Linux Kiosk Mode

Kiosk mode configuration and instructions using Sway and Plymouth on top of Debian Linux. Also includes Grub and GDM theme.

Launches a sample Flutter application because we use Flutter for some of our projects. Can launch any binary.

Why?

We need a kiosk mode desktop environment for a touch only interface.

Why Debian? - Stability, should work on most other distros too.

Why Sway? - Lightweight, configurable, and we have previous experience with it.

Why Plymouth? - Is there any better alternative? Take a look at our custom plymouth themes here.

Why Grub? - Because Debian uses Grub by default. Once they switch to systemd boot we will too.

Why GDM? - Easy configuration with support for smooth transition from plymouth to display manager and then sway.

Why Flutter? - Best frontend framework at the time. We hope it gets better support for linux.

Quick tips

1. Shortcuts:
   • SUPER+RETURN - Start terminal.
   • SUPER+Q - Kill current application.
   • SUPER+F - Toggle fullscreen.
   • SUPER+SHIFT+C - Reload sway configuration.
   • SUPER+SHIFT+E - Exit sway.
2. Wallpaper:
   • Replace ~/wallpaper.jpg to change wallpaper. Sway also supports other image formats - change wallpaper location in ~/.config/sway/config.
3. Change/disable startup application:
   • Edit the last line of ~/.config/sway/config.

Installation instructions

1. Install Debian (11 or higher for easier sway installation) without any addons or desktop managers.
2. Build your flutter app (also works with any other binary). Copy it to the home folder.
3. Install sway package. Debian 10 and lower requires manual installation.
4. Install gdm3 and reboot. When GDM loads, select sway as your window manager and log in.
5. Configure sway.
6. Configure GDM auto login.
7. Install and configure plymouth.
8. Hide grub.
9. You might want to lock BIOS with password.

TODO:

• Configure sway touch input.
• Avoid installing entire gnome group with gdm3.