Ubuntu – 17.04 How to set default window screen position

17.04defaultwindow-manager

Is it possible to set the default window position when an app is opened/launched from coords 0,0 to something else like:

  • (saved) – previously opened coords
  • (custom) custom x,y coords
  • (default) centered x,y of screen

What I've done:
I've modified /org/gtk/settings/file-chooser/window-position to (100,100) as I cannot find any other system setting or option to define windows/apps to open center screen. This doesn't seem to affect anything.

Additionally what used to be at "System Settings > Look and Feel" is no longer present which had an option to choose the default app position as centered.

I am experiencing 3 scenarios:

1) Some of my setting dialogs always open center as desired, for example System Settings dialog.

2) Then I have some apps that seem to remember their position/size as desired, for example Chrome, Vivaldi, System Monitor…

3) But others like the file manager, terminal, thunderbird, dconf editor and more all open in the upper left (0,0) coords which places the drag-able title bar just under my top status bar and it is very difficult to grab and re position these windows.

I am trying to fix scenario #3, muchas gracias =)

Best Answer

To fix scenario #3...

Hold down the ALT key on the keyboard, then left-click-hold-drag the mouse pointer in an open space of the window that's hidden under the top panel. Drag the window to the desired position.

Another solution would be to install Compiz Config Manager, and configure the Place Windows pane to put the windows where you'd like them permanently.

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager
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