Derive theme gradients and add solid paint controls

README.md

@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ Ferese combines a window manager and desktop shell with one configuration.
 - [Continuum motion](docs/configuration.md#animations): interruptible springs, gesture momentum and motion settings shared by the compositor and shell
 - Multiple monitors with fractional scaling and automatic refresh-rate switching on low battery
 - Themes, wallpapers and blur that update live, with Light/Dark/Auto modes and custom KDL themes
-- Squircle window and shell corners with matching borders, shadows and blur masks
+- Continuous corners across windows and shell
 - Desktop widgets, including a clock and sticky notes
 - Screenshots with annotation, screen sharing and built-in recording
 - A built-in lock screen and authentication dialogs
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ compares current upstream features and names separate tools where they are neede
 | Floating windows | Built in | Built in | Built in |
 | Workspace overview | Built in | Plugins such as [HyprExpo](https://github.com/sandwichfarm/hyprexpo) | Built in |
 | Animations | [Continuum](docs/animation-model.md): interruptible springs, gesture momentum; speed and reduced-motion settings shared by the compositor and shell | Bézier and spring curves | [Spring and easing animations; custom shaders](https://niri-wm.github.io/niri/Configuration:-Animations.html) |
+| Corner shapes | Continuous corners across windows and shell | [Rounded corners and squircles](https://wiki.hypr.land/configuring/core/config-options/#decoration) | [Rounded corners with optional clipping](https://niri-wm.github.io/niri/Configuration:-Window-Rules.html#geometry-corner-radius) |
 | Live configuration reload | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Monitor mirroring | Built in | [Built in](https://wiki.hypr.land/configuring/core/monitors/) | Separate tool, such as [wl-mirror](https://niri-wm.github.io/niri/Screencasting.html#screen-mirroring) |
 | Desktop controls | Included Settings and Control Center | [Separate utilities](https://wiki.hypr.land/hypr-ecosystem/) or a desktop shell | [Separate desktop shell or tools](https://niri-wm.github.io/niri/Integrating-niri.html#desktop-components) |

compositor/src/config.rs

@@ -717,6 +717,18 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(configured.accent_color, defaults.accent_color);
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn resolved_paint_styles_reach_window_decorations() {
+        let mut theme = ferese_config::theme::default_theme();
+        let settings = Config::resolved_theme_settings(&theme).unwrap();
+        assert!(settings.border_gradient.is_some());
+        assert!(settings.focus_ring_gradient.is_some());
+        theme.tokens.focus_ring.style = ferese_config::theme::PaintStyle::Solid;
+        let settings = Config::resolved_theme_settings(&theme).unwrap();
+        assert!(settings.focus_ring_gradient.is_none());
+        assert!(settings.border_gradient.is_some());
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn border_gradients_reject_invalid_colors_and_nonfinite_angles() {
         for settings in [

compositor/src/config/appearance.rs

@@ -165,6 +165,8 @@ pub struct BorderGradient {
 
 #[derive(Debug, Default, Deserialize)]
 pub(super) struct BorderPaintConfig {
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub(super) style: ferese_config::theme::PaintStyle,
     pub(super) gradient: Option<BorderGradientConfig>,
 }
 
@@ -187,7 +189,8 @@ impl BorderPaintConfig {
         } else {
             ("border.gradient.from", "border.gradient.to", "border.gradient.angle")
         };
-        self.gradient
+        let gradient = self
+            .gradient
             .as_ref()
             .map(|gradient| {
                 Ok(BorderGradient {
@@ -196,7 +199,13 @@ impl BorderPaintConfig {
                     angle: finite_theme_value(gradient.angle, angle_name)?.rem_euclid(360.0),
                 })
             })
-            .transpose()
+            .transpose()?;
+
+        Ok(if self.style == ferese_config::theme::PaintStyle::Solid {
+            None
+        } else {
+            gradient
+        })
     }
 }
 

crates/ferese-config/src/theme.rs

@@ -213,16 +213,19 @@ pub fn default_tokens() -> Tokens {
             "background":{"path":crate::default_wallpaper(),"lock_path":null,"mode":"fill"},
             "surface":{"bar":{"background":"#111821","text_primary":"#F4F7FB","text_muted":"#8793A2"}},
             "shadow":{"soft":{"offset_y":4.0,"blur":18.0,"opacity":0.2}},
-            "border":{"gradient":null},"focus_ring":{"gradient":null}
+            "border":{"style":"auto","gradient":null},"focus_ring":{"style":"auto","gradient":null}
         }))
         .expect("valid built-in theme")
 }
 
 pub fn default_theme() -> ResolvedTheme {
+    let mut tokens = default_tokens();
+    resolve_gradients(&mut tokens, None);
+
     ResolvedTheme {
         appearance: Appearance::Dark,
         requested_accent: "#3D7BE6".into(),
-        tokens: default_tokens(),
+        tokens,
         accessibility: Accessibility::default(),
         reduced_motion: false,
     }
@@ -323,6 +326,7 @@ pub fn resolve_with_context(
                     pair.1.clone()
                 }
             });
+        let custom_variant = variant.is_some();
         let mut tokens = if let Some(tokens) = variant {
             tokens
         } else if let Some(id) = crate::families::variant(family_id, kind) {
@@ -366,6 +370,19 @@ pub fn resolve_with_context(
         }
 
