It is no secret that I do not like the default GNOME 3 desktop, not because everything about it is bad, but because the default setting does to rhyme with how I interact with my desktop or how I like to interact with my desktop.

Consequently, I have not even bothered to install a distribution running GNOME 3 in its default state on a “production” boxen, other than for review purposes only. But while preparing a review of Mageia 2 (should be published today), I came across an extension that could just make me a believer and user of GNOME 3.

The extension is called Panel-Docklet by a coder who goes by the name Jodli. The extension is at version 13. This tutorial shows how I installed and modified its default settings to suit my needs. Installing it involves the same process as installing any other GNOME 3 extension.

That means visiting https://extensions.gnome.org/. At the time of writing this tutorial, the extension is on the first page of the list of extensions on that website. Flip the switch to left of the screen to install it (you will be prompted to authenticate). When installed, the switch should change from OFF to ON.



After successful installation, you should see the Settings window, with the Welcome tab in focus. Closing the window without modifying any setting will give you a default Panel-Docklet located in the (top) panel.



Right-clicking on the box (the extension’s icon) will show a menu containing all the application icons on the default GNOME 3 desktop dock. Which just means that t is no longer necessary to access the default dock. But I did not like the new extension’s position, so I selected Settings.



And clicked on the Box – placing tab. From the Screen-position menu, I selected Bottom, and enabled Box size depends on number of icons.



Now, the extension sits at the bottom of the desktop. In other words, the desktop now has a top and a bottom panel. But I want it to occupy the entire length of the bottom edge, so I opened Settings again.



And clicked on the Preconfigurations tab. The Panel option gives me the look I want.



And here it is.



Right-clicking on an application’s icon on the panel opens a context menu, From there, I can open a new window of the application, pin it to the Favorites, and a few other options.



Right-clicking on the Box, the extension’s icon still gives me access to the icons on the default dock (Favirotes). Hope you like it as much as I do.

