Are there parts of the GNOME Shell UI you wish you could configure and customise?
If so, check out the Shell Configurator GNOME extension, recently updated to support GNOME 42.
This free, open source add-on makes it incredibly easy to access GNOME Shell’s advanced backend settings (I would say without needing to use the command line or a tool like dconf-editor but these settings are available there, it turns out).
You get a clean, organised design with fully searchable settings that are clearly labelled so that you know turning which toggle does what.
Among the things you can do using the Shell Configurator GNOME extension:
- Adjust animation speed
- Show/hide top bar items
- Disable dock separator
- Configure workspace behaviour
- Change notification and OSD position
- Move screenshot UI toolbar to top (GNOME 42 only)
Plus a fair bit more. You’ll definitely want to have a good rummage through what’s on offer to see if there’s a switch or setting to rid the UI of whatever behaviour/element you don’t like.
Minimal and Default pre-sets come included, as does a ‘custom’ plan you can configure to suit your tastes.
I did note that when the extension is installed and enabled (but no settings are changed) it does increase the height of the top bar by 4 pixels or so from Ubuntu’s default.
Shell Configurator looks like a handy add-on to keep on hand.
While there is some overlap with other configuration utilities, like the perennially popular Just Perfection, it will appeal to those looking for the safety of a tool with a quick ‘reset’ option (in this case switching back to the ‘default’ profile).
Install ‘Shell Configurator’ Extension
Keen to try it out? Shell Configurator is free, open source software. Source code is up on Gitlab, and the latest version is available to install from GNOME Shell (an older version of Shell Configurator extension is available for GNOME Shel versions prior to 41/42).
If you’re on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS the best way to install GNOME extensions is using the Extensions Manager tool available in the repos. We included it on our list of things to do after installing Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.