         let authored_base = tokens.colors.surface_base.clone();
+        let authored_accent = tokens.colors.accent.clone();
+        let preset_end = (!custom_variant)
+            .then(|| {
+                let id = crate::families::variant(family_id, kind).unwrap_or(if kind == Appearance::Light {
+                    "ferese-blue-light"
+                } else {
+                    "ferese-blue"
+                });
+                crate::presets::PRESETS.iter().find(|preset| preset.id == id)
+            })
+            .flatten()
+            .map(|preset| preset.gradient_end)
+            .filter(|end| *end != authored_accent);
         let mut explicit_surfaces = std::collections::HashSet::new();
         if root
             .get("geometry")
@@ -378,7 +395,7 @@ pub fn resolve_with_context(
         {
             tokens.geometry.shell_radius = radius;
         }
-        let mut value = serde_json::to_value(&tokens).map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
+        let mut value = token_value(&tokens)?;
         for file in [&policy.file, &selection.file].into_iter().flatten() {
             let path = theme_path(directory, file);
             if !all_files.contains(&path) {
@@ -406,7 +423,7 @@ pub fn resolve_with_context(
         merge(&mut value, &root, "", &mut warnings, true)?;
         let mut overrides = selection.overrides.clone();
         if !split && policy.family.is_some() {
-            for key in ["colors", "surface", "border", "focus_ring"] {
+            for key in ["colors", "surface"] {
                 overrides.remove(key);
             }
         }
@@ -443,6 +460,7 @@ pub fn resolve_with_context(
         validate(&tokens)?;
         let requested_accent = tokens.colors.accent.clone();
         transform(&mut tokens, &policy.accessibility, &mut warnings);
+        resolve_gradients(&mut tokens, preset_end.filter(|_| requested_accent == authored_accent));
         let theme = ResolvedTheme {
             appearance: kind,
             tokens,
@@ -489,6 +507,15 @@ pub fn theme_path(directory: &Path, path: &Path) -> PathBuf {
     path
 }
 
+fn token_value(tokens: &Tokens) -> Result<Value, String> {
+    let mut value = serde_json::to_value(tokens).map_err(|error| error.to_string())?;
+    // Keep authoring defaults available for merging. The wire format omits
+    // automatic styles so older snapshots still round-trip unchanged.
+    value["focus_ring"]["style"] = serde_json::to_value(tokens.focus_ring.style).unwrap();
+    value["border"]["style"] = serde_json::to_value(tokens.border.style).unwrap();
+    Ok(value)
+}
+
 fn merge(
     target: &mut Value,
     layer: &Value,
@@ -664,7 +691,7 @@ fn validate(tokens: &Tokens) -> Result<(), String> {
             }
             Value::Number(n) => {
                 let n = n.as_f64().ok_or("invalid theme number")?;
-                if !n.is_finite() || (path != ".shadow.soft.offset_y" && n < 0.) {
+                if !n.is_finite() || (path != ".shadow.soft.offset_y" && !path.ends_with(".angle") && n < 0.) {
                     return Err(format!("Invalid theme value {path}"));
                 }
                 if (path.ends_with("opacity") || path.ends_with("tint_strength")) && n > 1. {
@@ -776,6 +803,51 @@ fn transform(t: &mut Tokens, accessibility: &Accessibility, warnings: &mut Vec<S
     }
 }
 
