In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting the default view to ‘List’ in the Nautilus file manager. This is a useful feature for those who prefer a more structured and detailed view of their files. We will explore three different methods to achieve this: resetting folder view preferences, using a terminal command, and using the dconf Editor.
Resetting Folder View Preferences
The first method involves resetting all previous folder view preferences. Here’s how to do it:
- Delete the
~/.local/share/gvfs-metadatafolder. This is where Nautilus stores your folder view preferences. Deleting this folder will reset all your previous preferences. - Open Nautilus. You can do this by searching for ‘Files’ in the Ubuntu Dash or by clicking on the file cabinet icon in the dock.
- Go to
Edit -> Preferences. This will open the Preferences dialog box. - Click on the ‘Views’ tab.
- Look for the option ‘View new folders using’. Change this option to ‘List View’.
By following these steps, you’ll set the default folder view to ‘List’ in Nautilus.
Using Terminal Command
The second method involves using a terminal command. This is a quicker way of changing the default view to ‘List’. Here’s how to do it:
- Open a terminal. You can do this by pressing
Ctrl + Alt + Tor by searching for ‘Terminal’ in the Ubuntu Dash. - Enter the following command:
gsettings set org.gnome.nautilus.preferences default-folder-viewer 'list-view'
In this command, gsettings is a command-line interface to GSettings, which is the system settings service for GNOME. The set option is used to change a key value. The key org.gnome.nautilus.preferences.default-folder-viewer is the one that controls the default folder view in Nautilus. The value 'list-view' sets the default view to ‘List’.
Using dconf Editor
The third method involves using the dconf Editor. This is a powerful tool that allows you to change many settings in GNOME, including the default folder view in Nautilus. Here’s how to do it:
- Install the
dconf-editorpackage if it’s not already installed. You can do this by entering the following command in a terminal:sudo apt-get install dconf-editor - Open dconf Editor. You can do this by searching for ‘dconf Editor’ in the Ubuntu Dash.
- Navigate to
org -> gnome -> nautilus -> preferences. - Look for the key
default-folder-viewer. Change its value to'list-view'.
In this method, dconf-editor is a direct interface to the dconf database that stores system settings. The path org.gnome.nautilus.preferences leads to the Nautilus preferences keys. The key default-folder-viewer is the one that controls the default folder view in Nautilus.
By following any of these three methods, you can easily set the default view to ‘List’ in Nautilus. This will help you to have a more structured and detailed view of your files, making file management easier and more efficient.
Please note that these methods may vary depending on your Ubuntu version and Nautilus version. Always check the official documentation or community forums for the most up-to-date information.
No, the methods mentioned in this article are specific to Ubuntu and the Nautilus file manager. Windows and Mac have their own file managers with different settings and customization options.
No, resetting folder view preferences will not delete your files. It only resets the display preferences for how the files are shown in the Nautilus file manager. Your files will remain intact.
Yes, you can set a different default view for individual folders in Nautilus. Right-click on the folder, select ‘Properties’, go to the ‘List’ tab, and choose the desired view. This will override the default view set in the preferences.
Yes, you can revert back to the default view in Nautilus. Simply go to Edit -> Preferences, click on the ‘Views’ tab, and change the ‘View new folders using’ option to the desired view (e.g., ‘Icon View’ or ‘Compact View’).
No, changing the default view in Nautilus only affects the Nautilus file manager. Other file managers, such as Dolphin or Thunar, have their own settings and preferences that need to be adjusted separately.
Yes, Nautilus allows further customization of the default view. In the Preferences dialog box, go to the ‘Views’ tab and click on the ‘Configure Current View’ button. This will open a window where you can customize sorting options, column visibility, and other display settings.
