I like ubuntu, more than i used to, and since i am still a Windows OS user, it helped me to use GNOME extensions in order to make me feel more like “at home”.
This is a summary of all the extension that i've installed via the GNOME extensions market, and it’s worth saying that although this means 7 extensions for my computer to handle, it behaves properly.
Also if you have a vertical monitor setup, you might absolutely need the last extension of my list.
Dash to panel
For a Windows like UI :
If you work on a linux based environment but using windows for everything else outside work, you might need this gem.
In the list of the most noteworthy feature it has :
- Ungroup application tiles (if you have a windows 7 nostalgia)
- Live preview on hover
- Show desktop button
- Multi monitor support (and taskbar isolation)
- Custom click behaviours (special mention to middle-click on tile to close application)
🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/4812/wallpaper-switcher/ on gnome.org
- https://github.com/rishuinfinity/WallpaperSwitcher on github
Wallpaper switcher
Ubuntu, or GNOME desktop environment, does not come with a built-in native wallpaper switcher as it aims for simplicity and minimalism. Instead, GNOME encourages users to add functionality through extensions, which allows for personalized customization without cluttering the core system.
💡There are many extensions that can do this for GNOME, but if you need such a feature, I can only recommend the simplest one.
🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/4812/wallpaper-switcher/ on gnome.org
- https://github.com/rishuinfinity/WallpaperSwitcher on github
Clipboard history
This is another extension that i miss from windows and that helps me on my daily copy/paste operations. If you’re not familiar with the feature, you might be enlighted by this discovery.
The default shortcut on windows is ⊞ win + v and even if it’s not the default shortcut in this extension you can easily change it for window’s.
💡 On ubuntu
❖ super + vis used by the system so you might need to unbind it from system shortcuts
🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/4839/clipboard-history/ on gnome.org
- https://github.com/SUPERCILEX/gnome-clipboard-history on github.com
Audio selector
This one is just a quick-win, when you need to switch from an audio input/output frequently. Since by default this is not possible without navigating in the system preferences, you might find this extension useful.
Just click on the volume icon 📢 and switch for another source.
💡It’s also interesting to be able to switch between input, ouput or both
🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/5135/audio-selector on gnome.org
- https://github.com/hs65/Gnome-Shell-Extension-Audio-Selector on github
CPU Freq
It might be useful to monitor at which frequency your CPU cores are running, especially if you run one day into a thermal throttle issue on your laptop. Of course not everyone needs it, but personnaly it’s been very helpful.
It comes with a taskbar widget, showing you the CPU frequency live, and an extended pannel to manage power setting and monitor each core activity.
🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1082/cpufreq on gnome.org
- https://github.com/konkor/cpufreq on github
Emoji selector
This is the cherry on top for anyone who absolutely loves the emoji selector feature on Windows and macOS.
Nowadays, most apps give you the ability to use emojis within their interface (Notion, Slack, Twitter). But where do you turn when you need to quickly insert an emoji in a text field?
Well, Windows and macOS have a shortcut for that. On Ubuntu, you'll struggle a bit more, until you install this extension.
💡 By default it’s binded on the
❖ super + eshortcut, but i preferer❖ super + .as it’s the same on windows.
🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1162/emoji-selector on gnome.org
- https://github.com/maoschanz/emoji-selector-for-gnome on github
Gtile
Finally, last but not least, let me introduce you to Gtile. This nifty tool resolved several Windows layout issues I encountered while setting up a vertical monitor.
💡 You should get familiar with the extension shortcuts in order to get productive with it.
It allows you to split applications vertically and position them exactly as you prefer. Gtile is a lifesaver, complete with numerous shortcuts and extensive customization options.
🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/28/gtile on gnome.org
- https://github.com/gTile/gTile on github
Conclusion
Ubuntu with GNOME has evolved into an environment that can serve as a Windows replacement, especially for developers. Thanks to the amazing community contributing by creating GNOME extensions, it now offers many features available on Windows 11.
Feel free to share which extensions have been lifesavers for you, and see you later for more content! ✨👨💻
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