+fn resolve_gradients(tokens: &mut Tokens, preset_end: Option<&str>) {
+    let shade = |color: &str| {
+        let source = rgba(color).expect("validated paint color");
+        let endpoint = if luminance(source) > 0.4 {
+            [0., 0., 0., source[3]]
+        } else {
+            [1., 1., 1., source[3]]
+        };
+        hex(blend(source, endpoint, 0.18))
+    };
+
+    let backgrounds = [
+        rgba(&tokens.colors.surface_base).unwrap(),
+        rgba(&tokens.colors.surface_raised).unwrap(),
+        rgba(&tokens.colors.application_background).unwrap(),
+        rgba(&tokens.surface.bar.background).unwrap(),
+    ];
+    for (paint, color, endpoint, focus) in [
+        (&mut tokens.focus_ring, &tokens.colors.accent, preset_end, true),
+        (&mut tokens.border, &tokens.colors.border, None, false),
+    ] {
+        if paint.style == PaintStyle::Solid {
+            paint.gradient = None;
+            continue;
+        }
+
+        if let Some(gradient) = &mut paint.gradient {
+            gradient.angle = gradient.angle.rem_euclid(360.);
+            continue;
+        }
+
+        let to = endpoint.map_or_else(|| shade(color), str::to_owned);
+        let to = if focus {
+            hex(readable_across(rgba(&to).unwrap(), &backgrounds, 3.))
+        } else {
+            to
+        };
+        paint.gradient = Some(Gradient {
+            from: color.clone(),
+            to,
+            angle: 135.,
+        });
+    }
+}
+
 fn resolve_material_contrast(tokens: &mut Tokens, minimum: f64) {
     if tokens.material.style == "solid" {
         return;
@@ -835,7 +907,7 @@ pub fn import_family(id: &str, source: &str) -> Result<ImportedFamily, String> {
                 },
                 appearance,
             )?;
-            let mut value = serde_json::to_value(base).map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
+            let mut value = token_value(&base)?;
             merge(&mut value, layer, "", &mut warnings, false)?;
             let tokens: Tokens = serde_json::from_value(value).map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
             validate(&tokens)?;
@@ -890,6 +962,140 @@ mod tests {
         )
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn automatic_gradients_follow_presets_and_preserve_border_alpha() {
+        for preset in crate::presets::PRESETS {
+            let mode = if preset.appearance == Appearance::Light {
+                "light"
+            } else {
+                "dark"
+            };
+            let theme = candidate(&format!(
+                "theme {{ mode {mode}; family {}; }}",
+                crate::families::family_id(preset.id)
+            ))
+            .unwrap()
+            .theme;
+            let gradient = theme.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.as_ref().unwrap();
+            assert_eq!(gradient.from, theme.tokens.colors.accent);
+            if preset.gradient_end != preset.accent {
+                let backgrounds = [
+                    rgba(&theme.tokens.colors.surface_base).unwrap(),
+                    rgba(&theme.tokens.colors.surface_raised).unwrap(),
+                    rgba(&theme.tokens.colors.application_background).unwrap(),
+                    rgba(&theme.tokens.surface.bar.background).unwrap(),
+                ];
+                assert_eq!(
+                    gradient.to,
+                    hex(readable_across(rgba(preset.gradient_end).unwrap(), &backgrounds, 3.))
+                );
+                assert!(
+                    backgrounds
+                        .iter()
+                        .all(|background| contrast(rgba(&gradient.to).unwrap(), *background) >= 3.)
+                );
+            } else {
+                assert_ne!(rgba(&gradient.from).unwrap(), rgba(&gradient.to).unwrap());
+            }
+
+            let border = theme.tokens.border.gradient.as_ref().unwrap();
+            let alpha = rgba(&theme.tokens.colors.border).unwrap()[3];
+            assert_eq!(rgba(&border.from).unwrap()[3], alpha);
+            assert_eq!(rgba(&border.to).unwrap()[3], alpha);
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn accent_overrides_and_imported_themes_do_not_keep_old_preset_endpoints() {
+        let theme = candidate("theme { family catppuccin; accent \"#E17B38\"; }")
+            .unwrap()
+            .theme;
+        let gradient = theme.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.as_ref().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(gradient.from, theme.tokens.colors.accent);
+        assert_ne!(gradient.to, "#B4BEFE");
+        let from = rgba(&gradient.from).unwrap();
+        let to = rgba(&gradient.to).unwrap();
+        assert!(from[0] > from[1] && from[1] > from[2]);
+        assert!(to[0] > to[1] && to[1] > to[2]);
+
+        let document =
+            Document::parse("theme { family custom; custom-themes { custom { file \"custom.kdl\"; }; }; }").unwrap();
+        let theme = resolve(
+            &document,
+            Path::new("/config"),
+            "2026-09-30T12:00:00Z".parse().unwrap(),
+            |_| Ok("theme { dark { colors { accent \"#E17B38\"; }; }; }".into()),
+        )
+        .unwrap()
+        .theme;
+        let gradient = theme.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.as_ref().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(gradient.from, theme.tokens.colors.accent);
+        assert_eq!(
+            gradient.to,
+            candidate("theme { accent \"#E17B38\"; }")
+                .unwrap()
+                .theme
+                .tokens
+                .focus_ring
+                .gradient
+                .unwrap()
+                .to
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn explicit_paints_win_with_paired_families_and_solid_can_disable_them() {
+        let source = r##"theme {
+            family catppuccin
+            border { style solid; }
+            dark { focus-ring { gradient { from "#123456"; to "#ABCDEF80"; angle -45; }; }; }
+        }"##;
+        let theme = candidate(source).unwrap().theme;
+        let gradient = theme.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            (gradient.from.as_str(), gradient.to.as_str(), gradient.angle),
+            ("#123456", "#ABCDEF80", 315.)
+        );
+        assert!(theme.tokens.border.gradient.is_none());
+
+        let source = source.replace("family catppuccin", "family catppuccin\nfocus-ring { style solid; }");
+        let theme = candidate(&source).unwrap().theme;
+        assert!(theme.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.is_none());
+        assert_eq!(theme.tokens.focus_ring.style, PaintStyle::Solid);
+        assert!(candidate("theme { focus-ring { style rainbow; }; }").is_err());
+        assert!(candidate("theme { focus-ring { gradient { from \"bad\"; to \"#FFFFFF\"; }; }; }").is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn gradients_interpolate_stops_alpha_angles_and_solid_transitions() {
+        let mut from = default_theme();
+        let mut to = from.clone();
+        from.tokens.focus_ring.gradient = Some(Gradient {
+            from: "#FF000000".into(),
+            to: "#112233".into(),
+            angle: 350.,
+        });
+        to.tokens.focus_ring.gradient = Some(Gradient {
+            from: "#0000FFFF".into(),
+            to: "#ABCDEF".into(),
+            angle: 10.,
+        });
+        let frame = from.transition(&to, 0.5);
+        let gradient = frame.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(gradient.from, "#0000FF80");
+        assert!(gradient.angle.abs() < 0.001);
+        assert_eq!(from.transition(&to, 0.), from);
+        assert_eq!(from.transition(&to, 1.), to);
+
+        to.tokens.focus_ring.style = PaintStyle::Solid;
+        to.tokens.focus_ring.gradient = None;
+        let middle = from.transition(&to, 0.5);
+        assert_eq!(middle.tokens.focus_ring.style, PaintStyle::Auto);
+        assert!(middle.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.is_some());
+        assert_eq!(from.transition(&to, 1.), to);
+        assert!(to.transition(&from, 0.5).tokens.focus_ring.gradient.is_some());
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn every_bundled_pair_has_authored_materials_and_readable_tokens() {
         use crate::presets::PRESETS;

