How to Add Apps to the Dock in Ubuntu 24.04 or 22.04 LTS Linux
Ubuntu 24.04 and 22.04 LTS are user-friendly and powerful Linux distributions that provide a modern interface with the GNOME desktop environment. One of the most convenient features of GNOME in Ubuntu is the Dock—a sleek bar usually placed vertically on the left side of the screen, allowing users to access their most-used applications instantly. Whether you’re new to Ubuntu or just want to streamline your workflow, learning how to add apps to the Dock will significantly improve your desktop experience.
In this guide, we’ll show you multiple ways to add applications to the Dock in Ubuntu 24.04 or 22.04 LTS. You’ll also learn a few tips on organizing your Dock for better productivity.
Understanding the Ubuntu Dock
The Dock in Ubuntu is part of the GNOME Shell’s Dash to Dock extension. It acts similarly to the taskbar in Windows or the Dock in macOS. Favorite applications are pinned here for quick access, and running apps are also displayed temporarily if they’re not pinned.
By default, Ubuntu comes with several pre-pinned apps like Firefox, Files, Terminal, and Ubuntu Software. But customizing it with your preferred apps makes the system truly yours.
Methods to Add Apps to the Dock
1. Add from the Applications Grid
One of the simplest ways to add an app to the Dock is from the Applications overview.
- Click on the “Show Applications” icon at the bottom of the Dock.
- Find the application you want to add. You can scroll or use the search bar at the top of the grid.
- Right-click the application’s icon.
- Select “Add to Favorites”.
As soon as you do this, the application icon will appear on the Dock, usually at the bottom of the current list of icons.
2. Add a Running Application to the Dock
If you already have an application open and want to keep it on the Dock permanently:
- Right-click the application’s icon on the Dock.
- Choose “Add to Favorites” from the context menu.
This will pin the application even after you close it, ensuring it stays on the Dock for quick access later.
3. Use Terminal to Add Apps (Advanced)
For those comfortable with the command line or looking to script their Ubuntu customization, you can use the Terminal to favorite apps. Here’s how:
- Open Terminal using Ctrl + Alt + T.
- Use the following command:
gsettings set org.gnome.shell favorite-apps "['firefox.desktop', 'org.gnome.Terminal.desktop', 'nautilus.desktop']"
Replace the entries inside the list with the desktop identifiers of your preferred apps. You can find these identifiers in the /usr/share/applications/ directory.
Note: This method overwrites your current favorites list, so use it carefully!
Removing Apps from the Dock
If you want to declutter your Dock and remove an app:
- Right-click the app icon on the Dock.
- Select “Remove from Favorites”.
This just removes the shortcut from the Dock—it doesn’t uninstall the application.
Organizing Your Dock
Once you’ve added your favorite apps, you might want to rearrange them for easier access:
- Drag and drop icons to reorder them right on the Dock.
- Use extensions like Dash to Dock or Dash to Panel for more customization options.
In Ubuntu 24.04, settings related to the Dock’s behavior—such as icon size, auto-hide, and position—can be adjusted by navigating to Settings > Appearance.
Tips for an Efficient Workflow
Using the Dock effectively can speed up your daily tasks. Here are a few tips to make the most out of it:
- Use the keyboard shortcut Super (Windows) key + [number] to launch or focus on the corresponding app in the Dock.
- Group related apps together for better organization (e.g., browsers, editors, communication tools).
- Limit the number of pinned apps to reduce visual clutter.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, customizing the Ubuntu Dock to match your workflow can greatly enhance your efficiency. By pinning your go-to applications, organizing them thoughtfully, and adjusting the Dock settings, you’ll create a smoother and more enjoyable desktop experience.
Ubuntu 24.04 and 22.04 LTS make it incredibly easy to tweak your setup just the way you like it. So go ahead—make your Dock work for you!
