cinnamon-settings

cinnamon-settings [OPTION...] [MODULE]

--help
    Displays a help message and exits.

--version
    Shows version information and exits.

MODULE
    Opens a specific settings module directly. This allows users to jump straight to a particular section of the settings. Examples of common modules include: applets, backgrounds, date-time, display, effects, extensions, network, sound, themes, users, windows, workspaces.

The cinnamon-settings command launches the graphical control center for the Cinnamon Desktop Environment. It provides a centralized interface for users to configure various aspects of their desktop experience, including appearance, hardware, system preferences, and personal settings.

Through a user-friendly interface, it organizes settings into logical categories such as Backgrounds, Applets, Themes, Network, Users, Display, Sound, and more, allowing for easy customization of the entire desktop environment. It's the primary tool for tailoring Cinnamon to individual user preferences without needing to directly edit configuration files.

cinnamon-settings is a graphical tool and requires a running Cinnamon desktop session to function properly. While it can be launched from the command line, its primary interaction is through a GUI. Settings changes made through this tool are typically applied immediately or upon next login, and are saved automatically. Direct command-line manipulation of settings beyond launching modules is generally not supported by this specific command.

When launched without a MODULE argument, cinnamon-settings opens its main window, displaying categories of settings. Users can then navigate through these categories to find specific configuration options. Providing a MODULE argument directly bypasses the main window and opens the specified module, which is useful for automation or quick access.

The cinnamon-settings utility is an integral part of the Cinnamon Desktop Environment, which was initially developed by Linux Mint in 2011 as a fork of GNOME Shell. Its creation was driven by a desire to provide a more traditional desktop experience with a modern aesthetic, contrasting with the direction taken by GNOME 3.

As Cinnamon evolved, cinnamon-settings was built to serve as its dedicated control center, distinct from the GNOME Control Center. It focuses on offering comprehensive configuration options specific to Cinnamon's unique features, such as applets, desklets, and extensions, while maintaining a user-friendly and intuitive interface that aligns with the desktop's overall design philosophy.

cinnamon(1), dconf(1), gnome-control-center(1), xfce4-settings-manager(1)