crates/ferese-theme-client/tests/theme_wire.rs

@@ -7,16 +7,40 @@ fn fixture() -> Value {
 }
 
 #[test]
-fn default_snapshot_preserves_wire_values_and_environment_wallpaper() {
+fn default_snapshot_resolves_gradients_and_preserves_other_wire_values() {
     let mut snapshot = fallback();
     let wallpaper = Some(ferese_config::default_wallpaper().into());
     assert_eq!(snapshot.theme.tokens.background.path, wallpaper);
     assert_eq!(snapshot.presented.tokens.background.path, wallpaper);
     snapshot.theme.tokens.background.path = Some("<wallpaper>".into());
     snapshot.presented.tokens.background.path = Some("<wallpaper>".into());
+    for theme in [&mut snapshot.theme, &mut snapshot.presented] {
+        let focus = theme.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.take().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(focus.from, theme.tokens.colors.accent);
+        assert_ne!(focus.from, focus.to);
+        assert_eq!(focus.angle, 135.);
+        let border = theme.tokens.border.gradient.take().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(border.from, theme.tokens.colors.border);
+        assert_eq!(
+            ferese_config::theme::rgba(&border.from).unwrap()[3],
+            ferese_config::theme::rgba(&border.to).unwrap()[3],
+        );
+    }
+
     assert_eq!(serde_json::to_value(snapshot).unwrap(), fixture());
 }
 
+#[test]
+fn explicit_solid_style_round_trips_without_resolving_published_values() {
+    let mut value = fixture();
+    for key in ["theme", "presented"] {
+        value[key]["tokens"]["focus_ring"]["style"] = json!("solid");
+    }
+
+    let snapshot = Snapshot::decode(value.clone(), || panic!("unexpected catalog resolution")).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(serde_json::to_value(snapshot).unwrap(), value);
+}
+
 #[test]
 fn older_snapshots_supply_catalog_but_explicit_empty_catalog_stays_empty() {
     let mut value = fixture();

crates/ferese-theme-model/src/color.rs

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-use crate::ResolvedTheme;
+use crate::{Gradient, Paint, PaintStyle, ResolvedTheme};
 
 pub fn rgba(s: &str) -> Result<[f64; 4], String> {
     let hex = s.strip_prefix('#').ok_or_else(|| format!("Invalid color: {s}"))?;
@@ -123,6 +123,59 @@ fn material_foreground(preferred: [f64; 4], backgrounds: [[f64; 4]; 2]) -> [f64;
     }
 }
 
+fn transition_paint(from: &Paint, to: &Paint, from_solid: &str, to_solid: &str, p: f64) -> Paint {
+    if from.effective_gradient().is_none() && to.effective_gradient().is_none() {
+        return to.clone();
+    }
+
+    let endpoints = |paint: &Paint, solid: &str| {
+        paint.effective_gradient().map_or_else(
+            || (solid.to_owned(), solid.to_owned()),
+            |gradient| (gradient.from.clone(), gradient.to.clone()),
+        )
+    };
+    let (a, b) = endpoints(from, from_solid);
+    let (c, d) = endpoints(to, to_solid);
+    let color = |a: &str, b: &str| {
+        let mut a = rgba(a).unwrap();
+        let mut b = rgba(b).unwrap();
+        for channel in 0..3 {
+            a[channel] *= a[3];
+            b[channel] *= b[3];
+        }
+
+        let mut c = blend(a, b, p);
+        if c[3] > 0. {
+            for channel in 0..3 {
+                c[channel] /= c[3];
+            }
+        }
+
+        hex(c)
+    };
+    let from_angle = from
+        .effective_gradient()
+        .or(to.effective_gradient())
+        .unwrap()
+        .angle
+        .rem_euclid(360.);
+    let to_angle = to
+        .effective_gradient()
+        .or(from.effective_gradient())
+        .unwrap()
+        .angle
+        .rem_euclid(360.);
+    let delta = (to_angle - from_angle + 180.).rem_euclid(360.) - 180.;
+    Paint {
+        style: PaintStyle::Auto,
+        gradient: Some(Gradient {
+            from: color(&a, &c),
+            to: color(&b, &d),
+            angle: (from_angle + delta * p).rem_euclid(360.),
+        }),
+    }
+}
+
 impl ResolvedTheme {
     /// Bound contrast across all backdrops instead of interpolating foregrounds.
     pub fn transition(&self, to: &Self, progress: f64) -> Self {
@@ -145,6 +198,20 @@ impl ResolvedTheme {
         frame.tokens.colors.accent = mix(&self.tokens.colors.accent, &to.tokens.colors.accent);
         frame.tokens.colors.border = mix(&self.tokens.colors.border, &to.tokens.colors.border);
         frame.tokens.colors.shadow = mix(&self.tokens.colors.shadow, &to.tokens.colors.shadow);
+        frame.tokens.focus_ring = transition_paint(
+            &self.tokens.focus_ring,
+            &to.tokens.focus_ring,
+            &self.tokens.colors.accent,
+            &to.tokens.colors.accent,
+            p,
+        );
+        frame.tokens.border = transition_paint(
+            &self.tokens.border,
+            &to.tokens.border,
+            &self.tokens.colors.border,
+            &to.tokens.colors.border,
+            p,
+        );
         frame.tokens.surface.bar.background =
             mix(&self.tokens.surface.bar.background, &to.tokens.surface.bar.background);
         frame.tokens.material.opacity =

