Enable Chrome Gestures on Linux

A simple bash script to enable two-finger back and forward swipe gestures in Google Chrome on Linux systems.

Description

This script modifies your local Chrome desktop entries to add the --enable-features=TouchpadOverscrollHistoryNavigation flag, which enables touchpad overscroll navigation for back/forward gestures in Chrome.

Installation

Option 1: Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/Angxddeep/enable-chrome-gestures-linux.git
cd enable-chrome-gestures-linux
chmod +x enable-chrome-gestures.sh

Option 2: Download and run directly

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Angxddeep/enable-chrome-gestures-linux/main/enable-chrome-gestures.sh | bash

Option 3: Download first, then run

curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Angxddeep/enable-chrome-gestures-linux/main/enable-chrome-gestures.sh
chmod +x enable-chrome-gestures.sh
./enable-chrome-gestures.sh

The script will:

• Create the local applications directory if it doesn't exist
• Copy Chrome desktop entries to your local directory
• Modify them to include the gesture enabling flag
• Update the desktop database

After Running

• Restart Chrome completely (close all Chrome windows and processes)
• Test the gestures by swiping two fingers left/right on your touchpad

How It Works

The script patches your Chrome desktop files (.desktop files) to include the experimental flag that enables touchpad-based navigation gestures. This is done locally so it doesn't affect system-wide installations.