Bug 511772 - Applying shadows to titlebar causes visibility issue
Summary: Applying shadows to titlebar causes visibility issue
Status: RESOLVED LATER
Alias: None
Product: kwin
Classification: Plasma
Component: decorations (other bugs)
Version First Reported In: unspecified
Platform: Arch Linux Linux
: NOR minor
Target Milestone: ---
Assignee: KWin default assignee
URL:
Keywords:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2025-11-07 12:49 UTC by Sauf
Modified: 2025-11-12 17:58 UTC (History)
0 users

See Also:
Latest Commit:
Version Fixed/Implemented In:
Sentry Crash Report:

Attachments
Mac OS shadows (348.61 KB, image/png)
2025-11-07 12:49 UTC, Sauf 		Details
Windows 11 shadows (213.52 KB, image/png)
2025-11-07 12:49 UTC, Sauf 		Details
View All Add an attachment

Note You need to log in before you can comment on or make changes to this bug.
Description Sauf 2025-11-07 12:49:04 UTC 
Created attachment 186583 [details]
Mac OS shadows

SUMMARY
Contrary to Mac OS and Windows 11, KWin applies shadows to tilebar (refer to screenshots). This causes lower contrast and visibility to below window. This is mostly apparent in lower shadow strength.

STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Set Theme to Breeze light
2. Set shadow strength to 55% from Global Theme > Window Decorations > Breeze > Shadows and Outline

OBSERVED RESULT
It feels a gradient with out sharp and distinct from environment. It is harder to "find exact tilebar margin"

EXPECTED RESULT
Don't apply shadows to tilebar (top header border) like MacOS and Windows 11.

Operating System: Arch Linux 
KDE Plasma Version: 6.5.1
KDE Frameworks Version: 6.19.0
Qt Version: 6.10.0
Kernel Version: 6.17.6-arch1-1 (64-bit)
Graphics Platform: Wayland

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There's a related post on KDE Discuss: https://discuss.kde.org/t/ui-suggestion-make-breeze-shadow-strength-lower/
Comment 1 Sauf 2025-11-07 12:49:53 UTC 
Created attachment 186584 [details]
Windows 11 shadows