Ubuntu provides options to control visual effects on the desktop using the ''System>Preferences>Appearance'' tool.  Some examples of these effects are:
 * Drop shadows
 * Window animations (e.g. minimising)
 * Transparency

There are three levels of effects that can be chosen depending on your preference and the type and level of support for your computer.  Ubuntu attempts to make these effects work for everybody but performance will vary depending on the type of computer you have.

{{attachment:visual_effects_preferences.png|Visual Effects Options|align="middle"}}

== Problems ==
 
If you are experiencing problems when visual effects are enabled please try the following:
 1. '''Disable visual effects'''.  Visual effects are not required; choosing ''None'' will make your desktop look simpler but still be able to run all applications.
 1. '''Use ''Normal'' settings'''.  This setting provides the simplest and most tested settings.
 1. '''Update to the latest version'''.  Use the latest release of Ubuntu and keep up to date using ''Update Manager'' to ensure you have the most recent fixes.  Older versions of Ubuntu do not contain fixes for non-security issues.
 1. '''Report the problem'''.  Inform Ubuntu about the problem using the crash report tool or by using `ubuntu-bug compiz` from a terminal (''Applications>Accessories>Terminal'') if the problem is not a crash.  Please provide as much information as possible to help diagnose the problem.
 
 {{attachment:apport_compiz.png|Ubuntu crash report tool}}      {{attachment:ubuntu_bug.png|Manually reporting a problem}}

Common Problems:
|| Problem || Probable cause || Solution ||
|| '''Display locks up'''<<BR>>'''Return to login screen'''<<BR>>'''System crash''' || Problem in video drivers. || Disable effects and retest after driver updates. Report bug using crash report tool. ||
|| '''Drawing errors''' || Problem in video drivers. || Disable/reduce effects and retest after driver updates. Report bug using ubuntu-bug. ||
|| '''Incorrect behaviour''' || Problem in compiz || Report bug using ubuntu-bug describing the problem in detail and what you expected. ||
|| '''Slow animations''' || Hardware too slow, drivers do not support hardware features || Disable/reduce effects and retest after driver updates. Upgrade hardware. ||
 
== More information ==
 
You can view the current problems reported about visual effects in the [[https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/compiz|compiz package]] in Launchpad.  Issues when visual effects are disabled are in the [[https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/metacity|metacity package]]

For information about analysing visual effects problems see the DebuggingCompiz page.