cinnamon

cinnamon [OPTION…]

--replace
    Replace the existing cinnamon session

--overview
    Start cinnamon in overview mode (Expo view)

--fglrx
    Workaround for legacy AMD fglrx driver bugs

--display=DISPLAY
    Specify X display to connect to

-?, --help
    Show help message and exit

The cinnamon command starts the core shell of the Cinnamon desktop environment, a popular Linux DE emphasizing a traditional desktop metaphor with menus, panels, applets, and desklets. Developed primarily for Linux Mint, it uses Muffin (a Mutter fork) for window management, compositing, and effects like animations, blur, and scaling.

Typically invoked automatically by display managers (e.g., LightDM) or cinnamon-session, it renders the desktop background, handles workspace switching via Expo/Scale views, and supports extensions for customization. Manual use allows session replacement or testing modes.

Cinnamon prioritizes usability with a start menu, system tray, and notifications, distinguishing it from GNOME Shell's overview-centric design. It supports multiple monitors, virtual desktops, and themes, making it lightweight yet feature-rich for everyday use.

Replacing a running session with --replace may cause data loss or instability; test in virtual machines first.
The --fglrx option is deprecated for modern AMDGPU drivers.
Requires X11; Wayland support is experimental via muffin.

Usually run via cinnamon-session in ~/.xinitrc or display manager; direct use for debugging.

0 on success; non-zero for errors like display connection failure.

Originated in 2011 by Linux Mint team as GNOME Shell 3.2 fork to restore classic desktop. First stable release in 2012 with Mint 13 'Maya'. Evolved through Cinnamon 1.x to 6.x, adding Applets API, Muffin improvements, and better HiDPI support.

cinnamon-session(1), muffin(1), cinnamon-settings(1), nemo(1)