How can I configure Unity's launcher auto-hide behavior?

Question

This has been a major irk with Unity for me since it's release, and I was wondering if there were any plans to make the launcher auto-hide. Especially on Netbooks, where screens are small, the launcher is quite wide, making it difficult for some websites and other apps to display properly.

Answer 1

The Unity launcher has an auto-hide option that is enabled by default. Lee's answer has the details. It has a few options:

• Never - The launcher will never hide.
• Autohide - The launcher will hide automatically based on time.
• Dodge Windows - The launcher will hide when a window would overlay it.
• Dodge Active Window - The launcher will hide only when an active window would overlay it.

This question has information on how to configure the different modes of Unity:

• How can I configure Unity?

Answer 2

You can disable the autohide feature of the Unity launcher by following these simple steps:

• Install the CompizConfig Settings Manager package via the Ubuntu Software Centre

• Once installed, open the settings manager and scroll down until you see the 'Ubuntu Unity Plugin' which is located in the Desktop category.

• Set 'Hide Launcher' to 'Never'.

• The settings will have automatically applied and the launcher will now be locked in place.