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How to Change Icon Size on Ubuntu Desktop

Richard
Written by
Richard
Jan 8, 2023 Updated Jul 14, 2026 2 min read
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Changing the icon size on your Ubuntu desktop lets you make those little pictures bigger or smaller so they’re easier to see or fit more on your screen.

This adjustment is managed by a tool called the Desktop Icons NG (DING) extension. DING controls how your desktop icons look and work.

You can easily change the size of icons on your Ubuntu 20.04 desktop, for example, to better organize your files and make your most-used apps quicker to find.

⚡ Quick Answer

Right-click your desktop and select “Desktop Icons Settings,” or open the Extensions app. Then, choose your preferred icon size from the Small, Normal, Large, or Tiny options.

Change desktop icon size on Ubuntu Linux

You can change the icon size on your Ubuntu desktop to make them Small, Normal, Large, or even Tiny. This is helpful if icons are too big or too small for you to see clearly. Icon size settings can be adjusted directly from your desktop.

To change your icon size, consider these two options:

  • Right-click anywhere on your desktop and select Desktop Icons Settings.
  • Open the Extensions app from your app menu.
ubuntu linux activities overview search box
ubuntu Linux activities overview search box

In the settings window, look for the options related to your desktop icons. You will see a list of available sizes.

ubuntu linux system menu settings button
Ubuntu Linux system menu settings button

Select the size that best suits your screen:

  • Small
  • Normal (the default)
  • Large
  • Tiny
ubuntu linux desktop settings pane
Ubuntu Linux desktop settings pane

Once your preferred size is selected, your icons will resize immediately.

ubuntu linux desktop icon size settings
ubuntu Linux desktop icon size settings

That completes the process!

ubuntu linux desktop with icons
ubuntu Linux desktop with icons

Learn more about how to add additional desktop icons on Ubuntu Linux.

How to add application icons on the desktop on Ubuntu Linux.

Conclusion

Customizing your icon size in 2026 is quick. Using the DING extension settings through the Extensions app or your desktop’s right-click menu allows you to personalize your view in seconds. Choose the size that works best for you and enjoy a cleaner, more tailored desktop.

How do I resize UI in Ubuntu?

There are two options: On the “Display” page in your Ubuntu settings select the “Scale” option of 200%. Click the power icon then the cog icon to open the settings dialog. In the Gnome Tweaks tool, set a “Scaling Factor” in the “Fonts” section.

How to increase thumbnail size in Ubuntu?

Adjust Thumbnail Preferences Open system settings and look for file manager preferences, or use the command line to configure thumbnail behavior. This sets the limit to 10MB (adjust the number as needed).

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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