# NebulaOS Desktop Mode

Desktop Mode is the full Linux desktop experience for NebulaOS.

It exists because NebulaOS should not only be a console-style interface.
It should also be a capable desktop operating system when the user needs one.

Bigscreen Mode is for controller-first gaming and media.
Desktop Mode is for everything else.

---

## Purpose

Desktop Mode gives users access to a normal computer environment.

It is designed for:

* File management
* Web browsing
* Productivity
* Development
* Modding
* Troubleshooting
* Advanced settings
* Desktop gaming
* App management
* System maintenance

NebulaOS should feel simple in Bigscreen Mode, but never locked down.

Desktop Mode is what keeps NebulaOS flexible.

---

## Recommended Foundation

The recommended Desktop Mode foundation is:

* Linux
* KDE Plasma
* SDDM
* Wayland where possible
* X11 fallback where needed
* Custom Nebula theme
* Custom Nebula session entries

KDE Plasma is recommended because it is:

* Highly customizable
* Friendly to Linux gaming workflows
* Themeable
* Mature
* Flexible
* Suitable for both desktop and handheld layouts

---

## Design Direction

Desktop Mode should feel:

* Clean
* Smooth
* Modern
* Minimal
* Polished
* Fast
* Familiar
* Slightly futuristic

The design should take inspiration from the clarity and polish of macOS while keeping the flexibility and openness of Linux.

NebulaOS Desktop Mode should not look like a generic KDE install forever.
The long-term goal is to make it feel like a distinct Nebula desktop experience.

---

## Desktop Mode Responsibilities

Desktop Mode should provide:

* File manager access
* Browser access
* Terminal access
* App launcher
* System settings
* Development tools
* Game modding tools
* Desktop game launching
* Access to Bigscreen Mode
* Advanced troubleshooting tools

---

## Relationship to Bigscreen Mode

NebulaOS has two main sessions:

```text
Nebula Bigscreen
Nebula Desktop
```

### Bigscreen Mode

Used for:

* Controller navigation
* Game launching
* TV use
* Handheld use
* Couch workflows
* Simple settings
* Console-like experience

### Desktop Mode

Used for:

* Mouse and keyboard use
* Advanced configuration
* Development
* File browsing
* Modding
* Productivity
* Troubleshooting

Both modes should feel connected, but they should not try to do the same job.

---

## Session Switching

Long-term, NebulaOS should allow users to switch between modes easily.

Possible flows:

```text
Bigscreen Mode → Power Menu → Switch to Desktop Mode
Desktop Mode → App Launcher → Return to Bigscreen Mode
Login Screen → Choose Nebula Bigscreen or Nebula Desktop
```

The user should never feel trapped in either mode.

---

## KDE Customization Goals

Desktop Mode customization may include:

* Nebula global theme
* Nebula icon theme
* Nebula cursor theme
* Nebula wallpaper set
* Custom SDDM theme
* Custom splash screen
* Custom panel layout
* Custom application launcher
* Custom desktop widgets
* Preinstalled Nebula apps
* Desktop shortcut for Bigscreen Mode

---

## Suggested Desktop Layout

A possible default layout:

```text
Top panel
├── App launcher
├── Active window title
├── System tray
├── Network
├── Audio
├── Battery
└── Clock

Desktop
├── Nebula wallpaper
├── Minimal icons
└── Optional widgets

Dock or bottom panel
├── Browser
├── Files
├── Terminal
├── Settings
├── Nebula Bigscreen
└── Nebula Library
```

---

## Visual Identity

Desktop Mode should share visual DNA with Bigscreen Mode.

Shared elements may include:

* Nebula gradients
* Deep blue and purple tones
* Soft glass panels
* Rounded corners
* Subtle glow
* Clean typography
* Space-inspired wallpapers
* Calm animation
* Consistent icon language

Desktop Mode should be calmer and more practical than Bigscreen Mode, but still recognizably Nebula.

---

## System Tools

Desktop Mode may eventually include Nebula-specific tools such as:

* Nebula Control Center
* Nebula Update Manager
* Nebula Library desktop app
* Nebula Browser
* Nebula Store
* Nebula Settings bridge
* Nebula account/profile manager
* Nebula system diagnostics

---

## Development Goals

Initial Desktop Mode goals:

* Pick KDE Plasma as the base
* Create a Nebula desktop theme
* Create a Nebula SDDM login theme
* Add Bigscreen and Desktop sessions
* Add a launcher shortcut back into Bigscreen Mode
* Keep normal Linux tools available
* Avoid breaking standard KDE functionality

---

## What Desktop Mode Should Avoid

Desktop Mode should avoid:

* Removing normal Linux functionality
* Hiding important system tools
* Making KDE harder to use
* Becoming too console-like
* Depending on Bigscreen Mode to function
* Locking users into one workflow

Desktop Mode should be powerful, normal, and clean.

---

## Success Criteria

Desktop Mode is successful when:

* Users can use NebulaOS like a normal Linux desktop
* KDE feels visually integrated with NebulaOS
* Bigscreen Mode can be launched easily
* Advanced settings are accessible
* Development and troubleshooting are possible
* The desktop feels polished instead of temporary
* The system still feels like one unified OS