How to Customize Ubuntu Desktop for Beginners

Get Your Desktop Looking Right

Start by adjusting the fundamental visual elements of your Ubuntu desktop. Core display features and themes set up through these guides create a comfortable and appealing workspace.

1 Customize Ubuntu Desktop Themes Easily This post outlines how to change desktop themes and style in Ubuntu Linux, as the current version does not come pre-packaged with desktop themes. A user can individually adjust settings in the System Settings panel, and apply changes using GNOME Tweaks. Alternatively, downloaded GTK3/4 Themes may be used to modify the desktop style. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

2 Enable Dark Mode in Ubuntu Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide The article provides a guide on how to activate or deactivate dark mode in Ubuntu Linux. The dark mode helps reduce eye strain, improves battery for mobile devices, and is optimized for low-lit environments. The guide also explains how to select an accent color that contrasts or matches the user's wallpaper and windows color. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

3 Enable Fractional Scaling in Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide The article discusses how to enable or disable fractional scaling on Ubuntu Linux, which by default offers two scaling options: 100% and 200%. If objects on your device's display are too large or too small, fractional scaling can be enabled to provide more options: 125%, 150%, and 175%. The guide provides a step-by-step process on how to make these adjustments from the System Settings menu. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

Tweak Your Ubuntu Dock

The Ubuntu Dock acts like a taskbar, serving as a central part of the desktop experience. Control everything from icon size to screen positioning using these built-in layout options.

1 How to Reset Ubuntu Dock to Default Settings The article provides a guide on how to reset the Dock Panel to its default settings in Ubuntu Linux, useful when changes cause it to malfunction or appear incorrect. The process involves opening the Ubuntu Terminal app and entering specific commands. Note, if certain applications are uninstalled, they will not return upon resetting. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

2 How to Change Dock Icon Size in Ubuntu Linux The article provides steps to change the size of application icons on the Ubuntu Linux Dock or launcher. According to the post, the size of the Dock is proportional to the icon size, meaning changes to the icon directly affect Dock size. Users can access the 'Appearance' settings in the 'System Settings' panel to adjust icon and Dock sizes as desired. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

3 Hide or Unhide Trash Icon in Ubuntu Dock The article provides a guide on how to hide or unhide the Trash icon on the Dock in Ubuntu Linux. This process involves navigating through the System Settings to the Appearance panel, under Dock, then toggling the switch button for the Trash icon. This customization can help clean the desktop. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

4 How to Show Dock on All Displays in Ubuntu Linux The article provides instructions on how to enable or disable Dock or launcher display on all screens in Ubuntu Linux OS. This feature, usually displayed only on the primary monitor, reveals user's preferred running applications. The process involves manipulating the System Settings, specifically the Appearance panel, to change the Dock's visibility across all connected monitors. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

5 Auto-Hide Dock in Ubuntu Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide The article provides a guide on how to automatically hide the Dock in Ubuntu Linux to make the screen look bigger. Like in other OS, the Dock in Ubuntu Linux can hide when the window overlaps with it, a feature available in the latest version. Users can enable or disable this setting through the System Settings -> Appearance panel. 1 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

6 Hide or Unhide Personal Folder in Ubuntu Linux The article provides a guide to hiding or unhiding the personal folder on an Ubuntu Linux desktop. This folder, named 'Home' by default, organizes the user's files. To change its visibility, users need to use the System Settings panel, navigate to Appearance, and toggle the 'Show Personal folder' switch. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

Improve Mouse and App Behavior

Fine-tune how your mouse and applications work to better suit your workflow. Navigation becomes more intuitive with these settings, ensuring favorite apps remain ready when needed.

1 Enable Natural Scrolling in Ubuntu Linux The post guides on enabling or disabling Natural Scrolling (or Reverse Scrolling) in Ubuntu Linux using the system's touchpad. It compresses actions similar to a mouse or other pointing devices, providing single-device convenience. Natural Scrolling is deployed akin to sliding a physical paper. The guide also covers these settings adjustments via System Settings and the System menu. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

2 Enable Two-Finger Scrolling in Ubuntu: A Quick Guide The post outlines how to enable or disable two-finger scrolling on a touchpad in Ubuntu Linux. The process involves accessing the System Settings panel, selecting 'Settings', then 'Mouse & Touchpad', and finally toggling the 'Two-finger Scrolling' option. This feature allows users to scroll using two fingers on the touchpad, replacing the need for a separate mouse or pointing device. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

3 Auto-Start Applications on Ubuntu Login This text guides on how to configure applications for automatic start-up upon login in Ubuntu Linux. Just like other OS like Windows, you should use the Startup Applications tool, type the command or browse and choose a command from /usr/bin directory, following the steps, will ensure the chosen application initiates at every boot up. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

Advanced and Specific Setups

Specialized needs require less common but important configurations covered in these guides. System-level details and tool integrations come together here to provide exact matches for specific requirements.

1 How to Install Fleet Osquery Manager on Ubuntu Linux This article provides a detailed guide for installing and using Fleet Osquery Manager on Ubuntu Linux. Fleet is an open-source platform that aids IT admins with device management, featuring live query ability, and real-time visibility of servers, containers, and laptops. The installation process includes setting up MariaDB database server and Redis Server, creating a dedicated user, downloading Fleet binary, generating SSL/TLS certificates, and finally, setting up Fleet services. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

Common questions

How do I change the desktop theme in Ubuntu?

Changing the desktop theme requires heading to Settings and then Appearance. Pre-installed themes provide immediate options, or new ones alter the look of windows, icons, and controls.

How can I make the Ubuntu Dock icons bigger or smaller?

Adjust the size of the Ubuntu Dock icons by heading to Settings, then Appearance, and dragging the 'Icon Size' slider. This scales the dock to fit individual workflows.

How do I make the dock disappear when I'm not using it?

Auto-hiding the Ubuntu Dock involves navigating to Settings, then Appearance. Switching on the 'Auto-hide the Dock' toggle makes the dock appear whenever the mouse moves to the edge of the screen.

What is fractional scaling in Ubuntu?

Fractional scaling allows you to set display scaling to intermediate values like 125% or 150%, rather than limiting you to whole numbers like 100% or 200%. High-resolution displays benefit from this feature by keeping text and elements at a comfortable size.

How do I turn on dark mode in Ubuntu?

Dark mode activates by heading to Settings, then Appearance. Switching between 'Light' and 'Dark' themes happens through an option located there, altering the overall color scheme of the desktop.