Resize Unity Launcher Icons in Ubuntu 14.04 - A Simple Guide

Adjusting the Unity Launcher Icon Size in Ubuntu

The Unity launcher, situated as a vertical bar of icons on the left of your Ubuntu desktop, provides quick access to applications and system features. These include workspaces, connected removable devices, and the trash bin.

The initial icon size within the Unity launcher is set to a relatively large scale. However, users may find this size unsuitable for their specific display setup.

Modifying Icon Size for Optimal Viewing

If you are utilizing a smaller screen, reducing the icon size can maximize screen real estate. Conversely, increasing the size can enhance usability on larger displays or multi-monitor configurations.

The process of adjusting these icons is straightforward, and the following steps will guide you through it.

Accessing System Settings

Begin by clicking the System Settings icon located directly on the Unity launcher.

Alternatively, you can access System Settings by clicking the gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen, then selecting 'System Settings' from the dropdown menu.

Navigating to Appearance Settings

Within the System Settings dialog box, select 'Appearance' from the 'Personal' section.

Adjusting the Launcher Icon Size

Ensure that the 'Look' tab is currently selected on the Appearance screen.

A slider control, positioned in the bottom-right corner, allows for modification of the Launcher icon size. Dragging this slider left or right will dynamically alter the size of the icons displayed in the Unity launcher.

You can observe the changes in real-time as you adjust the slider.

Completing the Adjustment

To close the System Settings dialog box, simply click the 'X' icon located in the upper-left corner.

The Unity launcher icons will now reflect the newly selected size.

Example of Reduced Icon Size

The image below demonstrates the Unity launcher with smaller icons.

The default icon size is 48 pixels, should you wish to revert to the original settings.