Customize Ubuntu Dock

The Ubuntu Dock is a key element of the GNOME desktop environment that comes with Ubuntu. It provides quick access to your favorite applications and shows which apps are currently running. While the default configuration works well for many users, customizing the Ubuntu Dock can significantly improve your workflow and make your desktop more visually appealing.

In this guide, we'll explore various ways to customize the Ubuntu Dock in Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and newer versions using both the graphical interface and terminal commands.

The simplest way to customize your Ubuntu Dock is through the system Settings application. This method doesn't require any technical knowledge and is perfect for beginners.

To move the Ubuntu Dock from its default left position to the bottom of the screen:

Settings > Appearance > Dock > Position on screen > Bottom

This is one of the most popular customizations as many users prefer having the dock at the bottom of the screen similar to macOS or Windows.

While in the Dock settings panel, you can also adjust:

1. Auto-hide behavior - Make the dock hide automatically when not in use
1. Icon size - Adjust how large the application icons appear
1. Show mounted drives - Toggle visibility of mounted storage devices
1. Show Applications button - Choose whether to display the Applications button
Advanced Ubuntu Dock Customization Using Terminal Commands

For more extensive customization options, you'll need to use terminal commands. The Ubuntu Dock is actually an extension called "dash-to-dock" that can be configured using the gsettings command.

Comprehensive Dock Styling

Copy and paste these commands into your terminal to transform your dock with a modern, sleek appearance:

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock extend-height false
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock dock-position BOTTOM
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock transparency-mode FIXED
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock dash-max-icon-size 64
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock unity-backlit-items true

Let's break down what each command does:

1. extend-height false - Makes the dock take only as much space as needed instead of extending to the full height/width of the screen
1. dock-position BOTTOM - Positions the dock at the bottom of the screen
1. transparency-mode FIXED - Sets a consistent transparency level rather than dynamic transparency
1. dash-max-icon-size 64 - Sets the maximum icon size to 64 pixels for better visibility
1. unity-backlit-items true - Adds a backlight effect to the icons for a more polished look
Additional Customization Options

Here are some additional commands you might find useful:

# Change dock background opacity (0.0 to 1.0)
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock background-opacity 0.7

# Enable or disable the dock autohide feature
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock autohide true

# Change the autohide animation speed (in seconds)
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock animation-time 0.2

# Show dock on all monitors
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock multi-monitor true

# Change the color of the dock
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock custom-background-color true
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock background-color '#2c001e'

Resetting Ubuntu Dock to Default Settings #

If you want to revert all changes and return to the default Ubuntu Dock settings, run this command in your terminal:

dconf reset -f /org/gnome/shell/extensions/dash-to-dock/

After running this command, you might need to restart GNOME Shell by pressing Alt+F2, typing r, and pressing Enter, or simply logging out and back in.

Installing Dock Extensions for Even More Customization #

For even more customization options, you can install additional GNOME extensions. Here are some popular ones:

1. Dash to Panel - Combines the top panel and dock into a single panel like Windows
1. Dash to Dock - The standalone version of Ubuntu's built-in dock with more features
1. Floating Dock - Creates a macOS-style floating dock

To install these extensions, first install the GNOME Extensions browser integration:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extensions chrome-gnome-shell

Then visit extensions.gnome.org to browse and install extensions.

Troubleshooting Common Ubuntu Dock Issues #

Dock Not Responding

If your dock becomes unresponsive, try:

killall gnome-shell

Or restart the GNOME Shell by pressing Alt+F2, typing r, and pressing Enter.

Missing Icons

If application icons are missing from the dock:

gsettings reset org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-apps-at-top

Conclusion #

Customizing the Ubuntu Dock is a great way to personalize your Ubuntu experience and improve your workflow. Whether you prefer simple tweaks through the Settings application or more advanced customization via terminal commands, there are plenty of options to make your dock work exactly how you want it.

Remember that these customizations work on Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and newer versions running the GNOME desktop environment. If you're using a different Ubuntu flavor like Kubuntu or Xubuntu, the process will be different as they use different desktop environments.

Enjoy!