro website or the community section to locate the Manjaro LXQt community edition ISO. Download it to your local system.
2. Create Bootable Media: Use a utility such as Etcher or the Linux dd command to flash the ISO onto a USB drive. For instance:

   sudo dd if=/path/to/manjaro-lxqt.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync
   

   Replace sdX with the USB device identifier.

3. Boot from USB: Restart the machine and enter the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings to select the USB drive as the primary boot device.
4. Install Manjaro LXQt: Once booted into the live environment, launch the installer. Follow the guided steps to partition the disk, set up user accounts, and finalize installation settings.
5. Reboot and Verify: After installation completes, reboot the system. LXQt should load automatically, presenting the lightweight interface in all its configured glory.

Opting for the community edition ISO is a convenient approach. Everything is pre-tuned for LXQt, enabling quick setup without extensive manual configuration.

Installing LXQt on Existing Manjaro Installations

Those already running another Manjaro desktop environment can install LXQt directly from official repositories. The following steps guide users through a clean and uncomplicated procedure:

1. Update Existing System: Ensure the system is up to date. Open a terminal window and run:

   sudo pacman -Syu
   

   This command synchronizes package databases and installs any available updates.

2. Install LXQt Packages: Manjaro hosts LXQt in official repositories. Install the lxqt group to get core desktop components:

   sudo pacman -S lxqt
   

   This command typically includes key components like the LXQt panel, session manager, and file manager.

3. Install a Display Manager (Optional): Both LightDM and SDDM are common choices. Users can install SDDM with:

   sudo pacman -S sddm
   

   Then enable it:

   sudo systemctl enable sddm.service --force
   

4. Reboot and Select LXQt Session: Restart the system. At the login screen, click the session menu (often a gear icon) to pick LXQt, then log in. The desktop environment should load successfully.

Basic Configuration

After installing LXQt, a bit of basic configuration helps create a more polished user experience. Adjusting login managers, environment files, and other initial settings can greatly improve everyday workflow.

Initial Setup

Upon first boot with LXQt, a few housekeeping steps streamline operations:

• Configuration Directories: LXQt stores user-specific settings in the ~/.config directory. Checking for or creating relevant folders can simplify subsequent customization. For instance, ensure ~/.config/lxqt is present for user-level LXQt settings.
• Environment Files: Some advanced users create or edit ~/.xprofile or ~/.profile files to define environment variables for systemwide or session-level usage. This technique is helpful for setting custom environment paths or language variables.
• Editing .xinitrc (For Startx Users): In configurations where a display manager is not used, adding LXQt session commands to ~/.xinitrc can automate the start of LXQt upon running startx. Typically, add a line like:

  exec startlxqt
  

  to launch the LXQt session.

Display Manager Configuration

Although LXQt can be started with startx, integrating a display manager offers a more streamlined login experience. SDDM, LightDM, and LXDM are popular choices.

• SDDM Setup: After installing SDDM, enabling and starting its service ensures it boots on system startup. Themes can be customized further by editing configuration files located in /usr/share/sddm/themes/ or /etc/sddm.conf.
• Login Screen Customization: Display managers typically provide options to alter background images, colors, and user list behavior. Adjusting these settings can align the login screen with the desired LXQt aesthetic.
• Session Management: Confirm that the LXQt Session is detected by the display manager. If the session does not appear, verify that /usr/share/xsessions/lxqt.desktop exists.

Essential Components

LXQt revolves around a modular architecture, relying on a central session manager and complementary modules such as window managers, panels, and file managers. Understanding these components and how they interact paves the way for a more robust environment.

Window Manager Options

LXQt does not bundle a single window manager by default. Instead, it can work seamlessly with different options:

• OpenBox: A classic, lightweight window manager frequently paired with LXQt. It is straightforward to install:

  sudo pacman -S openbox
  

  OpenBox offers extensive customization via XML configuration files in ~/.config/openbox.

• KWin: Some users prefer KWin, the window manager used by KDE Plasma. While more feature-rich, it can add overhead in terms of resource usage. KWin supports advanced effects and window rules, offering a high degree of customization for those who want more flair in their LXQt environment.
• Performance Considerations: Choose a window manager that aligns with desktop performance needs. OpenBox is minimalistic, whereas KWin offers modern compositing. The final selection often hinges on balancing functionality with overall speed.

Panel and Menu Setup

The LXQt panel is a fundamental component that houses application launchers, system tray icons, window controls, and more. Be sure to explore these steps:

• Adding/Removing Panel Widgets: Right-click on an empty panel area and open Panel Settings or Configure Panel. From there, add new widgets or remove unnecessary ones.
• Menu Customization: LXQt’s main menu can display categories, recently used apps, or favorites. Fine-tune these settings to speed up workflow or match personal style.
• Application Launcher Setup: The LXQt Application Menu widget helps quickly access installed software. Placing it conveniently at the left side of the panel or near the system tray can enhance usability.

