How to Configure Ubuntu to Your Personal Preferences
Ubuntu offers extensive customization options to personalize your desktop environment. This guide covers various aspects of customizing Ubuntu to match your preferences and workflow.
Appearance and Themes
Changing the Theme
- Open Settings (click on the system menu in the top-right corner and select the gear icon)
- Navigate to Appearance
- Choose between Light, Standard, and Dark appearances
- Click on More Appearance Settings for additional options
Installing GNOME Tweaks for Advanced Customization
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gnome-tweaks
After installation, open GNOME Tweaks and explore:
- Appearance: Change themes, icons, and cursor themes
- Fonts: Adjust system fonts and scaling
- Top Bar: Configure clock format and calendar options
- Window Titlebars: Adjust button placement
Installing Custom Themes
- Download themes from GNOME Look
- Extract the theme folder to
~/.themes/(create the folder if it doesn't exist) - Open GNOME Tweaks
- Go to Appearance and select your installed theme
Installing Icon Themes
- Download icon packs from GNOME Look
- Extract the icon pack to
~/.icons/(create the folder if it doesn't exist) - Open GNOME Tweaks
- Go to Appearance > Icons and select your installed icon theme
Desktop Extensions
GNOME Extensions add functionality to your desktop environment.
Installing GNOME Extensions Support
sudo apt install gnome-shell-extensions
sudo apt install chrome-gnome-shell
Visit GNOME Extensions website and install the browser extension if prompted.
Recommended Extensions
- Dash to Dock: Transforms the dash into a dock
- AppIndicator and KStatusNotifierItem Support: For system tray icons
- Sound Input & Output Device Chooser: Quickly switch audio devices
- Clipboard Indicator: Keeps a clipboard history
- Caffeine: Prevents the system from suspending
- User Themes: Allows applying shell themes
- GSConnect: Integration with Android devices
Enable or disable extensions through the Extensions app or the Extensions website.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Viewing and Modifying Keyboard Shortcuts
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts 3