VMware Workstation on Linux host draws thick borde...

Berset · ‎04-24-2021

On a Linux host (Ubuntu 20.04), VMware Workstation surrounds a running VM with a thick border in Console View. Not only does it waste screen estate, but it also complicates mouse clicks on edges.

We can start vmware with the GTK Inspector to find out the GTK widgets that cause the border:

/usr/lib/vmware/bin/vmware --gtk-debug=interactive

1. gtkmm__GtkAlignment (Defined at GtkAlignment)

top padding 0
left padding 6
right padding 6
bottom padding 6

2. gtkmm__CustomObject_lui_FocusFrame (defined in GtkFrame)

shadow-type GTK_SHADOW_IN

In the inspector tool, if you set left, right, and bottom padding to 0 and change shadow-type to GTK_SHADOW_NONE, it completely removes the border and essentially appears the same as if you were running VMware Workstation on a Windows host.

I am not sure about the purpose of the border or if it was just a simple oversight. It would be nice if there was at least an option to remove it; the alternative, running in Full Screen mode, is not always preferable if quick navigating between host and guest is required.

louyo · ‎04-25-2021

Not much help, but I don't think I see that on LMDE (debian Mint). Side and bottom borders are about 1/16" on my display with 3426x1351. Seems OK to me. This on a 34" monitor.

Berset · ‎04-25-2021

Hi,

The pixel count is fixed I believe? 6px left, right and bottom. Now, the higher your pixel density, the smaller the border appears.

On the other hand, VMware Workstation on a Windows host has no border at all, so guests within the console view can utilize the full screen width. That and there won't be any issues with mouse clicks on edges inside the guest.

Berset · ‎04-25-2021

I attached an example screenshot. The border appears also when the window is maximized.

VMware Workstation on Linux host draws thick border in Console View

Console View

Linux host