Use window transparency

Use see-through Phials chrome when you want the desktop to remain visible behind parts of the app. Turning transparency off gives the same windows a fully opaque, themed background.

Turn transparency on or off

1. Open Settings.
2. Under General, choose Appearance.
3. Turn Window Transparency on or off.

The change applies immediately to the main Phials window and the Settings window, including one that is already open. Phials saves the choice for later launches. Other Phials windows remain opaque. On Windows, transparency starts off; turn it on here if you want see-through chrome.

Understand the system effect

When transparency is on, Phials combines see-through app surfaces with the native shell effect available on your system. macOS supplies a glass or blur effect, and Windows supplies Mica. The precise color and blur depend on your system version, wallpaper, and active Phials theme.

If your system cannot render the effect cleanly, turn Window Transparency off. Phials removes the native effect and restores an opaque background; the active theme still controls its colors.

If a supported window remains opaque after you turn transparency on, turn the setting off and on once. This recreates the native shell effect without restarting Phials.