22 Best Gnome Shell Extensions

Gnome Shell is one of the most popular desktop environments on Linux and other *nix operating systems. The latest version, Gnome 3.18, is even better with a host of new features and improvements on board.

While it is not without its haters, it has been proven to be very usable and productive for most users. But truth be told, the default configuration on Gnome 3 isn’t entirely satisfactory with many users pointing out it’s lack of customisation options. Thankfully, there are many extensions which will extend the functionality of the Gnome Shell to a significant extent.

Here are 22 of the best Gnome Shell Extensions

1. Dash to Dock

rsz_dash-to-dock

This extension transform the Dash in Gnome 3’s activities overview into a highly configurable Dock which you can place anywhere on your desktop. This Dock allows you to launch or switch applications faster than ever.

Get it here

2. Pomodoro Timer

rsz_gnome-pomodoro

If you’re a staunch user of the Pomodoro technique, you will find this extension very useful. It helps you increase productivity by dividing your time into blocks and reminding you to take short breaks. You can read more about Pomodoro Technique here.

Get it here

3.Clipboard Indicator

rsz_clipboard

This extension simply integrates a clipboard manager with the Gnome Shell which caches clipboard history allowing you to select from and paste up to 50 entries.

Get it Here

4. Refresh Wi-Fi connections

rsz_refresh-wifi

Gnome 3 does not have a way to search for new Wi-Fi connections by default but you can easily add that functionality by installing this extension.

Get it here

5. Drop Down Terminal

rsz_dropdown-terminal

Improve your terminal experience by installing this fantastic extension which allows you to toggle a drop down terminal with a keyboard shortcut. This one is a must have!

Get it here

6. Open Weather

rsz_open-weather

Open Weather brings a weather forecast from openweathermap.org or forecast.io straight to your gnome desktop. You can customise it’s appearance in the settings such as where it appears on the panel, Temperature and Wind Speed units, default weather provider, etc.

Get it here

7. Cover flow Alt-tab

rsz_coverflow-alt-tab

This one exists for purely aesthetic purposes. It changes the behaviour of the alt-tab combination to iterate through windows in a coverflow manner.

Get it here

8. NetSpeed

rsz_netspeed

NetSpeed does a very simple job. It shows you the current speed of your internet connection.

Get it here

9. Skype Integration

rsz_skype

Use Skype? You’ll love this Gnome 3 extension which allows you to use shell notifications for new messages, find contacts and even change your online presence.

Get it here

10. Disable Workspace Switcher Popup

If you are often annoyed by the popup that displays on screen when switching between workspaces, you can disable that too with this neat extension.

Get it here

11. User Themes

Want to customise your Gnome 3 experience by installing shell themes? You’ll need this extension before anything can work. You can get custom Gnome 3 themes at Gnome Look.

Get it here

12. Media Player Indicator

rsz_media-player-indicator

This extension gives you easy access to the controls of several media players such as Clementine, Rhythmbox, Audacious and more.

Get it here

13. Todo.txt

rsz_todotxt

This extension integrates todo.txt with the Gnome shell allowing you to create or delete tasks and mark them as completed.

Get it here

14. Applications Menu

rsz_applications-menu

This extension adds a traditional category-based menu to Gnome 3. It is installed by default but you must use the Gnome Tweak tool to enable it.

Get it here

15. Activities Configurator

You can configure the appearance of the ‘activities button’ and the panel with this extension. Simply install it and open the settings using the Tweak tool to view all the available options.

Get it here

16. Places Status Indicator

rsz_places

This extension adds a menu for quickly navigating between mount points in the system.

Get it here

17. Project Hamster Extension

rsz_project-hamster

Project Hamster extension for Gnome 3 allows you to track the time spent on different activities the easy way. Great for productivity.

Get it here

18. EasyScreenCast

rsz_easy-screen-recorder

This fantastic extension allows you to record screencasts of your gnome desktop or even a selected window or area on your screen. It can also record audio as well.

Get it here

19. Caffeine

rsz_1caffiene

Caffeine prevents your computer from suspending (going into sleep mode) automatically.

Get it here

20. Auto Move Windows

This extension allows you to organise your desktop by moving windows to predefined workspaces automatically as soon as they are opened.

Get it here

21. Workspaces to Dock

workspace-dock

Similar to Dash to Dock, Workspaces to Dock transforms the workspace thumbnails in the activities overview into a dock on your desktop.

Get it here

22. Dynamic Top Bar

This extension makes the top bar behave similar to Wingpanel in Pantheon. It simply makes the top bar transparent unless a window is maximised, then it goes opaque again.

Get it here.

SEE ALSO: 30 Best Linux Apps and Software

Let us know if we missed out on your favourite Gnome Shell extension in the comments section below.

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