How To Remove Workspace Switcher from Unity Launcher

Unity Launcher is a user-friendly application launcher and dock that comes with Ubuntu. One of the features it includes is the Workspace Switcher, which allows users to switch between multiple workspaces. However, not all users find this feature useful. If you’re one of them, this article will guide you on how to remove the Workspace Switcher from the Unity Launcher.

Understanding the Workspace Switcher

The Workspace Switcher is a handy tool that allows you to manage your workspace efficiently. It provides a visual representation of your workspaces and lets you switch between them with ease. However, if you’re someone who doesn’t use multiple workspaces or prefers a cleaner look for your Unity Launcher, you might want to remove this feature.

Removal Methods for Different Ubuntu Versions

The process of removing the Workspace Switcher varies depending on the version of Ubuntu you’re using. Let’s go through the methods for different versions:

Ubuntu 14.04 and Newer LTS Releases

For these versions, the process is quite straightforward:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Click on Appearance.
3. Uncheck the Enable workspaces option.

This will remove the Workspace Switcher from the Unity Launcher. However, you can still switch between workspaces using the Super+S keyboard shortcut.

Ubuntu 13.04

For Ubuntu 13.04, you’ll need to use the terminal:

1. Open the terminal.
2. Execute the following command:

gsettings set com.canonical.Unity.Launcher favorites "['application://nautilus.desktop', 'application://chromium-browser.desktop', 'application://ubuntu-software-center.desktop', 'application://ubuntuone-installer.desktop', 'application://ubuntu-amazon-default.desktop', 'application://UbuntuOneMusiconeubuntucom.desktop', 'application://gnome-control-center.desktop', 'unity://running-apps', 'unity://devices']"

This command modifies the list of favorite applications in the Unity Launcher. It removes 'unity://expo-icon', which is the Workspace Switcher.

Ubuntu 12.10 and Later

For these versions, you can use the terminal to set the number of virtual desktops to one, effectively removing the Workspace Switcher:

1. Open the terminal.
2. Execute the following commands:

gsettings set org.compiz.core:/org/compiz/profiles/unity/plugins/core/ hsize 1
gsettings set org.compiz.core:/org/compiz/profiles/unity/plugins/core/ vsize 1

Here, hsize and vsize represent the horizontal and vertical size of your workspace grid. Setting them to 1 means you’ll have only one workspace, thus removing the need for a switcher.

Ubuntu 11.10 and Ubuntu 2D

For these versions, you’ll need to edit a system file:

1. Open the terminal.
2. Execute the following command to open the file in a text editor:

sudo nano /usr/share/unity-2d/launcher/Launcher.qml

3. Find the line items.appendModel(workspaces); and remove it.
4. Save and close the file.

This method removes the Workspace Switcher from the Unity Launcher by modifying the system file that controls its appearance.

Conclusion

Removing the Workspace Switcher from the Unity Launcher can help declutter your desktop and streamline your workflow, especially if you don’t use multiple workspaces. Remember to follow the instructions carefully, and always back up your system before making any changes. Happy computing!