Fix the gradient rendering issue

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 115 views

Gradient Disappears if the Window is Unfocused: A Critical Issue in Zen

As a user of Zen, a popular note-taking and organization tool, you expect a seamless and distraction-free experience. However, some users have reported a critical issue where the gradient background of the sidebar disappears when the window is unfocused. In this article, we will delve into the details of this issue, its implications, and potential solutions.

When a user opens another window, whether it's another instance of Zen or a different program, the gradient background of the sidebar in the original window disappears, reverting to the default gray color. This issue is not limited to a specific version of Zen, as it has been reported in version 1.8.2b.

Visual Representation

To better understand the issue, let's take a look at the visual representation of the problem. When the Zen window is active, the gradient background of the sidebar is visible, as shown in the image below.

However, when the window is unfocused, the gradient background disappears, and the sidebar reverts to the default gray color, as shown in the image below.

To determine the scope of the issue, we need to establish whether it can be reproduced on other platforms. Unfortunately, the issue has only been reported on Linux (Flatpak), and it is unclear whether it can be reproduced on other platforms, including Mozilla Firefox.

The issue has been reported in version 1.8.2b of Zen, and it is specific to Linux (Flatpak) platform.

Unfortunately, there is no relevant log output available for this issue, as it is a visual problem rather than a technical one.

The disappearance of the gradient background when the window is unfocused can have significant implications for users who rely on the visual cues provided by the gradient background. For example, users who use the gradient background to distinguish between different windows or to create a visually appealing interface may find this issue frustrating and distracting.

To address this issue, the development team may need to investigate the following potential solutions:

Fix the gradient rendering issue: The development team may need to investigate why the gradient background is not being rendered correctly when the window is unfocused.
Improve the window management: The development team may need to improve the window management system to ensure that the gradient background is preserved when the window is unfocused.
Provide a workaround: The development team may need to provide a workaround for users who are affected by this issue, such as a custom theme or a plugin that can restore the gradient background.

The disappearance of the gradient background when the window is unfocused is a critical issue in Zen that can have significant implications for users. While the issue is specific to Linux (Flatpak) platform and version 1.8.2b, it is essential to investigate potential solutions to address this issue and provide a seamless and distraction-free experience for users.
Gradient Disappears if the Window is Unfocused: A Q&A Article

In our previous article, we discussed the critical issue of the gradient background disappearing when the window is unfocused in Zen. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to address some of the most frequently asked questions related to this issue.

A: The exact cause of the gradient background disappearing is unclear, but it is believed to be related to a rendering issue in the window management system.

A: Yes, the issue has only been reported on Linux (Flatpak) platform. It is unclear whether it can be reproduced on other platforms, including Mozilla Firefox.

A: It is unclear whether this issue can be reproduced on other versions of Zen. However, it has been reported in version 1.8.2b.

A: The disappearance of the gradient background can have significant implications for users who rely on the visual cues provided by the gradient background. For example, users who use the gradient background to distinguish between different windows or to create a visually appealing interface may find this issue frustrating and distracting.

A: Yes, there are several potential solutions to this issue, including:

Fix the gradient rendering issue: The development team may need to investigate why the gradient background is not being rendered correctly when the window is unfocused.
Improve the window management: The development team may need to improve the window management system to ensure that the gradient background is preserved when the window is unfocused.
Provide a workaround: The development team may need to provide a workaround for users who are affected by this issue, such as a custom theme or a plugin that can restore the gradient background.

A: Yes, you can report this issue to the development team by creating a new issue on the Zen issue tracker. Please include as much detail as possible, including the version of Zen you are using, the platform you are on, and any relevant log output.

A: You can stay up-to-date with the latest developments on this issue by following the Zen issue tracker and checking for updates on the Zen website.

The disappearance of the gradient background when the window is unfocused is a critical issue in Zen that can have significant implications for users. By understanding the cause of the issue, its implications, and potential solutions, users can take steps to mitigate the impact of this issue and provide feedback to the development team to help resolve it.