Questions tagged [workspaces]

A tool for multitasking in Ubuntu giving users several virtual desktops. Questions on setting up, turning off, customizing and working with workspaces are appropriate.

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195 votes
10 answers
185k views

How can I reduce or increase the number of workspaces in Unity?

I was reading about how to get multiple workspaces in the mutter version of Unity, however since Compiz is replacing Mutter how do I go about adding and removing workspaces in Compiz version of Unity?
Marco Ceppi's user avatar
  • 48.1k
78 votes
3 answers
21k views

How can I configure the Ubuntu Dock to show windows only from the current workspace?

I would like my Dock to show only the windows of the current workspace. Especially in the little preview window. I find it very confusing to jump around workspaces when trying to find the right window....
kerner1000's user avatar
  • 4,220
246 votes
7 answers
59k views

Force alt + tab to switch only on current workspace in GNOME shell

I am looking for a clean and fast method to force GNOME in Ubuntu 14.04 to switch between active apps only on the current workspace when pressing the shortcut alt + tab.
daniel451's user avatar
  • 7,403
85 votes
8 answers
88k views

Is it possible to have a different background for each workspace?

I normally use 4 different workspaces for different things, and they are always the same. Can I make a different background image for each one of them? I would like an answer that works for GNOME 3 ...
Alvar's user avatar
  • 17.1k
42 votes
2 answers
27k views

Can I have 2x2 workspaces in GNOME 3?

I have just upgraded to Ubuntu 17.10 and found out there is no option to have 2 by 2 workspaces. I was able to configure 4 "static" workspaces using GNOME Tweak Tool, but I would like to have them in ...
Juraj.Lorinc's user avatar
81 votes
8 answers
86k views

How do I add and remove the Workspace Switcher launcher from the Unity launcher?

How can I remove the Workspace Switcher launcher from the Unity dock?
mike's user avatar
  • 811
398 votes
6 answers
525k views

How do I turn on workspaces? (Why do I only have one workspace?)

It appears that Unity on Raring only comes with a single virtual desktop (aka workspaces) by default, and CCSM's Wall plugin has no way to add more. Is this configurable at all?
Bo Dang Ren's user avatar
  • 5,644
35 votes
3 answers
33k views

Open application in specific workspace

I would like to have some applications always appear in a specific workspace. For example: I would like my mp3 player on the bottom left workspace, and terminal application on the bottom right one; I ...
Anders's user avatar
  • 353
65 votes
4 answers
104k views

Multiple workspaces on Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS and later with GNOME Shell

Any idea how to have more than 2 workspaces on Ubuntu 18.04.1?
R.Mak's user avatar
  • 651
46 votes
8 answers
25k views

How can I make gnome-shell treat both monitors in the same way?

Gnome-shell seems to like to leave one monitor as "fixed" when you switch workspaces. Additionally, there is no preview in the Activities view of my secondary monitor. Also, on the second monitor, ...
Alex's user avatar
  • 2,044
71 votes
7 answers
143k views

Touchpad gestures to change workspace

I was talking to a friend who owns a Mac. He has his set up so that when he swipes three fingers across his touchpad, it moves to the workspace in that direction. Is it possible to set this up in ...
superbriggs's user avatar
  • 1,307
52 votes
4 answers
20k views

Setting to only show applications of current workspace in launcher?

Is it possible to have the opened applications of the current workspace in the launcher but not the ones from other workspaces?
user165749's user avatar
20 votes
1 answer
3k views

How to get a different Unity Launcher with different icons on each workspace?

I read through the various answers to having separate desktop folders in each Workspace using Screenlets, devilspie, or CCSM ... but that's not the answer to my question. I installed 14.04 LTS a few ...
Dennis J's user avatar
  • 203
13 votes
1 answer
9k views

What is a "viewport"? What about a "workspace"?

Is a viewport different from a workspace? What's the distinction? It seems like the terms get used interchangeably. I'm trying to accomplish something that other people have been stabbing at for a ...
Amanda's user avatar
  • 9,333
8 votes
3 answers
2k views

Is there a script (or software) to open an application window on a specific viewport and position?

So, I have 8 virtual Desktops in Unity (with Compiz) because I have many projects I'm working on simultaneously. Problem is, every time I need to reboot or accidentally close Chrome (which ...
orion3's user avatar
  • 405
78 votes
5 answers
79k views

Multiple monitors, multiple workspaces?

I connected my laptop to my LCD. Using the laptop display hotkey I can switch between different modes - only laptop monitor on, only LCD monitor on, both on and display the same view, both on and the ...
David B's user avatar
  • 11.1k
30 votes
6 answers
44k views

Is there a command to go a specific workspace?

I'm trying to make a quicklist on the Workspace Switcher launcher that allows for quick switching to a certain workspace. (My friend sometimes uses my computer and just doesn't enjoy keyboard ...
Leron's user avatar
  • 1,660
30 votes
2 answers
4k views

Can I have a window showing small live preview of another workspace?

Is it possible to mirror a live section of one workspace so that it is visible in the current workspace as a window that can be moved around? The other day I had a Windows 10 VM running on my Ubuntu ...
AnthonyK's user avatar
  • 651
13 votes
4 answers
10k views

How can I tell what workspace I am in with Unity?

Long time user of Ubuntu struggling to use Unity here.... I am running Unity 2D and can click on the workspace launcher icon to switch to a different workspace. However if I just walk up to a system, ...
Dave's user avatar
  • 3,647
143 votes
3 answers
271k views

How do I quickly switch between workspaces in unity?

I'm using Ubuntu 11.10 with Unity and would like to switch between workspaces with a keyboard shortcut. Is there any way to achieve this?
js-coder's user avatar
  • 2,247
33 votes
5 answers
35k views

Is there a way to get a workspace grid in Gnome 3.x, Gnome 40, Gnome 41, Gnome 42, Gnome 43?

Is there any setting/plugin/hack/workaround that will allow me to run Ubuntu with the Gnome 3.x/Gnome Shell desktop while retaining a rectangular 2x2 or n x m workspace grid instead of the default ...
Rasmus's user avatar
  • 8,355
18 votes
7 answers
20k views

how to shift applications from workspace 1 to 2 using command

Is there any way I can switch the application running in one workspace to another on command line? I use Ubuntu 10.04 UPDATE1 As per suggestions below wmctrl -l 0x02200003 -1 bond Bottom ...
Registered User's user avatar
12 votes
3 answers
5k views

How to move all windows to another workspace

Is is possible to move all windows (or all not minimized windows) form one workspace to another? I know I can move one window to other workspace with Shift+Ctrl+Alt+arrow, but it will move only that ...
betatester07's user avatar
  • 1,247
17 votes
3 answers
15k views

Can't switch workspaces

I can't switch workspaces using the panel or the shortcut[Ctrl+alt+left/right>]. When I click on the workspace panel, there is no response. How do i fix this problem?
infoquad's user avatar
  • 857
179 votes
6 answers
119k views

Dual monitor workspaces in Ubuntu 18.04

Dual monitor setup on Ubuntu 18.04; when I hit activities only the left monitor switches workspaces while the right monitor just keeps whatever is on its screen. Is there a way to make the workspace ...
Alex's user avatar
  • 1,935
35 votes
3 answers
27k views

How do I script to open a set of programs each on specific workspace?

I looked around for a while and could not figure out the answer to my following problem: I have a setup of six desktops on Ubuntu 12.04 with Unity. On start up, every morning, I go through a routine ...
Jahn's user avatar
  • 351
16 votes
2 answers
923 views

How can I automatically add workspaces, only if I need them?

Assume I am using 4 workspaces and I incidentally need more, is there an automated process or, if impossible, an easy way to incidentally add more workspaces (instead of installing Ubuntu tweak etc. ...
kernel_panic's user avatar
  • 11.7k
13 votes
4 answers
8k views

How to add multiple workspaces in Unity 2D?

In Unity 2D there isn't any multiple workspaces. How can add more than that 1?
user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
3k views

Is it possible to pin programs to specific workspaces, without CCSM?

I'm running 11.10. Is there a way of setting certain applications to always open on a specified workspace? I have noticed that most people suggest using CompizConfig Settings Manager, but this can ...
GreenImp's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
2k views

Make wmctrl ignore other-than-current workspace's windows

I rely on wmctrl a lot to switch between windows, basically to avoid typing alt-tab many times. I've always used one workspace but now I want to begin using more than one. I was wondering if it is ...
ivotron's user avatar
  • 303
7 votes
1 answer
3k views

How to automatically start programs in specific workspaces on start up

I would like to add a command at the rc.d system by which, when ubuntu starts it will run different program at different workspaces.I.e:workspace 1: chrome,workspace 2:thunderbird.How could this be ...
curious's user avatar
  • 183
7 votes
2 answers
4k views

Workspace stays fixed on external monitor when switching workspace

Im using ubuntu 11.10, running, and loving, the gnome3 interface. I am running an optimus enabled laptop with bumblebee. i just figured out how to put the top panel on my external monitor (...
Fawkes5's user avatar
  • 2,509
26 votes
4 answers
9k views

How to show only opened apps in the current workspace on unity?

I've never been a "workspace user" but now I'm starting to feel the need to separate my work.. Is it possible, on unity, to only show apps on the running on the current workspace? An example of what ...
sergio91pt's user avatar
  • 2,942
21 votes
3 answers
9k views

13.04 - more than four workspace shortcuts in GNOME Flashback (No effects)

I'm using GNOME Flashback (No effects) on Ubuntu 13.04 and I've got six workspaces however when entering System Settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> Navigation I only see options to address the ...
Samus_'s user avatar
  • 1,118
17 votes
3 answers
15k views

What is the Compiz option "Number of Desktops" for?

What is the Number of Desktops setting for in CompizConfigSettingsManager > General Options > Desktop Size? There are options for Horizontal/Vertical Virtual Size which change the size of your ...
idbrii's user avatar
  • 3,162
17 votes
2 answers
20k views

How do I get grid workspaces in ubuntu 20.04?

I know that I have to use some tweaking tool and then a extension for this. But all extensions that are suggested for this(Workspace grid, Workspace matrix), aren't available in the software center.
Whack's user avatar
  • 421
17 votes
6 answers
10k views

Ctrl + Alt + Arrow key doesn't switch workspaces

My Ctrl+Alt+Arrow key fails to switch my workspace, but this is only true if NumLock is on I press Ctrl followed by the Alt key I'm using the left Alt key I'm logged in as me (as opposed to a guest) ...
Noah's user avatar
  • 220
14 votes
6 answers
9k views

Workplace switcher stopped working in Ubuntu 16.04

I was using workplace switching for a long time and it suddenly stopped working today. Even after a fresh install, (some config left over as I preserved my /home folder). Super + S still raises to ...
Wylie Кулик's user avatar
11 votes
2 answers
2k views

How can I lock an application (and all its new windows) into a specific workspace?

I run a MATLAB script in workspace 1. This generates several plots. In the mean time I switch to workspace 2 and work there. My problem is that the plots are popping up in workspace 2. Is it possible ...
Mokus's user avatar
  • 4,502
11 votes
3 answers
12k views

How to switch workspace with mouse wheel in Unity

I had this feature in 11.10 after using a tweak by Ubuntu tweak. The new version for 12.04 seems not to have this tweak. How can I get this tweak?
Mysterio's user avatar
  • 12k
7 votes
3 answers
7k views

Initialize start-up applications in certain workspaces?

Is it possible to set start-up applications to initialize in certain workspaces? I'd like to not have to manually distribute my start-up applications across my numerous workspaces every time I boot up ...
Dodgie's user avatar
  • 261
7 votes
5 answers
8k views

How do I set the number of workspaces without CCSM?

It's been an issue for quite some time to set the number of different desktops (or workspaces if you like) in the new Ubuntu Natty Narwhal (using unity). Some guys figured out a way to overcome it ...
Royi Freifeld's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
805 views

How to show Unity launcher in only one workspace?

I want to keep launcher active only in main workspace. E.g. I like to keep Citrix window in full display mode without launcher (in workspace II).
Bugger_man's user avatar
5 votes
0 answers
299 views

How to prevent applications from separate workspaces all landing on a single workspace upon a (un)docking event or when connecting a beamer via VGA?

Now that finally docking seems to be fully supported on my system, hurray!, I can address a relatively minor issue (or even a bug ?): Normally, I have (all) four workspaces populated with my standard ...
nutty about natty's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
557 views

Multiple workspace wallpapers without using ccsm

Is there any way to have a different background for each workspace without using CCSM? I've read a few horror stories and would rather avoid it if possible. I'm using Raring Ringtail (13.04)
user165340's user avatar
35 votes
2 answers
4k views

Chrome Slow in 16.10 with multiple windows in different workspaces

To reproduce: open chrome, open a new window (ctrl-n), move that window to a different workspace, use chrome normally (i.e. open and close new tabs, type into omnibar). Google Chrome will behave ...
rump roast's user avatar
32 votes
4 answers
37k views

Can I drag a window onto another workspace?

I just updated to 11.04, now if I drag a window to the side of the workspace, the window is maximized to half of the screen. is there a way to move it to another workspace with the mouse? I know you ...
Andrea Zonca's user avatar
32 votes
5 answers
19k views

Turning off the transition animation when changing workspaces in Compiz (GNOME2/UNITY)

By default, the transition from one virtual desktop to another one under GNOME2 in Ubuntu 11.04 is visualized with a sliding animation. How can I turn that animation off?
Thomas's user avatar
  • 363
18 votes
1 answer
12k views

Can I set up 2 monitors to be 2 separate Gnome virtual desktops instead of one big?

If I plug an external CRT to my laptop, it normally either displays the same picture as the laptop's panel, or extends the desktop area. But I'd like it to be a separate virtual desktop (a workspace, ...
Ivan's user avatar
  • 57k
18 votes
2 answers
38k views

add workspaces with gnome classic and ubuntu 14.04

I'm using Ubuntu 14.04 with gnome classic. I want to add 4 workspaces. I right click into the workspaces (left-bottom) and go to preferences. I change the number of workspaces from 1 to 4 and close ...
Mateu's user avatar
  • 283