Theming and Appearance

One of LXQt’s attractions is its ability to be themed extensively, combining the best of the Qt toolkit’s robust theming capabilities with user-defined styles. Personalizing the aesthetic elevates the user experience and can make daily tasks more enjoyable.

Theme Management

Appearance settings in LXQt manage both Qt and GTK-based applications. Synchronizing these styles delivers consistent visuals across the environment.

• Kvantum: A powerful theming engine for Qt applications. Installing Kvantum:

  sudo pacman -S kvantum-qt5
  

  After installation, open Kvantum Manager to select and apply suitable themes.

• GTK Integration: Many Linux applications rely on GTK. Adjusting GTK themes within LXQt ensures a uniform look. The lxqt-config-appearance utility helps unify theme settings for both Qt and GTK apps.
• Icon Themes Configuration: LXQt reads icon packs from /usr/share/icons as well as ~/.icons. Installing additional icon themes is straightforward; for example:

  sudo pacman -S papirus-icon-theme
  

  Then select it in the Appearance or LXQt Configuration Center.

Visual Customization

Beyond theme packages, numerous other visual settings refine the interface:

• Desktop Appearance: The Desktop Preferences tool (accessible from the LXQt menu) governs wallpaper, icon placement, and layout. This feature supports single or multiple monitors, enabling distinct backgrounds for each display.
• Window Decorations: Depending on the chosen window manager, window buttons, borders, and shadows may be selected from a pre-installed library. OpenBox, for example, can apply different titlebar themes for a custom look.
• Font Configuration: Font settings for window titles, system icons, and menus are found in lxqt-config-appearance. Adjust DPI scaling if text appears disproportionately large or small on high-resolution displays.

Advanced Configuration

Once the basics are in place, fine-tuning more advanced aspects of LXQt can lead to greater productivity gains. Features like virtual desktops, keyboard shortcuts, and system integration empower users to mold the desktop around specific workflows.

Virtual Desktops

Linux desktop environments typically allow multiple workspaces. In LXQt, these are configured under Desktop Preferences or using window manager tools:

• Setting Up Workspaces: Access the LXQt Configuration Center, then OpenBox Configuration Manager (or another chosen window manager) to define the number of virtual desktops. Many users prefer two or three for better window organization.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Map shortcuts for quickly moving between workspaces. OpenBox users can edit ~/.config/openbox/rc.xml to bind keys for switching desktops, while LXQt also offers a native keyboard shortcut tool.
• Window Management Rules: Window managers often allow specifying which applications launch on which workspace, or whether applications remember their window size and position from previous sessions. Crafting these rules can elevate everyday efficiency.

System Integration

Blending LXQt seamlessly into Manjaro ensures an integrated experience:

• Application Defaults: Under lxqt-config-file-associations, set default applications for opening documents, images, media, and URLs. This step stops confusion when multiple similar applications are present.
• File Associations: In the same utility, define custom file type associations. This is handy for rarely used file extensions that should open in specialized software.
• System Tray Setup: The system tray widget can display notifications and background services. Modify positions or add extra widgets, such as network managers or volume controls, to keep essential tools at one’s fingertips.

Performance Optimization

LXQt already excels at performance, but additional tweaks can free up even more resources and maintain a snappy environment.

• Resource Usage Tips: Sticking to lean applications that align with LXQt’s lightweight philosophy keeps CPU and RAM usage low. Examples include using FeatherPad instead of heavier text editors, or QTerminal instead of more feature-saturated alternatives.
• Service Management: Evaluate startup services and disable those not essential to everyday usage. This practice conserves memory and speeds up the boot process.
• Startup Application Control: The Session Settings tool in LXQt allows enabling or disabling auto-starting applications. Maintaining a tidy startup list means the desktop loads faster while avoiding extraneous background processes.

Troubleshooting

While LXQt is generally stable, occasional problems or conflicts arise. Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:

• Session Not Showing in Display Manager: If LXQt doesn’t appear in the session list, verify that lxqt.desktop is placed in /usr/share/xsessions. Reinstalling the LXQt package typically resolves this.
• Missing Icons or Menu Entries: Sometimes missing icons result from partial icon theme support. Switching to a fully supported icon theme or confirming correct package installation usually solves the problem.
• Configuration Not Saving: When user settings don’t persist, check file permissions in the ~/.config/lxqt directory. Make sure the user account owns these configuration files.
• Performance or Lag Issues: Confirm that the hardware acceleration is functional and that no compositing conflicts exist between the window manager and the GPU driver. Consider changing the window manager or disabling certain effects to improve responsiveness.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed LXQt. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the LXQt lightweight desktop environment on Manjaro system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official LXQt website.