> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/paulmcauley/klassy/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Kite Global Theme

> Learn about the main Kite global theme with dark/light variants and left/bottom panel layouts

## Overview

The **Kite** global theme is the flagship theme of Klassy, designed to be pragmatic for long-term everyday use. It applies several components together:

* Window Decoration
* Application Style
* Color Scheme
* Plasma Style
* Icons

<Note>
  Kite is the result of evolving the original Breeze theme to be more polished and usable, with influences from the original Breeze design, the "Blue Ocean" refresh, and the original KDE 1. A kite floats in the breeze!
</Note>

## Applying the Theme

To apply the Kite global theme:

1. Go to **System Settings** → **Colors & Themes** → **Global Theme**
2. Select one of the Kite variants
3. Click **Apply**

<Warning>
  You must initially use the Global Theme settings screen to apply the theme properly. If you initially apply via the Quick Settings screen or the Light/Dark selector, the full desktop and window layout will not be applied. Afterwards, you can switch between Light/Dark for day/night.
</Warning>

## Theme Variants

Kite comes in four main variants:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Left Panel Dark">
    **Kite Dark - Left Panel**

    Recommended for 16:9 laptops, this variant places the panel on the left side of the screen with a dark color scheme.

    <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/paulmcauley-klassy/images/left_panel_light_dark.png" alt="Left panel dark/light theme selection" />

    **Best for:**

    * Widescreen laptops (16:9 aspect ratio)
    * Maximizing vertical space
    * Users who prefer dark themes
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Left Panel Light">
    **Kite Light - Left Panel**

    The light variant with left-side panel placement.

    **Best for:**

    * Widescreen laptops (16:9 aspect ratio)
    * Users who prefer light themes
    * Daytime use in bright environments
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Bottom Panel Dark">
    **Kite Dark - Bottom Panel**

    Recommended for everything else, featuring a traditional bottom panel with dark colors.

    <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/paulmcauley-klassy/images/bottom_panel_light_dark.png" alt="Bottom panel dark/light theme selection" />

    **Best for:**

    * Desktop monitors
    * Traditional desktop layout preferences
    * Non-widescreen displays
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Bottom Panel Light">
    **Kite Light - Bottom Panel**

    The light variant with traditional bottom panel placement.

    **Best for:**

    * Users familiar with traditional desktop layouts
    * Light theme preferences
    * Bright working environments
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Design Philosophy

The Kite theme follows these core principles:

### Pragmatic Design

Kite is designed for long-term everyday use, not for instant social media appeal. Every design decision prioritizes usability and polish.

### Visual Refinement

* **Integrated Rounded Rectangles**: Default buttons feature translucent outlined accent colors with a large clickable area
* **Accent Colors**: Complements the Plasma "Blue Ocean" design refresh and system accent color feature
* **Consistent Iconography**: Icons match across window decorations, context menus, and GTK applications

### Customization Without Compromise

While Kite provides sensible defaults, it's fully customizable through Klassy Settings. You can adjust:

* Button shapes, sizes, and colors
* Titlebar opacity and spacing
* Window corner radius
* Animation speeds
* And much more

## Switching Between Light and Dark

After initially applying the Kite global theme, you can easily switch between light and dark modes:

1. Click the **Quick Settings** icon in the system tray
2. Use the **Light/Dark** selector
3. Or configure automatic switching based on time of day in **System Settings** → **Colors & Themes**

<Info>
  The light/dark switcher will work correctly only after you've applied the full global theme at least once through System Settings.
</Info>

## Components Applied

When you apply a Kite global theme, the following components are configured:

| Component             | What It Does                                                              |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Window Decoration** | Sets titlebar appearance, button styles, and window borders               |
| **Application Style** | Ensures consistent styling in dockable panels, MDI applications, and tabs |
| **Color Scheme**      | Applies the base light or dark color palette                              |
| **Plasma Style**      | Styles Plasma desktop elements like panels and widgets                    |
| **Icon Theme**        | Provides consistent iconography across the desktop                        |

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Explore Presets" icon="palette" href="/theming/presets">
    Try bundled presets for quick style changes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Customize Buttons" icon="circle" href="/theming/button-customization">
    Fine-tune button appearance and behavior
  </Card>

  <Card title="Window Decorations" icon="window-maximize" href="/theming/window-decorations">
    Adjust titlebar and window styling
  </Card>

  <Card title="Animations" icon="wand-magic-sparkles" href="/theming/animations">
    Configure animation speeds and effects
  </Card>
</CardGroup>