Table of Contents
Overview of GNOME
GNOME is one of the most popular desktop environments for Linux. It focuses on simplicity, minimalism, and staying out of your way. Most major distributions offer a GNOME edition (Ubuntu, Fedora Workstation, Debian, etc.).
Key characteristics:
- Clean, distraction‑free interface
- Keyboard‑friendly workflow
- Strong integration with GTK applications
- Consistent design and settings across apps
This chapter focuses on how to use GNOME as a beginner, not how to install or manage it.
The GNOME Desktop Layout
When you log into a GNOME session, you typically see:
- A top bar (panel) across the screen
- A background wallpaper
- No desktop icons by default (some distributions enable them)
The Top Bar
The top bar is divided into three main areas:
- Left:
Activities(or distribution logo) - Center: Current window title (or application name) when a window is focused
- Right: System status area
The Activities Button / Hot Corner
Clicking Activities (or moving your mouse to the top‑left “hot corner”) opens the Activities Overview, where you see:
- Current windows
- Workspaces
- The dash (favorite applications)
- The application grid
You can also open the Overview with:
Superkey (often the Windows logo key)Superagain to toggle back
System Status Area (Top Right)
The right side of the top bar shows:
- Network status
- Sound volume
- Battery level (on laptops)
- Clock and calendar
- User session menu
Click the system status area to:
- Adjust volume and output device
- Connect to Wi‑Fi or VPN
- Enable
Do Not Disturb - Switch power profiles (on supported systems)
- Lock the screen, log out, or power off
Click the clock to open:
- A calendar popup
- Upcoming events (if calendar integration is enabled)
- World clocks (if configured)
Activities Overview and Workspaces
The Activities Overview is central to GNOME’s workflow.
Opening the Overview
Use any of these:
- Press
Super - Move mouse to top‑left hot corner
- Click
Activitieson the top bar
Windows and Workspaces
In the Overview, you see:
- Middle: Open windows on the current workspace
- Right side (or bottom, depending on version): Workspaces list
- Left side/bottom: Dash (dock‑like favorites bar)
Workspaces are virtual desktops that help you separate tasks.
Basic actions:
- Switch workspace with
Super + PgUp/PgDnorCtrl + Alt + ↑/↓(varies by distro/config) - Drag a window in the Overview to another workspace
- A new workspace is usually created automatically when you use the last one
The Dash and Application Grid
GNOME uses two major elements for launching apps: the dash and the app grid.
The Dash (Favorite Apps)
In the Overview, the dash appears as a bar with icons. On some distributions (e.g., Ubuntu), it is always visible on the left side of the screen.
Dash features:
- Shows your favorite applications
- Shows running applications with an indicator (dot) under them
- Lets you pin/unpin apps
To add/remove favorites:
- Right‑click an application icon
- Choose
Add to FavoritesorRemove from Favorites
Application Grid
Open the application grid by:
- Clicking the grid of dots icon in the dash
- Pressing
Superand thenSuper + A(on some configurations)
You’ll see:
- All installed graphical applications
- Folders grouping apps (Office, Utilities, etc.)
You can:
- Drag an app from the grid to the dash to favorite it
- Drag apps on top of each other to create folders (in recent GNOME versions)
Searching for Applications
The fastest way to start an app:
- Press
Superto open Overview. - Start typing the app name, e.g.,
firefox. - Press
Enterto launch the highlighted result.
Search also covers:
- Settings panels
- Files (depending on configuration)
- System actions (e.g.,
power off)
GNOME Settings
GNOME provides a centralized settings application usually called Settings (or GNOME Settings).
Open it via:
- Application grid →
Settings - Clicking system status →
Settings/Wrenchicon - Typing
settingsin the Overview search
Key sections you’ll commonly use:
- Wi‑Fi / Network: Connect to internet, VPN, wired connections
- Bluetooth: Pair headphones, keyboards, etc.
- Appearance: Light/dark style, accent color (on some distros), application theme basics
- Background: Change wallpaper
- Displays: Resolution, scaling, external monitors, orientation
- Keyboard: Layouts, shortcuts
- Mouse & Touchpad: Sensitivity, tap‑to‑click, natural scrolling
- Users: Change password, manage login options (within what your distribution permits)
- Power: Sleep, screen blanking, lid actions
As a beginner you rarely need to edit configuration files; most common options are available in this GUI.
