How to Auto Hide the Top Bar in Ubuntu

Discover how to effortlessly hide the top bar in Ubuntu with our comprehensive guide.

Title: How to Auto Hide the Top Bar in Ubuntu:

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to auto hide the top bar in Ubuntu using the GNOME Shell Extension Manager. With this feature enabled, you can maximize your screen real estate and have a cleaner desktop environment. Let's get started!

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution known for its user-friendly interface and customizable features. One of the ways to enhance your Ubuntu experience is by auto-hiding the top bar, also known as the global menu. This feature allows you to have a more immersive workspace by hiding the top bar when it's not in use.

Step 1: Update your system package info

Before we begin, it's essential to ensure that you have the latest software packages installed on your system. To do this, open a terminal and run the following command:

```

sudo apt update

```

This command will update your system's package information, ensuring that you have the most up-to-date software available.

Step 2: Install the GNOME Shell Extension Manager

Next, we need to install the GNOME Shell Extension Manager, which will allow us to manage and customize extensions in Ubuntu. To do this, open your Applications menu and search for "GNOME Shell Extension Manager." Once you find it, click on it to open the application.

When the GNOME Shell Extension Manager opens, you will see a list of available extensions. Look for the "Hide Top Bar" extension and click on the "Install" button next to it. This will install the extension on your system.

Step 3: Auto-hide the Top Bar

Once you have installed the GNOME Shell Extension Manager and the "Hide Top Bar" extension, it's time to configure auto-hiding of the top bar. To do this, simply drag any window near the top bar, and you will notice that the top bar automatically hides itself, giving you more screen real estate.

This auto-hide feature is particularly useful when working with applications that require more vertical space, such as code editors, design tools, or video editing software. It allows you to focus on your work without distractions from the top bar.

Step 4: Customize extension behavior (optional)

If you wish to customize how the "Hide Top Bar" extension behaves, you can follow these additional steps:

1. Open the GNOME Extension Manager.

2. Locate the "Hide Top Bar" extension from the list of installed extensions.

3. Click on the gear icon next to the extension to access its settings.

4. In the settings menu, you can adjust various options to customize the behavior of the extension according to your preferences.

Some of the customization options you may find include the ability to set a delay before the top bar hides, adjust the animation speed, or even choose to show the top bar when a specific key is pressed.

Note: Adjusting Dock position or turning off Panel mode

It's worth mentioning that hiding the top bar may slightly cover the top of your Ubuntu dock. If you encounter this issue, don't worry; there are a couple of solutions available.

First, you can adjust the position of the dock. To do this, right-click on the dock and select "Dock Preferences." In the preferences window, you can choose to move the dock to the left, right, or bottom of the screen. Moving the dock to a different position will prevent it from being covered by the auto-hidden top bar.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to use the dock at all, you can turn off the Panel mode. Panel mode is a feature that allows the dock to appear on top of windows, similar to the top bar. To turn off Panel mode, go to your system settings and navigate to the "Appearance" section. In the "Behavior" tab, you will find an option to toggle Panel mode on or off.

By following these simple steps, you can conveniently auto-hide the top bar in Ubuntu using the GNOME Shell Extension Manager. This allows for a more immersive and clutter-free workspace, giving you the ability to maximize your screen real estate.

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Auto-hiding the top bar is particularly beneficial for users who work with applications that demand more vertical space. It allows you to focus on your tasks without any distractions. Additionally, the ability to customize the behavior of the "Hide Top Bar" extension gives you even more control over your Ubuntu desktop environment.

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So, if you're looking to enhance your Ubuntu experience and create a more streamlined workspace, give auto-hiding the top bar a try. Enjoy maximizing your screen real estate and enjoy a cleaner, more immersive Ubuntu desktop environment!