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“Paper theme” can mean two different things on Ubuntu: the Paper GTK theme, which changes supported app controls and window styling, or Paper icons and cursors, which change the artwork used for files, folders, and pointers. Installing one does not install the other. Before choosing instructions, decide which part of the desktop you want to change.
What does the Paper theme change?
GTK themes style interface elements in applications that support them. Icon themes replace icons used across the desktop, while cursor themes change the pointer. The Paper icon project documents icon and cursor assets; its instructions do not establish how to install or use the separate Paper GTK theme.
Do not assume Paper will restyle every Ubuntu application. The available sources do not establish current GTK4 or Libadwaita coverage, or confirm that Paper works with a particular current Ubuntu release.
Recommended Free Tools
Check your Ubuntu desktop before installing
Theme-selection steps depend on your Ubuntu release and desktop session. The instructions discussed here concern GNOME; they may not apply to other desktop environments or sessions. Ubuntu’s GNOME how-to describes using GNOME Tweak Tool to select desktop, cursor, and icon themes, but it is general guidance rather than confirmation of current labels or compatibility for every Ubuntu version: Ubuntu GNOME documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- Compact Mouse: With a comfortable and contoured shape, this Logitech ambidextrous wireless mouse feels great in either right or left hand and is far superior to a touchpad
- Durable and Reliable: This USB wireless mouse features a line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life (2) thanks to a smart sleep mode function, and comes with the included AA battery
- Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
- Plug and Play Simplicity: Just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and start working in seconds with a strong, reliable connection to your wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet / 10 m (5)
- Better than touchpad: Get more done by adding M185 to your laptop; according to a recent study, laptop users who chose this mouse over a touchpad were 50% more productive (3) and worked 30% faster (4)
For GTK themes and other visual assets, a June 2025 UbuntuHandbook tutorial describes Linux Theme Store as a free, open-source app for finding and installing GTK themes, icons, cursors, and wallpapers. It says installed themes can be selected through system settings or GNOME Tweaks. The tutorial also warns that Ubuntu’s Appearance accent-color selection can override themes. Treat this as dated secondary guidance and check the app and controls available for your release: UbuntuHandbook’s June 2025 Linux Theme Store tutorial.
Install Paper icons or cursors
The original Paper icon-theme repository describes building and installing its icon theme with Meson and Ninja, then choosing Paper as an icon or cursor theme in GNOME Tweaks or through GNOME settings commands. Those are project instructions for the icon/cursor assets, not for Paper GTK.
Rank #2
- The next-generation optical HERO sensor delivers incredible performance and up to 10x the power efficiency over previous generations, with 400 IPS precision and up to 12,000 DPI sensitivity
- Ultra-fast LIGHTSPEED wireless technology gives you a lag-free gaming experience, delivering incredible responsiveness and reliability with 1 ms report rate for competition-level performance
- G305 wireless mouse boasts an incredible 250 hours of continuous gameplay on just 1 AA battery; switch to Endurance mode via Logitech G HUB software and extend battery life up to 9 months
- Wireless does not have to mean heavy, G305 lightweight mouse provides high maneuverability coming in at only 3.4 oz thanks to efficient lightweight mechanical design and ultra-efficient battery usage
- The durable, compact design with built-in nano receiver storage makes G305 not just a great portable desktop mouse, but also a great laptop travel companion, use with a gaming laptop and play anywhere
There is an important maintenance caveat: the Paper icon repository is archived and read-only. GitHub records that it was archived on February 23, 2022. That status applies to this icon repository; it does not establish the maintenance status of the separate GTK theme project. Review the repository’s instructions and your Ubuntu version before using them: Paper icon-theme repository.
What about installing Paper GTK?
A January 2024 tutorial published PPA-based and source-based installation commands for Paper GTK and Paper icons. Because that is dated secondary guidance, those commands should be treated as historical—not as verified, currently supported installation steps. The available evidence does not establish the current maintenance status or Ubuntu/GNOME compatibility of the separate Paper GTK theme.
Rank #3
- Compact Mouse: With a comfortable and contoured shape, this Logitech ambidextrous wireless mouse feels great in either right or left hand and is far superior to a touchpad
- Durable and Reliable: This USB wireless mouse features a line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life (2) thanks to a smart sleep mode function, and comes with the included AA battery
- Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
- Plug and Play Simplicity: Just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and start working in seconds with a strong, reliable connection to your wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet / 10 m (5)
- Better than touchpad: Get more done by adding M185 to your laptop; according to a recent study, laptop users who chose this mouse over a touchpad were 50% more productive (3) and worked 30% faster (4)
For that reason, do not run an old PPA or source-install command on the assumption it is safe or compatible today. Check the GTK project’s current instructions and your Ubuntu release first. The 2024 tutorial is useful as a record of methods that were published, not as current maintainer confirmation: January 2024 Paper theme tutorial.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Papirus the same as Paper?
No. Papirus is a separate free and open-source SVG icon theme based on the Paper Icon Set; it is not the Paper GTK theme. Its project README documents Ubuntu installation via a PPA or package. If your goal is to change icons, consult Papirus’s own instructions and treat it as an alternative icon project, not as a way to install Paper GTK: Papirus icon-theme project.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Plug and Play for Home/Office/School】The wireless computer mouse features 2.4GHz connectivity, delivering a stable, interference-free connection up to 32ft. Designed for 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, it ensures comfortable use all day. Simply plug in the USB-A receiver for instant pairing—no drivers needed. 📌📌 If the mouse isn’t suitable, place the USB receiver in the battery compartment and return both.
- 【3 Levels Adjustable DPI】This travel USB mouse offers 3 adjustable DPI settings (800, 1200, 1600), allowing you to customize sensitivity for precise design work. Effortlessly switch to match your task and elevate your productivity. 📌 Please remove the film at the bottom of the mouse before use.
- 【Effortless Browsing】Equipped with forward and backward buttons, this computer mice streamlines your workflow, making it easy to navigate through web pages and files with a simple click. 📌Side button does not work on Mac.
- 【Visible Indicator Light】 The pc mouse features a visual indicator for DPI levels and low battery alerts. The red light flashes once for 800 DPI, twice for 1200 DPI, and three times for 1600 DPI. When the battery level is below 10%, the light flashes red until the mouse is completely out of power.
- 【Click to Wake】With smart sleep mode, it saves power by standby after 10 inactive minutes, just 2-3 clicks to wake. This efficient design delivers 3x longer battery life than motion-wake mice. Engineered for durability, its buttons and scroll wheel are tested for 10 million clicks, ensuring long-term reliability and consistent performance.
Rank #4
- Computer mouse for easily navigating a computer interface; click, scroll, and more
- USB-A wired connection; if existing device only supports USB-C, an additional adapter will be required
- High-definition (1000 dpi) optical tracking ensures responsive cursor control for precise tracking and easy text selection
- 3 buttons offer effortless fingertip control
- Plug-and-go ready for instant use
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