The application picker (aka app grid) in GNOME Shell is pretty perfect as it comes, showing launchers for installed apps plus the ability to rearrange them using drag and drop and create custom folders to group apps together.
Some folks prefer a little more order.
I’ve spotlighted a few Ubuntu app grid tweaks over the years, from one that puts app shortcuts in alphabetical order to ones which restores ‘missing’ shortcuts for apps pinned to the Ubuntu Dock.
And now a new app grid helper has appeared – one sure to appeal to those with a preference for keeping things streamlined and tidy.
App Grid Wizard is a GNOME Shell extension that will automatically arrange your app shortcuts into folders in based on the application’s assigned category1.
Folders cover:
- Accessories
- Games
- Graphics
- Internet
- Office
- Programming
- Science
- Sound & Video
- System Tools
- Universal Access
- Wine
- Waydroid
Once installed and enabled, App Grid Wizard can also detect future app installations to automatically place their shortcuts in the correct folder(s)2, which is another timesaver.
I personally find I launch apps through the GNOME Shell overview search (i.e., hit super, type a few letters, smack enter) or, for frequently used ones, via the Ubuntu Dock.
Those who do covet an ordered app grid with all software neatly grouped into category folders—like the ‘Accessories’, ‘Games’, ‘Internet’, etc ones you’d find in a traditional app menu—this extension negates the need to do it manually.
- Organises apps into folders based on software category
- Monitors app installations to keep the app grid organised
- Enable/disable the extension from the Quick Settings menu
- Minimal impact on system performance
One important thing to note BEFORE installing: any custom app folders you’ve made will be removed if this extension is enabled and they will not be restored if/when you disable it.
Interested?
App Grid Wizard is free, open-source software compatible with GNOME 45 through 48.