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Asked: 2024-09-27T12:17:33+05:30 In:

How can I disable the sidebar in Ubuntu to create a cleaner workspace?

I’ve been trying to set up my workspace in Ubuntu, and I really want to make it as clean and distraction-free as possible. You know how when you open your applications, there’s that sidebar on the left? I find it a bit cluttered and I’d rather not see it while I’m working on my projects. I feel like it takes away from the overall experience, especially when I’m getting into that zone where everything flows smoothly and I just want my screen to be as clear as can be.

I’ve searched through the settings and I’ve found a bunch of options, but nothing seems to quite get me there. I noticed that some people mention using terminal commands, but I’m still a bit hesitant about diving into that. I’m not a complete newbie, but I wouldn’t say I’m a pro either when it comes to the command line. Is it even possible to completely disable the sidebar, or am I stuck just shrinking it down as much as I can?

Sometimes I think it would be awesome to have a full-screen experience without any distractions at all. Like, I could be coding, writing, or even just browsing the web, and it would feel so much more immersive. Plus, it would give me more room for my windows and applications to breathe. I’ve even considered switching to a different environment within Ubuntu, such as GNOME or KDE, but that feels like overkill for what I want to achieve.

So, if you’ve got any tips or tricks on how to fully disable the sidebar, or even just hide it temporarily while I’m working, I’d really appreciate it. I’m all ears for any advice, whether it’s through settings, extensions, or if there’s some handy little command I can run. Honestly, just looking to simplify things and get more focused while I’m at my desk. Thanks in advance for any help!

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    2 Answers


    1. To achieve a cleaner and more distraction-free workspace in Ubuntu, you can easily hide the sidebar (also known as the Dash) temporarily or disable it altogether. If you’re using the GNOME desktop environment, one of the simplest methods is to press the Super key (the Windows logo key) combined with the letter M to minimize all windows and access a full-screen experience. Additionally, you can right-click on the sidebar and select Settings to adjust its behavior, such as disabling the auto-show feature, which allows the sidebar to remain hidden until you hover over the edge of the screen. If you’re comfortable venturing into the terminal, using the command gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock dock-fixed false can prevent the dock from appearing, although make sure to revert with true when you wish to restore its functionality.

      If you find adjusting settings a bit cumbersome, consider using a full-screen mode in the applications you work with. Many code editors, text editors, or web browsers support this feature. Simply hitting F11 while in these applications typically maximizes them to occupy the complete screen, leaving no room for distractions. If you’re looking for further customization, extensions such as Dash to Panel or Dash to Dock can offer additional configurations to tailor the sidebar according to your preference, allowing you to not only hide it but also optimize your workflow with intuitive shortcuts and streamlined access to necessary tools. Experiment with these options to see what best fits your need for a focused environment.




    2. Getting Rid of the Sidebar in Ubuntu

      How to Hide the Sidebar in Ubuntu

      If you want to declutter your workspace in Ubuntu and get rid of that pesky sidebar, you’ve got a few options! The sidebar can be a bit distracting when you’re in the flow of things, right?

      1. Auto-hide the Sidebar

      This won’t completely remove it, but it’ll make it disappear when you’re not using it:

      1. Open the Settings app.
      2. Go to Dock (or Appearance on some versions).
      3. Look for the option that says Auto-hide the Dock and turn it on.

      Now, the sidebar will only show up when you move your mouse to the left edge of the screen!

      2. Using Terminal Commands

      If you want to take it a step further and completely hide the sidebar (but don’t freak out, it’s super easy!), follow these steps:

      1. Open the Terminal (you can find it in your applications).
      2. Type in the following command:
        3. xset r on
      3. Hit Enter, and that should give you a full-screen experience!

      If you’re not comfortable with commands, just stick to the auto-hide option for now.

      3. Full-Screen Mode in Applications

      Most applications have a full-screen mode that you can activate. Usually, you can find this in the menu or by pressing F11. This will hide all distractions from your screen and give you more space to work!

      4. Consider a Different Desktop Environment

      If you’re still not satisfied and feel adventurous, you could try out other desktop environments like KDE Plasma or Xfce. They can offer a more customizable and distraction-free experience. Just remember, this might require a little setup.

      So, give these tips a try! It’s all about finding what works best for you and your workflow. Happy coding!


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