How to Remove the Distribution Logo

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 7 views

Introduction

The GNOME login screen, also known as the GDM (GNOME Display Manager) login screen, is the first thing users see when they boot up their Linux system. By default, it displays the distribution logo at the bottom of the screen. While this logo can be a nice touch, some users may find it unnecessary or even annoying. In this article, we will explore where the distribution logo is stored and how to remove it correctly from the GNOME login screen.

Where is the Distribution Logo Stored?

The distribution logo is stored in the /usr/share/gdm/themes/ directory. This directory contains various themes for the GDM login screen, each with its own set of images and configuration files. The logo is typically stored in a file named logo.png or logo.jpg within one of these themes.

How to Remove the Distribution Logo

Removing the distribution logo from the GNOME login screen is a relatively simple process. However, it requires some care to ensure that all links to the logo are removed, and the login screen is not affected. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Identify the Theme Used by GDM

First, you need to identify the theme used by GDM. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:

gdmflexiserver --test

This will display the theme used by GDM. Note down the theme name, as you will need it later.

Step 2: Locate the Logo File

Next, locate the logo file within the theme directory. The file is usually named logo.png or logo.jpg. You can use the find command to search for the file:

find /usr/share/gdm/themes/ -name logo.png

This will display the path to the logo file.

Step 3: Remove the Logo File

Once you have located the logo file, you can remove it using the rm command:

sudo rm /usr/share/gdm/themes/<theme_name>/logo.png

Replace <theme_name> with the actual theme name you noted down in Step 1.

Step 4: Remove Links to the Logo

After removing the logo file, you need to remove any links to it. The GDM login screen uses a configuration file named gdm.conf to determine which theme to use and which logo to display. You can edit this file using a text editor:

sudo nano /etc/gdm/custom.conf

Look for the logo parameter and remove any reference to the logo file:

[daemon]
Uncomment the line below to enable GDM to use the logo
# logo=/usr/share/gdm/themes/<theme_name>/logo.png

Replace <theme_name> with the actual theme name you noted down in Step 1.

Step 5: Restart GDM

Finally, restart GDM to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart gdm

This will reload the GDM configuration and remove the distribution logo from the login screen.

Conclusion

Removing the distribution logo from the GNOME login screen is a simple process that requires some care to ensure that all links to the logo are removed. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can customize your GDM login screen to your liking and remove any unnecessary logos or images.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while removing the distribution logo, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Make sure you have identified the correct theme used by GDM.
Check that you have removed the logo file and any links to it.
Restart GDM to apply the changes.
If the logo still appears, try removing the logo parameter from the gdm.conf file.

Additional Tips

If you want to customize the GDM login screen further, you can edit the gdm.conf file to change the theme, background image, or other settings.
You can also use the gdmflexiserver command to test the GDM login screen and see how it will look with the changes you have made.
If you are using a Linux distribution that uses a different display manager, such as LightDM or SDDM, the process for removing the distribution logo may be different.
Removing the Distribution Logo from the GNOME Login Screen: Q&A ================================================================

Q: What is the purpose of the distribution logo on the GNOME login screen?

A: The distribution logo is displayed at the bottom of the GNOME login screen to identify the Linux distribution being used. It can also serve as a branding element for the distribution.

Q: Where is the distribution logo stored on my system?

A: The distribution logo is typically stored in the /usr/share/gdm/themes/ directory. You can use the find command to search for the logo file:

find /usr/share/gdm/themes/ -name logo.png

Q: How do I remove the distribution logo from the GNOME login screen?

A: To remove the distribution logo, follow these steps:

Identify the theme used by GDM by running gdmflexiserver --test.
Locate the logo file within the theme directory using find /usr/share/gdm/themes/ -name logo.png.
Remove the logo file using sudo rm /usr/share/gdm/themes/<theme_name>/logo.png.
Remove any links to the logo by editing the gdm.conf file.
Restart GDM using sudo systemctl restart gdm.

Q: What if I want to customize the GDM login screen further?

A: You can edit the gdm.conf file to change the theme, background image, or other settings. You can also use the gdmflexiserver command to test the GDM login screen and see how it will look with the changes you have made.

Q: What if I'm using a Linux distribution that uses a different display manager?

A: The process for removing the distribution logo may be different depending on the display manager used by your Linux distribution. For example, if you're using LightDM or SDDM, you may need to use a different configuration file or command to remove the logo.

Q: Can I restore the distribution logo if I change my mind?

A: Yes, you can restore the distribution logo by reversing the steps you took to remove it. Simply copy the logo file back to its original location, and restart GDM to apply the changes.

Q: Are there any other ways to customize the GDM login screen?

A: Yes, there are several other ways to customize the GDM login screen. You can use a theme manager like GNOME Tweaks to change the theme, background image, and other settings. You can also use a tool like GDM Customizer to customize the GDM login screen without editing the configuration file.

Q: What if I encounter any issues while removing the distribution logo?

A: If you encounter any issues while removing the distribution logo, try the following:

Make sure you have identified the correct theme used by GDM.
Check that you have removed the logo file and any links to it.
Restart GDM to apply the changes.
If the logo still appears, try removing the logo parameter from the gdm.conf file.

Q: Can I remove the distribution logo on a live system?

A: Yes, you can remove the distribution logo on a live system. However, be careful not to make any changes that could affect the system's functionality. It's always a good idea to make a backup of the system before making any changes.