{"id":4030,"date":"2018-05-22T19:30:05","date_gmt":"2018-05-22T15:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/?p=760033"},"modified":"2018-05-22T19:30:05","modified_gmt":"2018-05-22T15:30:05","slug":"customize-gnome-shell-ubuntu-using-extensions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/afaghhosting.net\/blog\/customize-gnome-shell-ubuntu-using-extensions\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Customize the GNOME Shell in Ubuntu Using Extensions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starting with Ubuntu 17.10, the GNOME 3 desktop is the default. There are many new features in Ubuntu 18.04<\/a>, and you can even extend the functionality of the Ubuntu desktop with GNOME shell extensions. These extensions are add-ons for the GNOME desktop<\/a> that either add new functionality or modify existing functionality to expand it, a bit like browser add-ons.<\/p>\n

Read on to find different ways to install and enable GNOME Shell extensions, how to remove extensions, and how to get notified of extension updates.<\/p>\n

How to Install and Manage GNOME Shell Extensions<\/h2>\n

Before you install any extensions, install the GNOME Tweak Tool (also called Tweaks). This is the main way to manage GNOME Shell extensions. The tool is available in the Ubuntu Software Center, but the easiest way to install it is using the command line.<\/p>\n

So, hit Ctrl + Alt + T<\/strong> to open a terminal window. Then, type the following command and press Enter:<\/p>\n

sudo apt install gnome-tweak-tool<\/code><\/pre>\n
Installing and enabling extensions in GNOME can slow down your system. So be careful how many extensions you install and enable. Use Tweaks to turn off extensions and speed up your system<\/a> if it becomes slow.<\/p>\n
You have three ways to install GNOME Shell extensions.<\/p>\n
1. Install GNOME Shell Extensions Using GNOME Tweaks Tool<\/h3>\n
Once you\u2019ve installed the GNOME Tweaks Tool, you can install a package containing a minimal set of GNOME extensions, which will be available in Tweaks. First, make sure Tweaks is closed.<\/p>\n
Then, open a Terminal window by hitting Ctrl + Alt + T<\/strong>, typing the following command, and pressing Enter:<\/p>\n
sudo apt install gnome-shell-extensions<\/code><\/pre>\n
You must restart the GNOME Shell. Hit Alt + F2<\/strong>, type \u201cr\u201d, and press Enter.<\/p>\n
\"Restart<\/p>\n
To start Tweaks, click Show Applications<\/strong> in the lower-left corner of the screen.<\/p>\n
\"Click<\/p>\n
Type \u201ctweaks\u201d in the search box and click the Tweaks<\/strong> icon.<\/p>\n
\"Search<\/p>\n
Click Extensions<\/strong> in the left pane on the Tweaks<\/strong> dialog box. You\u2019ll see a list of extensions with descriptions. Use the ON\/OFF<\/strong> slider buttons on the right to enable and disable the extensions.<\/p>\n
Some extensions have settings you can change (gear icon) to customize the extension.<\/p>\n
2. Install GNOME Shell Extensions in a Web Browser<\/h3>\n
The GNOME Extensions website allows you to find, install, and manage extensions for the GNOME desktop. The website is an alternative to using the GNOME Tweaks Tool to manage extensions.<\/p>\n
When you visit the GNOME Extensions website<\/a>, you\u2019ll see a message saying you must install the GNOME Shell integration, which has two parts: a browser extension and a native host messaging application.<\/p>\n
The message provides a link to install the browser extension or add-on. This link takes you to appropriate extension or add-on page for the browser you\u2019re using. Click the link to go to the page and install the extension or add-on.<\/p>\n
\"GNOME<\/p>\n
We\u2019re using Chrome in our example, but you can install the extension or add-on in any of the following browsers:<\/p>\n