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Asked: 2024-09-23T18:10:34+05:30 In: ,

How can I set a keyboard shortcut to maximize a window to full screen without covering the Unity dock in Ubuntu?

I’m in a bit of a bind here and hoping someone out there can help me out. I’ve been trying to figure out how to create a keyboard shortcut in Ubuntu that lets me maximize my windows to full screen without covering up the Unity dock. It’s driving me a little nuts, to be honest.

I mean, I love the efficiency of using keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse—way faster for switching between tasks, right? But every time I maximize a window, I feel like I’m losing access to my dock, and that kind of defeats the purpose of having everything right there at my fingertips. And let’s be real, I don’t want to click on the dock every time I need to switch apps just because some program decided it needed full screen. It’s kind of frustrating.

I tried looking into the settings to see if there was an out-of-the-box solution, but I didn’t have much luck. I’ve checked the keyboard settings and played around with the window management options a bit, but nothing seems to really give me the control I need. I’ve also considered using CompizConfig Settings Manager, but I’ve heard that it can be a bit of a rabbit hole if you aren’t careful.

Honestly, I’m sure I’m not the only one with this issue, and I think there must be someone out there who’s figured out a way around it. If you’ve got any tips on how to set this up—maybe a specific command I should use or if there’s a script I can run—I’d really appreciate it! I’d love to keep my workspace tidy without sacrificing the ease of access to my dock. Come on, Ubuntu community, help me out here! I want to be able to maximize windows to full screen like a pro, but I also want my dock right there, ready to go! Looking forward to hearing your suggestions!

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    2 Answers


    1. To create a keyboard shortcut in Ubuntu that allows you to maximize windows to full screen without covering the Unity dock, you can utilize the built-in window management features of Ubuntu. First, go to Settings > Keyboard Shortcuts. Look for the option related to window management, specifically the one for ‘Maximize Window’ or ‘Toggle Full Screen’. You can set this to a shortcut of your choice, but instead of using classic maximize, consider using Alt + F10 to toggle the maximization while preserving the visibility of the dock. If this option doesn’t suit you, you can explore setting the window’s size manually using a terminal command such as wmctrl, or using tools like devilspie to customize window behaviors based on specific criteria.

      If you’re open to using CompizConfig, which can provide advanced effects and features, make sure to install it first. You can create custom commands or bindings to alter how windows behave when maximized. Be cautious, however, as Compiz configuration can be tricky and might lead to unintended results if not handled properly. As an alternative, if you don’t find the settings you need directly, consider using a script with xdotool to manipulate window positions dynamically. You might write a simple script to maximize a window while keeping it under the dock’s area, and then bind that script to a keyboard shortcut of your choice. This setup should help maintain your workflow without losing access to your essential applications in the dock.




    2. Help with Ubuntu Keyboard Shortcuts

      Maximizing Windows Without Covering the Unity Dock in Ubuntu

      Ah, the struggle is real! I totally get what you’re going through. It’s super annoying when your windows take up the whole screen, and you can’t access the Unity dock. But don’t worry, there’s hope!

      Here’s one way to deal with it:

      1. Use the keyboard shortcut: Instead of maximizing just by hitting the maximize button, try using Super + Up Arrow to maximize your window. This will still take it full screen, but we’ll tweak things a bit next.
      2. Make it a little smaller: After using that shortcut, you can hold down Alt and then drag the window from the title bar to adjust its size. This way you can keep the dock visible while having your apps open!
      3. Consider CompizConfig: I know you’ve been a bit wary of CompizConfig Settings Manager, but it can be really useful. Just be cautious and maybe just tweak one thing at a time! Look for “Window Management” and then try to adjust the settings for how windows are maximized. You might find an option to not cover the dock.

      Scripts & Commands:

      If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try writing a small script that resizes windows for you automatically when you trigger it with a shortcut. But honestly, that might be more hassle than it’s worth if you’re new to this! Just tweaking the size like mentioned above could save you a lot of headache.

      Also, don’t forget to check out the keyboard settings again after any changes. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are hiding in plain sight.

      Final Thoughts:

      Even though the keyboard shortcuts can be quick, don’t hesitate to use your mouse for precision when needed. As you get more comfortable, you’ll figure out what works best for your setup. Keep at it, and soon you might be maximizing like a pro, all while your dock is sitting pretty!

      Hope this helps you keep that workspace tidy!


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