The graphical environment GNOME is one of the most popular operating systems in the Linux world due to its clean design and efficient functionality. However, while it offers a fairly robust base experience, there are many ways to customize and enhance its use, thanks to the available extensions. These tools not only improve the aesthetics of the system, but also introduce functionalities that can completely change the way we interact with the operating system.
If you are interested in getting the most out of GNOME, you are in the right place. This article compiles information about the most common GNOME features. best extensions in this 2024, with the aim of allowing you to customize your desktop environment according to your needs and preferences. We know that we are in November and there is still a little more than a month left until the end of the year, but it is still a good time to review the good extensions for GNOME today.
It should be noted that GNOME is a graphical environment — also an environment — used by many Linux distributions, among which we find Ubuntu, which gives this blog its name. Canonical implements some of them by default, but that is something we will also explain in this article.
How to install extensions in GNOME
Before we dive into the best extensions, it's important to know how to install themFor this, it is best to use a browser with the GNOME Shell integration extension, such as Chrome or Firefox, and the package gnome-browser-connector installed on the system with this command:
sudo apt install chrome-gnome-shell
With this ready, access the official site of GNOME extensions and activate the ones you want. In addition, you can manage the installed extensions with the application Extensions, accessible from the GNOME main menu — depending on the distribution, the application may need to be installed.
Another way to do it is with Extension Manager.
Essential extensions to improve your experience
Just Perfection
This extension is ideal for those looking for customize every aspect of GNOME. It allows you to hide elements from the top panel, move their location, adjust sizes, and modify details such as animation speed. It also offers preset profiles, such as “Minimal” and “Super Minimal,” to optimize your setup.
Dash to dock
For those who prefer to have the panel always visibleThis extension is a must-have. It offers customization options such as icon size, dock behavior, and location on the screen, making it more functional and accessible.
This is one of the extensions that Canonical includes by default in Ubuntu, and it has not been necessary to install it for several years now. To achieve the same effect in Ubuntu, you have to configure the necessary parameters from Settings/Appearance.
Clipboard Indicator
With this extension you can Take clipboard handling to the next level. It allows you to store a history of the last copied texts, search through them and reuse them efficiently. It also includes a “private mode” option that prevents saving sensitive information.
Vitals
If you like to monitor your system's performance, Vitals is a great choice. Display metrics such as CPU and RAM usage, sensor temperatures, and network transfer speed in real time, right in the top panel. It's not as "Linux-like" as using Htop and similar tools, but it's better for those who prefer graphical interfaces and not using command lines so much.
Other featured extensions
- Caffeine: Ideal for preventing the screen from going to sleep while you work or enjoy multimedia content.
- Blur My Shell: It adds a very attractive visual touch by adding blur to elements such as the top panel and the application launcher.
- Arc Menu: It replaces the default application launcher with a more traditional, Windows-like, highly customizable menu.
- Auto Move Windows: Automate the organization of your windows by assigning them to specific areas of the desktop.
- OpenWeather: Check the weather forecast directly from the dashboard, with customization options to display location and data provider.
Thanks to all these options, you can transform your GNOME desktop into a unique space perfectly adapted to your needs. Work styleFrom improving functionality to adding stunning visual details, the possibilities are virtually endless. Why settle for the basics when you can optimize your experience to the max?
Among the extensions mentioned, Dash to Dock stands out for its ability to turn the launcher into a complete and always visible panel, allowing more direct access to your favorite applications - although we have agreed that its installation is not necessary in Ubuntu because it is already included by Canonical. Meanwhile, Just Perfection and Vitals not only improve organization and control, but also add personalized touches and practical to the environment.