I really like the Caelestia Shell, and I wanted to use it on my system. However, it doesn't officially support Ubuntu-based distributions, and in my case, I'm using Zorin OS.
Still, I wanted to make it work. So, with the help of my AI agent, I started experimenting, trying different things, and fixing issues. After a whole day of hard work, I finally managed to get Caelestia Shell running alongside GNOME!
Then I thought: There must be other users like me who want to use Caelestia Shell on their Ubuntu-based systems, too.
Initially, I created a simple CLI-based script that anyone could use to install it. It worked, but it was mainly intended for power users who were comfortable working with the terminal.
After that, I decided to take things further and developed a complete application to make the whole experience easier.
What Can You Do With It?
The application allows you to:
- Manage your installation — Install, update, and fix your Caelestia Shell setup.
- Experiment with updates — Try different revisions and versions of Caelestia Shell.
- Change keybindings — Customize your keybindings easily without having to dig through configuration files.
- Follow built-in guides — Access guides to help you understand and manage your setup.
- Customize your system — Change wallpapers and access some basic system options.
I also spent time making the application look beautiful because I wanted it to feel good to use, not just get the job done.
What About Updates That Might Break Your Setup?
This was another important thing I wanted to address.
If you don't want to install an update that might break your setup, I've got you covered!
Whenever a new update comes out, I test it and push the revisions that work properly to GitHub. Then, when you open the application's Updates page, you'll have the option to install a tested revision if you're currently running an older version.
Of course, if you prefer experimenting with newer or untested revisions yourself, you can do that, too!
Fixing the Sleep and Wake Issue
There's another annoying issue that some laptop users might encounter: Caelestia Shell crashes after waking the laptop from sleep.
This issue is related to Qt, the framework Caelestia Shell runs on. I also included a solution for this problem in my project, so you don't have to worry about figuring it out yourself.
That's It!
And that's what I've been working on! I started with a simple goal: to use Caelestia Shell on my own system. But along the way, I ended up building a complete application that makes installing, managing, updating, and customizing it much easier for other users, too.
If you're using an Ubuntu-based distribution like Zorin OS and want to give Caelestia Shell a try, check out my project on GitHub:
GitHub: https://github.com/12errh/caelestia-ubuntu
I'd love for you to give it a try! 🚀
