plasma-apply-cursortheme

List available cursor themes

$ plasma-apply-cursortheme --list-themes

$ plasma-apply-cursortheme [breeze_cursors]

$ plasma-apply-cursortheme --help

plasma-apply-cursortheme [theme_name]

theme_name
    The name of the cursor theme to apply. This should correspond to the name of a valid cursor theme installed on the system. Theme files usually located in directories like `/usr/share/icons` or `~/.icons`.

The `plasma-apply-cursortheme` command applies a specified cursor theme within the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This command ensures that the selected cursor theme is properly set and activated for the current user session. It's primarily used in scripts or automated setups where a specific cursor theme needs to be enforced. The command handles the necessary updates and configurations required by Plasma to switch the current cursor theme seamlessly. Using the correct cursor theme is often important to ensure usability and user's preferences.

This tool is useful for customizing the look and feel of the Plasma desktop environment, specifically focusing on the cursor appearance. It works by updating configuration files and signals KDE Plasma to refresh its cursor settings, resulting in the desired cursor theme being displayed.

The command requires a running KDE Plasma session to function correctly. If the specified theme name is invalid or the theme is not properly installed, the command may fail silently or result in unexpected behavior. It relies on the internal mechanics of KDE Plasma's cursor theme management, which may change between versions. The command may need root permissions to apply cursor themes that are installed system-wide (in `/usr/share/icons`).

The command typically doesn't provide detailed error messages. If the theme application fails, examine system logs or KDE Plasma debug output for more information. Verify if the given theme name exists and if the theme folder contains a `cursors` file.

Before using `plasma-apply-cursortheme`, ensure that the desired cursor theme is properly installed. You can manually copy the theme files into the appropriate directory (e.g., `~/.icons` for user-specific themes, or `/usr/share/icons` for system-wide themes). Use system's graphical utilities to manage themes.

KDE Plasma has graphical tools (System Settings) for managing cursor themes. If you prefer a GUI, you can use these tools instead of the command line.

GUI: System Settings -> Appearance -> Cursors

The `plasma-apply-cursortheme` command is a utility provided by the KDE Plasma desktop environment. It was introduced as part of Plasma's broader effort to offer configurable and scriptable desktop experiences. This allows customization and automation of various aspects of the desktop, including visual themes, and providing users with greater control over the system appearance. It provides a command line way of setting the cursortheme that is also available via GUI configuration.

kcmshell5(1), kdialog(1)