crates/ferese-theme-model/src/lib.rs

@@ -107,11 +107,37 @@ pub struct Gradient {
     pub angle: f64,
 }
 
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, Default, Deserialize, Serialize, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[serde(rename_all = "lowercase")]
+pub enum PaintStyle {
+    #[default]
+    Auto,
+    Solid,
+}
+
+impl PaintStyle {
+    fn is_auto(&self) -> bool {
+        *self == Self::Auto
+    }
+}
+
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, Default, Deserialize, Serialize, PartialEq)]
 pub struct Paint {
+    #[serde(default, skip_serializing_if = "PaintStyle::is_auto")]
+    pub style: PaintStyle,
     pub gradient: Option<Gradient>,
 }
 
+impl Paint {
+    pub fn effective_gradient(&self) -> Option<&Gradient> {
+        if self.style == PaintStyle::Solid {
+            None
+        } else {
+            self.gradient.as_ref()
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, Deserialize, Serialize, PartialEq)]
 pub struct Tokens {
     pub colors: Colors,

crates/ferese-theme/src/controls.rs

@@ -176,10 +176,16 @@ fn styled_button(p: Palette, selected: bool, navigation: bool, opacity: f32, foc
             opacity
         };
 
+        let fill = if selected {
+            p.selected_background(if hover { 0.24 } else { 0.17 }, background.a, on, background)
+        } else {
+            Background::Color(background)
+        };
+
         button::Style {
             shape: Some(BorderShape::Continuous),
             outline: None,
-            background: Some(Background::Color(background)),
+            background: Some(fill),
             text_color: Some(on),
             icon_color: Some(on),
             border_radius: p.radius.min(9.).into(),
@@ -445,6 +451,7 @@ mod tests {
             sidebar: Color::from_rgb8(17, 24, 33),
             card: Color::from_rgb8(17, 24, 33),
             accent: Color::from_rgb8(61, 123, 230),
+            accent_gradient: None,
             on_accent: Color::from_rgb8(17, 24, 33),
             text: Color::from_rgb8(244, 247, 251),
             muted: Color::from_rgb8(135, 147, 162),

crates/ferese-theme/src/palette.rs

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
-use cosmic::iced::Color;
 use cosmic::iced::border::Shape as BorderShape;
+use cosmic::iced::{Background, Color, gradient::Linear};
 
 #[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, PartialEq)]
 pub struct Palette {
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ pub struct Palette {
     pub sidebar: Color,
     pub card: Color,
     pub accent: Color,
+    pub accent_gradient: Option<Linear>,
     pub on_accent: Color,
     pub text: Color,
     pub muted: Color,
@@ -26,6 +27,12 @@ impl Palette {
             sidebar: color(&theme.tokens.colors.surface_base),
             card: color(&theme.tokens.colors.surface_raised),
             accent: color(&theme.tokens.colors.accent),
+            accent_gradient: theme.tokens.focus_ring.effective_gradient().map(|gradient| {
+                // Iced's zero angle points up; theme angles start left-to-right.
+                Linear::new((gradient.angle.rem_euclid(360.) as f32 + 90.).to_radians())
+                    .add_stop(0., color(&gradient.from))
+                    .add_stop(1., color(&gradient.to))
+            }),
             on_accent: color(&theme.tokens.colors.on_accent),
             text: color(&theme.tokens.colors.text_primary),
             muted: color(&theme.tokens.colors.text_muted),
@@ -44,6 +51,52 @@ impl Palette {
         self
     }
 