GNOME Files (File Manager)
GNOME’s default file manager is Files (also known as Nautilus).
Launch it from:
- The dash (folder icon)
- App grid →
Files
Basic features:
- Sidebar: Quick access to
Home,Desktop,Downloads, external drives, network locations - Location bar: Shows current path; you can click segments or type a path
- Views: Icon view and list view toggle
- Tabs and windows:
Ctrl + Tfor new tab,Ctrl + Nfor new window - Search:
Ctrl + Fto search in the current location
Common keyboard actions:
- Copy:
Ctrl + C - Paste:
Ctrl + V - Cut (move):
Ctrl + X - Delete to trash:
Delete - Permanently delete (sometimes):
Shift + Delete - Rename file:
F2
Right‑click menus give you options like:
Open With…New FolderProperties(shows size, location, permissions)
GNOME Applications and Integration
GNOME includes a set of “core” applications designed to integrate visually and functionally:
Examples (names may vary by distro):
Files– file managerWeb(Epiphany) – web browserTerminal– command line terminalCalendar,Contacts,Maps,WeatherMusic,Videos,PhotosSoftware– software manager
Common integration features:
- Unified look and feel (header bars, consistent layout)
- Use of GNOME’s notification system
- Support for system dark/light style
- Sharing data via GNOME Online Accounts (if configured)
GNOME Notifications and Do Not Disturb
GNOME shows notifications near the top of the screen.
Basic behavior:
- Notifications briefly appear, then slide into the clock area
- Some can be interacted with (e.g., reply to messages, dismiss)
Do Not Disturb:
- Click the system status area
- Toggle
Do Not Disturbon/off - When enabled, notifications are silenced and not shown on screen
GNOME Keyboard Shortcuts
GNOME is designed to be efficient with the keyboard. Some useful default shortcuts (may vary slightly by distro):
- Open Activities Overview:
Super - Application grid: Often
SuperthenSuper + A - Switch applications:
Super + Tab - Switch windows of the same app:
Alt +(backtick) orSuper + ~(varies) - Close window:
Super + QorAlt + F4(depends on distro) - Maximize:
Super + ↑ - Restore/unmaximize:
Super + ↓ - Snap left/right:
Super + ←/Super + → - Lock screen:
Super + L - Take screenshot:
Print Screen(often opens GNOME’s screenshot tool)
You can view or change shortcuts in:
Settings→Keyboard→Keyboard Shortcuts
Basic Customization
GNOME aims for a simple, consistent default, but you can customize some aspects.
Appearance and Theme Basics
From Settings → Appearance (or Background + related options, depending on GNOME version):
- Choose light or dark style (if available)
- Set application and shell style (in some distros)
- Change accent color (where supported)
- Modify interface size with scaling (for HiDPI screens) under
Displays
Extensions and Tweaks (Concept Only)
Many users extend GNOME using:
- GNOME Extensions – small add‑ons that modify behavior (e.g., system tray, dash style)
- GNOME Tweaks – a separate tool for advanced interface options
Each distribution handles these differently; installing and managing them is typically done via your software center or web browser plus package manager.
As a beginner, focus on learning the default workflow first; customize later once you’re comfortable.
Using GNOME on Wayland vs Xorg (High-Level)
Modern GNOME typically runs on Wayland by default, with Xorg as an optional session.
At login, you may see:
GNOME(Wayland)GNOME on Xorg
From a basic user perspective:
- Applications and desktop behavior are mostly the same
- Wayland offers better security and smoother handling on some hardware
- Some older applications or screen‑sharing tools may work better on Xorg
If you encounter compatibility issues (e.g., unusual screen sharing problems), you can log out and select the other session type at the login screen.
Getting Help for GNOME
For GNOME-specific help:
- Built‑in help: Open
Helpor pressF1in some GNOME applications - Distribution documentation: Many distros include GNOME usage guides in their help systems
- GNOME’s official docs: Search for “GNOME Help” or “GNOME User Documentation” online
As you explore other chapters in this course, you’ll see how GNOME complements the command line and underlying system tools rather than replacing them.