Ubuntu Desktop Configuration

This page details steps to significantly improve and customize desktop functionality for Ubuntu systems.

Ubuntu 16.04

ToDo: Document compiz config workspace + screen split functionality

Ubuntu 18.04

Ubuntu 18.04 is an improvement over 16.04 in a lot of ways. However, for some reason, it also drops some functionality that previously came out of the box with 16.04.

The main problems are Workspaces and Screen/Window Snapping.

ToDo: Link apt install info

Workspaces

Ubuntu 16.04 allowed horizontal and vertical dimensions for workspaces. But 18.04 only allows vertical, out of the box.

We fix this with a Gnome Desktop extension. First install gnome tweaks and gnome extensions (see Apt-Get Packages).

Open the newly installed Tweaks program and go to the Workspaces panel.
From here, check Static Workspaces (this step is important or else the extension will not work properly).

Tip: While you're here, optionally also check Workspaces Span Displays if you wish workspaces to affect all your monitors, instead of just one.

Next, open the Ubuntu Software program (comes with Ubuntu) and search for Workspace Matrix. Install this extension and you're all set!

Finally, if you want to customize, you can edit extension settings in the Tweaks program, under the Extensions tab.

Screen Snapping

Ubuntu 16.04 allowed holding the windows (aka "super") key and hitting the number pad to automatically snap the selected window to the screen edge.

We can re-enable this functionality with a Gnome Desktop extension. First install gnome tweaks and gnome extensions (see Apt-Get Packages).

Next, open the Ubuntu Software program (comes with Ubuntu) and search for Put Windows. Install this extension and you're all set!

Finally, if you want to customize, you can edit extension settings in the Tweaks program, under the Extensions tab.