+    pub(crate) fn selected_background(
+        self,
+        strength: f32,
+        opacity: f32,
+        foreground: Color,
+        fallback: Color,
+    ) -> Background {
+        let Some(mut gradient) = self.accent_gradient else {
+            return Background::Color(fallback);
+        };
+
+        for stop in gradient.stops.iter_mut().flatten() {
+            stop.color = mix(self.sidebar, crate::composite(stop.color, self.sidebar), strength);
+        }
+
+        // Bound every interpolated color, rather than sampling a few points.
+        // Adjust both stops together so one foreground stays readable.
+        let minimum = if self.high_contrast { 7. } else { 4.5 };
+        let shade = if crate::contrast(Color::BLACK, foreground) > crate::contrast(Color::WHITE, foreground) {
+            Color::BLACK
+        } else {
+            Color::WHITE
+        };
+        for step in 0..=20 {
+            let mut candidate = gradient;
+            for stop in candidate.stops.iter_mut().flatten() {
+                stop.color = mix(stop.color, shade, step as f32 / 20.);
+                stop.color.a = opacity;
+            }
+
+            let from = crate::composite(candidate.stops[0].unwrap().color, self.sidebar);
+            let to = crate::composite(candidate.stops[1].unwrap().color, self.sidebar);
+            let lower = Color::from_rgb(from.r.min(to.r), from.g.min(to.g), from.b.min(to.b));
+            let upper = Color::from_rgb(from.r.max(to.r), from.g.max(to.g), from.b.max(to.b));
+            let lightness = crate::luminance(foreground);
+            if (lightness < crate::luminance(lower) || lightness > crate::luminance(upper))
+                && crate::contrast(lower, foreground) >= minimum
+                && crate::contrast(upper, foreground) >= minimum
+            {
+                return candidate.into();
+            }
+        }
+
+        Background::Color(fallback)
+    }
+
     pub fn native_theme(self) -> cosmic::Theme {
         let rgba = |c: Color| cosmic::cosmic_theme::palette::Srgba::new(c.r, c.g, c.b, 1.);
         use cosmic::cosmic_theme::ThemeBuilder;
@@ -144,6 +197,74 @@ mod tests {
         }
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn selected_gradients_preserve_material_alpha_and_text_contrast() {
+        use cosmic::widget::button::Catalog;
+        for preset in ferese_config::presets::PRESETS {
+            let mode = if preset.appearance == ferese_theme_model::Appearance::Light {
+                "light"
+            } else {
+                "dark"
+            };
+            let document = ferese_config::Document::parse(&format!(
+                "theme {{ mode {mode}; family {}; }}",
+                ferese_config::families::family_id(preset.id)
+            ))
+            .unwrap();
+            let resolved = ferese_config::theme::resolve(
+                &document,
+                std::path::Path::new("/config"),
+                "2026-09-30T12:00:00Z".parse().unwrap(),
+                |_| unreachable!(),
+            )
+            .unwrap()
+            .theme;
+            let palette = Palette::from_resolved(&resolved);
+            let native = palette.native_theme();
+            for opacity in [1., 0.5] {
+                let class = crate::controls::material_button_style(palette, true, opacity);
+                for style in [native.active(false, true, &class), native.hovered(false, true, &class)] {
+                    let Some(Background::Gradient(cosmic::iced::Gradient::Linear(gradient))) = style.background else {
+                        panic!("{} selected control lost its gradient", preset.id);
+                    };
+                    let from = gradient.stops[0].unwrap().color;
+                    let to = gradient.stops[1].unwrap().color;
+                    assert_eq!(from.a, to.a);
+                    assert!(if opacity == 1. { from.a == 1. } else { from.a < 1. });
+                    for step in 0..=32 {
+                        let fill = crate::composite(
+                            Color {
+                                a: from.a,
+                                ..mix(from, to, step as f32 / 32.)
+                            },
+                            palette.sidebar,
+                        );
+                        assert!(crate::contrast(fill, style.text_color.unwrap()) >= 4.5, "{}", preset.id);
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            let class = crate::controls::button_style(palette, false);
+            assert!(matches!(
+                native.active(false, false, &class).background,
+                Some(Background::Color(_))
+            ));
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn gradient_angles_and_solid_paints_reach_the_control_palette() {
+        let mut resolved = ferese_config::theme::default_theme();
+        resolved.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.as_mut().unwrap().angle = 0.;
+        let palette = Palette::from_resolved(&resolved);
+        assert!((palette.accent_gradient.unwrap().angle.0 - std::f32::consts::FRAC_PI_2).abs() < 0.001);
+        resolved.tokens.focus_ring.style = ferese_theme_model::PaintStyle::Solid;
+        assert!(Palette::from_resolved(&resolved).accent_gradient.is_none());
+        resolved.tokens.focus_ring.style = ferese_theme_model::PaintStyle::Auto;
+        resolved.tokens.focus_ring.gradient = None;
+        assert!(Palette::from_resolved(&resolved).accent_gradient.is_none());
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn every_preset_builds_an_opaque_control_palette_over_translucent_materials() {
         for preset in ferese_config::presets::PRESETS {

docs/configuration.md

@@ -322,10 +322,22 @@ Filled controls choose a contrasting text color automatically.
 Solid materials omit blur; translucent materials blur behind the surface color.
 True fullscreen removes decorations. Focus transitions never scale the content.
 
