Ubuntu – change the Unity Launcher transparency

Not for the faint of heart. You will have to compile unity from source. There is a script that does this automatically. You have to download this file.

Then open the terminal and cd to the directory you downloaded it to.

• Now type ./build-unity.sh prerequisites
• When finished type ./build-unity.sh clone

Now after it is done cloning, the fun can start. Browse to the directory you downloaded the build-unity.sh file and open the unity folder. Then open the src folder and open file launcher.cpp.

Search for this string

gPainter.Paint2DQuadColor (GfxContext, bkg_box, nux::Color(0xAA000000)

You can change the argb hex decimal to any color you want, A = alpha R = red G = green B = blue:

0xAA000000

example 0x88008800 would about equal a green plus alpha

To color the dash, open PlacesView.cpp and search for

nux::Color (0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f, 0.9f) 

example nux::Color (0.0f, 0.5f, 0.0f, 0.7f) which again equals green plus alpha

• now you can type ./build-unity.sh configure
• and when finished type `./build-unity.sh run

Here's the results

(Incomplete answer but might be a clue):

Perhaps messing with the launcher color might make this possible?

• Where does Unity store the chameleonic launcher/dash color?
• How to change launcher opacity / transparency?