Move Unity Launcher to Bottom on Ubuntu 16.04 - Tutorial
Ubuntu 16.04 LTS: Launcher Customization
A highly requested functionality has been implemented in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. Users are now able to relocate the Unity desktop's launcher to the bottom edge of their display.
Previously, the launcher was fixed to the left side of the screen. This new flexibility, however, isn't directly accessible through the standard System Settings interface.
Accessing the Launcher Position Option
Changing the launcher's position necessitates the use of a terminal command or a dedicated tweaking application. The option remains hidden from the typical graphical settings.
While this represents progress, the Unity 7 desktop environment still imposes certain limitations on launcher placement.
Current Limitations
Currently, the launcher can only be positioned on either the left or bottom of the screen. Placement on the right or top edges is not supported.
Nevertheless, the ability to move the launcher to the bottom is considered a positive development. It provides increased customization for the user interface.
Unity desktop continues to evolve, and this change demonstrates a responsiveness to user feedback.
Related: How to Master Ubuntu's Unity Desktop: 8 Things You Need to Know
Adjusting the Launcher Position via Terminal Command
Relocating the Unity desktop launcher can be accomplished with a single command entered into the terminal. This process is straightforward, even for users unfamiliar with the command line, requiring only a quick copy and paste operation.
Begin by opening a terminal window. Access this by clicking the Ubuntu icon located in the top-left corner of your screen. This will open the Dash, where you can search for "Terminal" and initiate it with a press of the Enter key.
The following command should be copied and pasted – or manually typed – into the terminal window, followed by pressing Enter. The launcher will instantly reposition itself to the bottom of the screen, eliminating the need for a system restart or re-login.
gsettings set com.canonical.Unity.Launcher launcher-position Bottom
This preference will be retained by Ubuntu, meaning you won't need to execute this command repeatedly. The launcher will consistently appear at the bottom of the screen upon each login.
To revert the launcher’s position back to the left side of the screen, utilize the subsequent command:
gsettings set com.canonical.Unity.Launcher launcher-position Left
Utilizing Unity Tweak Tool for Launcher Repositioning
For users seeking granular control over their Unity desktop environment, the Unity Tweak Tool presents a viable solution. This third-party application facilitates access to numerous hidden settings within Unity.
Ubuntu offers a limited number of configuration options through its standard interface, despite Unity possessing a wide array of customizable features, including icon animations and workspace behaviors.
Installation Process
The installation of Unity Tweak Tool is straightforward. Simply open the Software application pre-installed on your Ubuntu system. Then, search for "Unity Tweak Tool" and proceed with the installation.
Repositioning the LauncherAfter installation, launch the Unity Tweak Tool application. Navigate to the "Launcher" icon located within the Unity section.
Within the "Appearance" heading, locate the "Position" setting. Select "Bottom" from the available options. This action will immediately relocate the launcher to the bottom of your screen.Alternatively, you can revert the launcher's position back to "Left" using the same setting.
Modifying the Launcher Position Using Dconf EditorAlternatively, the Dconf Editor application can be utilized to adjust this setting, instead of employing the gsettings terminal command previously described. While there isn't a significant benefit to this approach—the terminal command is generally quicker—it remains a viable option for users.
To obtain this tool, open the Software application, conduct a search for "Dconf Editor," and proceed with its installation.
Once installed, launch the Dconf Editor application.
Navigate through the following path within the editor: com > canonical > unity > launcher.
Within the right pane, select the "launcher-position" value.
Change its setting to "Bottom." This action will relocate the launcher to the bottom of the screen. The setting can also be reverted to "Left" using this method.
This provides a graphical interface for managing the launcher's position.
Ideally, Ubuntu would incorporate a straightforward control for this feature within the standard System Settings application, potentially under the Appearance section.
However, this functionality was not included in the initial release of Ubuntu 16.04 Xenial Xerus.
Despite this, Ubuntu users now have an officially supported method to position the launcher at the bottom of the screen, offering a convenient solution.