-Optional `theme.focus-ring.gradient` and `theme.border.gradient` use the same
+Window focus borders and selected controls use an accent gradient by default.
-keys: required `from` and `to` colors, and `angle` (number, default `0`). Angles
+Built-in themes supply the second color; when a theme has one accent color,
-are clockwise: 0 is left-to-right, 90 top-to-bottom. Omit the gradient section
+Ferese derives a nearby lighter or darker shade. Changing the accent replaces
-for solid `accent` or `border` colors.
+the automatic gradient. Inactive window borders derive their gradient from the
+border color and keep its transparency.
+Automatic accent endpoints are adjusted for contrast against the theme's surfaces.
+
+In Settings → Appearance, choose **Gradient** or **Solid** for **Accent style**
+and **Inactive border style**. In KDL, `theme.focus-ring.style` and
+`theme.border.style` accept `"auto"` (default) or `"solid"`. Solid disables the
+gradient, including any explicit endpoints, without deleting them from the config.
+
+For custom endpoints, set `theme.focus-ring.gradient` or `theme.border.gradient`.
+Both require `from` and `to` colors; `angle` is optional and defaults to `0`.
+Angles are clockwise: 0 is left-to-right, 90 top-to-bottom. Explicit gradients
+take precedence over automatically derived colors. The automatic angle is 135°.
 
 ```kdl
 theme {
@@ -339,6 +351,15 @@ theme {
 }
 ```
 
+For solid colors:
+
+```kdl
+theme {
+    focus-ring { style "solid"; }
+    border { style "solid"; }
+}
+```
+
 ## Workspaces
 
 Each monitor has an independent list of workspaces, numbered from 1. Its bar,

shell/ferese-lock/src/appearance.rs

@@ -126,6 +126,7 @@ impl Appearance {
             text: self.text,
             muted: self.text.scale_alpha(0.55),
             accent: self.accent,
+            accent_gradient: None,
             on_accent: self.on_accent,
             radius: self.radius,
             error: Color::from_rgb8(235, 98, 98),

shell/ferese-polkit-agent/src/prompt.rs

@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ impl Appearance {
             text: self.text,
             muted: self.muted,
             accent: self.accent,
+            accent_gradient: None,
             on_accent: self.on_accent,
             radius: self.radius,
             error: Color::from_rgb8(235, 98, 98),

shell/ferese-settings/src/main.rs

@@ -954,6 +954,14 @@ impl App {
     fn change(&mut self, edit: Edit) -> Task<Message> {
         match self.draft.edit(&edit) {
             Ok(()) => {
+                // A shared style selection applies to both appearances while
+                // retaining their authored gradient endpoints.
+                for unset in visuals::paint_style_overrides(&self.draft, &edit) {
+                    if self.draft.edit(&unset).is_ok() {
+                        self.pending.push(unset);
+                    }
+                }
+
                 // When a gradient exists, changing Accent also changes its
                 // leading stop; otherwise the visible focus border would stay
                 // on the old palette despite the control saying it changed.

shell/ferese-settings/src/schema.rs

@@ -742,6 +742,20 @@ pub fn fields(page: Page) -> Vec<Field> {
                 "Focus rings and selected controls. Use a hex color.",
                 "#3D7BE6",
             ),
+            choice(
+                "theme.focus_ring.style",
+                "Accent style",
+                "Window focus borders and selected controls. Gradients use the theme colors unless overridden.",
+                "auto",
+                &[("auto", "Gradient"), ("solid", "Solid")],
+            ),
+            choice(
+                "theme.border.style",
+                "Inactive border style",
+                "Gradients retain the border color's transparency.",
+                "auto",
+                &[("auto", "Gradient"), ("solid", "Solid")],
+            ),
             choice(
                 "theme.material.style",
                 "Surface style",

shell/ferese-settings/src/visuals.rs

@@ -137,6 +137,21 @@ pub fn toggle_split(snapshot: &Snapshot, enabled: bool, active: ferese_config::t
     edits
 }
 
+pub fn paint_style_overrides(snapshot: &Snapshot, edit: &Edit) -> Vec<Edit> {
+    let Edit::Set(path, _) = edit else { return vec![] };
+    let section = match path.as_str() {
+        "theme.focus_ring.style" => "focus_ring",
+        "theme.border.style" => "border",
+        _ => return vec![],
+    };
+    ["light", "dark"]
+        .into_iter()
+        .map(|kind| format!("theme.{kind}.{section}.style"))
+        .filter(|path| snapshot.item(path).is_some())
+        .map(Edit::Unset)
+        .collect()
+}
+
 #[cfg(test)]
 pub fn preset(index: usize) -> Vec<Edit> {
     let Some(preset) = PRESETS.get(index) else {
@@ -244,6 +259,44 @@ mod tests {
         snapshot
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn shared_style_controls_replace_scoped_styles_without_deleting_endpoints() {
+        let mut snapshot = Snapshot::parse(
+            r##"theme {
+            family catppuccin
+            light { focus-ring { style solid; gradient { from "#123456"; to "#654321"; }; }; }
+            dark { focus-ring { style solid; gradient { from "#ABCDEF"; to "#FEDCBA"; }; }; }
+        }"##
+            .into(),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        for (style, enabled) in [("auto", true), ("solid", false), ("auto", true)] {
+            let edit = set("theme.focus_ring.style", style);
+            for unset in paint_style_overrides(&snapshot, &edit) {
+                snapshot.edit(&unset).unwrap();
+            }
+
+            snapshot.edit(&edit).unwrap();
+            for (mode, from) in [("light", "#123456"), ("dark", "#ABCDEF")] {
+                snapshot.edit(&set("theme.mode", mode)).unwrap();
+                let theme = ferese_config::theme::resolve(
+                    &snapshot.doc,
+                    std::path::Path::new("/config"),
+                    "2026-09-30T12:00:00Z".parse().unwrap(),
+                    |_| unreachable!(),
+                )
+                .unwrap()
+                .theme;
+                assert_eq!(theme.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.is_some(), enabled);
+                if enabled {
+                    assert_eq!(theme.tokens.focus_ring.gradient.unwrap().from, from);
+                }
+
+                assert!(snapshot.item(&format!("theme.{mode}.focus_ring.gradient")).is_some());
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     fn contrast(a: Color, b: Color) -> f32 {
         ferese_theme::contrast(a, b)
     }

