1
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
Build terminal user interfaces with Notcurses, a library for character-based graphics in modern terminals.
Alternatives
The Best Notcurses Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives2 free · 10 open source
Looking for something like Notcurses? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 2 are free or have a free plan and 10 are open source.
Build vibrant text user interfaces for modern terminal emulators with the Notcurses library.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionNotCursesBuild terminal user interfaces with Notcurses, a library…Free or freemium optionOpenRGBOpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on…Another optionPokemon TerminalPokemon-Terminal provides Pokémon-themed terminal themes…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NotCurses | — | Yes | — |
| 2 | Pokemon Terminal | — | Yes | — |
| 3 | OpenRGB | Free | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 4 | Qtile | — | Not stated | Web, Windows |
| 5 | SuperPaper | — | Yes | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| 6 | Hardcode Tray | — | Not stated | Linux |
| 7 | Variety | — | Yes | Linux |
| 8 | Hidamari | — | Yes | Linux |
| 9 | gruvbox | — | Yes | — |
| 10 | LiquidCTL | — | Yes | — |
All Notcurses alternatives
2
Also covers desktop customization, linux, and python · open source
Pokemon-Terminal provides Pokémon-themed terminal themes, with topics listing shells and terminals including Bash and iTerm2.
3
Also covers desktop customization, linux, and python · same kind of website · free
OpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on manufacturer software.
4
Qtile
qtile.orgAlso covers desktop customization and python · same kind of website
Configure Qtile with Python and use its full-featured tiling window manager for arranging windows.
5
Also covers desktop customization, linux, and python · open source
Superpaper manages wallpapers across multiple monitors on Linux and Windows, with partial support for macOS.
6
Hardcode Tray
github.com/bilelmoussaoui/Hardcode-TrayAlso covers desktop customization, linux, and python
Hardcode-Tray detects hardcoded Linux tray icons and replaces them with icons from the selected theme, with an option to revert.
7
Also covers desktop customization, linux, and python · open source
Variety automatically downloads and rotates wallpapers on Linux systems.
8
Also covers desktop customization, linux, and python · open source
Hidamari lets Linux users set videos as wallpaper backgrounds on their desktop.
9
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
Retro groove color scheme for Vim with light and dark mode switching.
10
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
liquidctl provides cross-platform command-line and Python drivers for liquid coolers and other devices.
11
Dracula
draculatheme.comAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Dracula provides a color scheme for code editors, terminal emulators, and other applications.
12
Rosé Pine
rosepinetheme.comAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Rosé Pine provides a color scheme for digital interfaces, described by its site as inspired by pine, fur, and Soho style.
13
quickshell
quickshell.orgAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Quickshell provides customizable building blocks for creating a desktop shell.
14
Shell Color Scripts
gitlab.com/dwt1/shell-color-scriptsAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Shell Color Scripts collects terminal color scripts and provides a program for running a selected script.
15
TerminalSplash
terminalsplash.comAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
TerminalSplash provides a browsable collection of Windows Terminal themes for customizing terminal colors and appearance.
16
WindowsTerminalThemes
windowsterminalthemes.devAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Browse and copy themes for Windows Terminal from this collection of terminal color schemes.
17
terminal.sexy
terminal.sexyAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Design, edit, and share terminal color schemes, then export them to terminals such as iTerm2, Konsole, and Xresources.
18
Also covers desktop customization · open source
RetroBar replaces the modern Windows taskbar with classic styles from Windows 95 through Vista.
19
Also covers desktop customization · open source
AGS provides a command-line scaffold for Astal and Gnim projects used to build desktop shells.
20
Also covers desktop customization and linux · open source
Fetch turns a terminal’s ASCII distribution logo into a rotating 3D object and displays live system information.
21
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website · free plan
backiee provides Windows wallpaper downloads, live wallpapers, and interactive widgets.
22
OpenRazer
openrazer.github.ioAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
OpenRazer provides Linux drivers and a user-space daemon for controlling Razer peripherals.
23
Polychromatic
polychromatic.appAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
Polychromatic manages RGB lighting peripherals on GNU/Linux through a front-end that supports OpenRazer.
24
wallhaven.cc
wallhaven.ccAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
Browse, search, upload, and discuss wallpapers in the wallhaven.cc community collection.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
backiee24 alternativesHardcode Tray24 alternativesNotCurses24 alternativesPokemon Terminal24 alternativesSuperPaper24 alternativesHidamari24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to Notcurses?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to Notcurses are NotCurses, Pokemon Terminal, and OpenRGB.
Is there a free alternative to Notcurses?
Yes. OpenRGB and backiee are free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to Notcurses?
Yes: NotCurses, Pokemon Terminal, SuperPaper, and Variety.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative