12 Best Gnome Shell Extensions

The GNOME Desktop Environment is among the most loved Linux Desktop Environments and with the right Linux tools you can turn it into the perfect one for you.

One way of customizing the DE is by using any of the many extensions available for free – which, apart from taking you steps closer to having an ideal UI/UX, greatly increase your productivity.

Below is our list of the top 12 extensions you can install on the GNOME Desktop.

1. Dash to Dock

Dash to Dock turns the dash from the app overview into a dock and allows you to launch and switch between open applications and desktop windows swiftly. It also comes with other cool features that you are likely to enjoy using.

2. Caffeine

The Caffeine extension allows you to disable the screensaver and auto suspend with a click.

This is perfect for when you are working on stuff that requires you to be away from your PC but you don’t want your PC to go to sleep.

3. User Themes

The User Themes enables you to load themes from your user directory. This makes working with themes a more pleasant experience.

4. OpenWeather

OpenWeather displays weather information using either Open Weather Map or Darksky and it supports almost all world locations.

Read Also: 7 Best Weather Apps for Ubuntu & Linux Mint

If you decide to use Open Weather you can either register for an API key and switch off related settings in the preferences dialog, or use the extension’s default key. If you opt to use Dark Sky then you’ll need to register to get your own API key.

5. Media Player Indicator

Media Player Indicator allows you to control any media player with support for MPRIS Version 2. This includes Rythmbox, Spotify, and any of the awesome Music Player apps that we’ve covered on FossMint.

6. Applications Menu

Applications Menu enables you to add category-based menus by which you can organize your installed applications.

You would like this one if you prefer the Windows 7-type menu activated via the start button.