shell/ferese-shell/src/config.rs

@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ pub(crate) struct ShellTheme {
     pub(crate) text_primary: [u8; 4],
     pub(crate) text_muted: [u8; 4],
     pub(crate) accent: [u8; 4],
+    pub(crate) accent_gradient: Option<cosmic::iced::gradient::Linear>,
     pub(crate) on_accent: [u8; 4],
     pub(crate) border: [u8; 4],
     pub(crate) shadow: [u8; 4],
@@ -80,6 +81,7 @@ impl Default for ShellTheme {
             text_primary: [244, 247, 251, 255],
             text_muted: [135, 147, 162, 255],
             accent: [61, 123, 230, 255],
+            accent_gradient: None,
             on_accent: [244, 247, 251, 255],
             border: [255, 255, 255, 24],
             shadow: [0, 0, 0, 85],
@@ -111,6 +113,7 @@ impl ShellTheme {
             text: color(self.text_primary),
             muted: color(self.text_muted),
             accent: color(self.accent),
+            accent_gradient: self.accent_gradient,
             on_accent: color(self.on_accent),
             radius: self.material_radius,
             error: cosmic::iced::Color::from_rgb8(235, 98, 98),
@@ -401,6 +404,7 @@ impl ShellConfig {
         self.theme = shell_theme(&config);
         self.theme.appearance = theme.appearance;
         self.theme.high_contrast = theme.accessibility.increase_contrast;
+        self.theme.accent_gradient = ferese_theme::Palette::from_resolved(theme).accent_gradient;
         self.theme.material_radius = theme.tokens.geometry.shell_radius as f32;
         self.theme.bar_radius = self.theme.material_radius;
         self.font_family = Some(theme.tokens.typography.font_family.clone());
@@ -447,6 +451,7 @@ fn shell_theme(theme: &ThemeConfig) -> ShellTheme {
         text_primary: parse_color(&theme.colors.text_primary).unwrap_or(defaults.text_primary),
         text_muted: parse_color(&theme.colors.text_muted).unwrap_or(defaults.text_muted),
         accent: parse_color(&theme.colors.accent).unwrap_or(defaults.accent),
+        accent_gradient: defaults.accent_gradient,
         on_accent: parse_color(&theme.colors.on_accent).unwrap_or(defaults.on_accent),
         border: parse_color(&theme.colors.border).unwrap_or(defaults.border),
         shadow: parse_color(&theme.colors.shadow).unwrap_or(defaults.shadow),

site/index.html

@@ -80,12 +80,16 @@
       <article>
         <h2>Appearance</h2>
         <p>
-          Choose your theme, wallpaper, colors, and motion. Change settings
+          Choose your theme, wallpaper, and colors through Settings or a KDL config, and see changes as you make them.
-          through the app or a KDL config, with live reload.
         </p>
         <a href="docs/configuration.html#appearance">Customize Ferese →</a>
       </article>
     </section>
+    <section class="product-motion page-width" aria-labelledby="continuum-heading">
+      <h2 id="continuum-heading">Continuum motion</h2>
+      <p>Continuum carries your gesture’s momentum into workspace transitions and keeps motion continuous when you change direction. Adjust spring response and speed to your taste, or enable reduced motion.</p>
+      <a href="docs/animation-model.html">Explore the animation model →</a>
+    </section>
     <section class="product-getting-started page-width">
       <h2>Getting started</h2>
       <p>

site/styles.css

@@ -1078,6 +1078,7 @@ kbd {
   padding-block: 40px;
 }
 .product-features h2,
+.product-motion h2,
 .product-getting-started h2 {
   font-size: 20px;
   font-weight: 600;
@@ -1085,18 +1086,21 @@ kbd {
   line-height: 1.4;
 }
 .product-features p,
+.product-motion p,
 .product-getting-started p {
   font-size: 14px;
   color: var(--muted);
   margin-top: 12px;
   line-height: 1.8;
 }
-.product-features a {
+.product-features a,
+.product-motion a {
   display: inline-block;
   font-size: 12px;
   color: var(--blue);
   margin-top: 12px;
 }
+.product-motion,
 .product-getting-started {
   border-top: 1px solid var(--line);
   padding-block: 28px 42px;