1
Notcurses
nick-black.com/dankwiki/index.php/NotcursesAlso covers desktop customization and python
Build vibrant text user interfaces for modern terminal emulators with the Notcurses library.
Alternatives
The Best NotCurses Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives1 free · 12 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, 1 are free or have a free plan and 12 are open source.
Build terminal user interfaces with Notcurses, a library for character-based graphics in modern terminals.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionNotcursesBuild vibrant text user interfaces for modern terminal…Free or freemium optionOpenRGBOpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on…Open source optionPokemon TerminalPokemon-Terminal provides Pokémon-themed terminal themes…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Notcurses | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 2 | Pokemon Terminal | — | Yes | — |
| 3 | LiquidCTL | — | Yes | — |
| 4 | Hardcode Tray | — | Not stated | Linux |
| 5 | Variety | — | Yes | Linux |
| 6 | gruvbox | — | Yes | — |
| 7 | SuperPaper | — | Yes | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| 8 | Hidamari | — | Yes | Linux |
| 9 | OpenRGB | Free | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 10 | Qtile | — | Not stated | Web, Windows |
All NotCurses alternatives
2
Also covers desktop customization and python · same kind of open-source project
Pokemon-Terminal provides Pokémon-themed terminal themes, with topics listing shells and terminals including Bash and iTerm2.
3
Also covers desktop customization, graphics, and python · same kind of open-source project
liquidctl provides cross-platform command-line and Python drivers for liquid coolers and other devices.
4
Hardcode Tray
github.com/bilelmoussaoui/Hardcode-TrayAlso covers desktop customization and python · same kind of open-source project
Hardcode-Tray detects hardcoded Linux tray icons and replaces them with icons from the selected theme, with an option to revert.
5
Also covers desktop customization and python · same kind of open-source project
Variety automatically downloads and rotates wallpapers on Linux systems.
6
Also covers desktop customization and python · same kind of open-source project
Retro groove color scheme for Vim with light and dark mode switching.
7
Also covers desktop customization and python · same kind of open-source project
Superpaper manages wallpapers across multiple monitors on Linux and Windows, with partial support for macOS.
8
Also covers desktop customization and python · same kind of open-source project
Hidamari lets Linux users set videos as wallpaper backgrounds on their desktop.
9
Also covers desktop customization and python · free
OpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on manufacturer software.
10
Qtile
qtile.orgAlso covers desktop customization and python
Configure Qtile with Python and use its full-featured tiling window manager for arranging windows.
11
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of open-source project
RetroBar replaces the modern Windows taskbar with classic styles from Windows 95 through Vista.
12
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of open-source project
AGS provides a command-line scaffold for Astal and Gnim projects used to build desktop shells.
13
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of open-source project
Fetch turns a terminal’s ASCII distribution logo into a rotating 3D object and displays live system information.
14
theme.sh
github.com/lemnos/theme.shAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of open-source project
theme.sh changes terminal color schemes, with hundreds of themes and support for terminals using OSC color controls.
15
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of open-source project
Generate terminal color palettes in C with Hellwal, a utility modeled on Pywal.
16
Rosé Pine
rosepinetheme.comAlso covers desktop customization
Rosé Pine provides a color scheme for digital interfaces, described by its site as inspired by pine, fur, and Soho style.
17
quickshell
quickshell.orgAlso covers desktop customization
Quickshell provides customizable building blocks for creating a desktop shell.
18
Shell Color Scripts
gitlab.com/dwt1/shell-color-scriptsAlso covers desktop customization
Shell Color Scripts collects terminal color scripts and provides a program for running a selected script.
19
Dracula
draculatheme.comAlso covers desktop customization
Dracula provides a color scheme for code editors, terminal emulators, and other applications.
20
TerminalSplash
terminalsplash.comAlso covers desktop customization
TerminalSplash provides a browsable collection of Windows Terminal themes for customizing terminal colors and appearance.
21
WindowsTerminalThemes
windowsterminalthemes.devAlso covers desktop customization
Browse and copy themes for Windows Terminal from this collection of terminal color schemes.
22
terminal.sexy
terminal.sexyAlso covers desktop customization
Design, edit, and share terminal color schemes, then export them to terminals such as iTerm2, Konsole, and Xresources.
23
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of open-source project
The Pop OS Shell project provides a shell interface for its Linux desktop environment.
24
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of open-source project
Mica For Everyone enables backdrop effects on Win32 application title bars in Windows 11.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
Hardcode Tray24 alternativesPokemon Terminal24 alternativesPop!OS Shell24 alternativesMicaForEveryone24 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 LiquidCTL.
Is there a free alternative to NotCurses?
Yes. OpenRGB is free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to NotCurses?
Yes: Pokemon Terminal, LiquidCTL, Variety, and gruvbox.
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