Install Gnome Tweak Tool

Before we begin, it is best that you have Gnome Tweak Tool installed in your system. This is the only software you ever need to tweak and customize your setting. You can install it by clicking here, via the Ubuntu Software Center, Synaptic or through the terminal:

1. Display the file in your desktop

Gnome shell doesn’t display your desktop files when you have an application window open. To access your files, you have to minimize all your windows, or press “Crl + Alt + d” to access the desktop or via the file manager. This is really very user unfriendly. To fix this, open Gnome Tweak Tool. On the left pane, click “Desktop”. On the right, turn on “Have file manager handle the desktop”.

2. Middle-click mouse to minimize window

One of the things that is missing in Gnome Shell is the minimize and maxmize button on the window title bar. What is left is the Close button. While you can drag the window to the top of the screen to maximize it, there is no quick way to minimize the window. Here’s how you can minimize the window with the mouse middle-click. Open Gnome Tweak Tool and go to the Windows section. Under the “Action on title bar middle click” section, select “Minimize” under the dropdown.

3. Use Gnome Shell Extensions to enhance your system

One of the greatest benefit of Gnome shell is the ability to use extension to modify/enhance the behaviour of the desktop manager. While there are several sources of PPA available for Gnome Shell extensions, the one that I found to be updated most regularly is the WebUpd8 Gnome 3 PPA. To install, type the following in the terminal: Note: Installing the extensions doesn’t mean they are active. You will need to go to Gnome Tweak Tool to activate them. Some of the extensions that you should install: a. Alternative Status Menu extension If you are frustrated over the lack of Restart/Shut Down button in the power menu, this extension adds the Hibernate and Power Off options to the power menu. This is my personal favorite.

To install: b. Workspace Indicator Add a workspace indicator button at the system tray so you know which workspace you are at (or switch to another workspace quickly).

To install: middle c. Remove the Universal Access Setting button The Universal Access Setting button is the icon that lie at the top right system tray. While it allows you to change some of the settings quickly, most probably you won’t find it of much use. You can install this extension to remove the UAS button. d. Bring back the Applications menu Do you love the Applications menu that allows you to quickly find (and launch) the applications you want? This extension brings back the application menu and place it in the top panel.

e. User themes This is important if you want to install custom Gnome shell theme.

4. Adding Show Desktop button to the Dash

While you can use the shortcut key “Ctrl + Alt + D” to show/hide desktop, many of us still prefer to click the Show Desktop icon to access our desktop. Gnome Shell doesn’t come with a way to add the Show Desktop icon to the Dash. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Download the showdesktop.tar.gz file. (Disclaimer: I didn’t create this script. It was provided by WepUpd8)
  2. Extract the file to your Home folder. You should see a “showdesktop” folder with two files (showdesktop and showdesktop.desktop) within.
  3. Open a terminal and type:
  4. Press “Alt + F2” and type ‘r’ to restart Gnome Shell.
  5. Click the “Activities” button to go to the Window Overview screen. At the top right hand corner search bar, type “showdesktop”. You should see the Show Desktop icon. Right click on it and select “Add to Favourite”.

5. Move the window button to the left

Ubuntu has shifted the window control button to the left since several releases ago. If you are finding yourself unable to get used to the window control button on the top right corner, here’s how to move them to the left. Go to the entry “Desktop -> Gnome -> Shell -> Windows”. Double click on the “button layout”. Paste the following line to the input field and click OK.

Restart Gnome Shell (press Alt + F2, followed by ‘r’). Note: The Native Window Placement extension have a conflict with this hack. You will have to remove the extension to make the buttons appear on the left.

6. Screencast Recording

Unknown to many, Gnome Shell has a built-in screen recorder. At any point of time, you just have to press the shortcut key “Shift + Ctrl + Alt + R” to activate the screen recorder. Once activated, you will see a recording button at the bottom right corner. Press “Shift + Ctrl + Alt + R” again to stop the recording. It will then save itself with the filename “shell-date-string-counter.webm” in your Home folder.

More Gnome Shell tips and triks

Change theme in Gnome Shell Auto login to Gnome Shell in Ubuntu Oneiric How to Reactivate ALT + F2 Shortcut in Gnome Shell in Ubuntu Oneiric [Quick Tips] Integrate Google Calendar into Gnome Shell

What other Gnome Shell tips and tricks have I missed? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.