Ubuntu – How to move the “Show Applications” icon in Ubuntu Dock

I found a way to do that:

1. Open a terminal and install wmctrl:

   sudo apt-get install wmctrl
   

2. Create a shell script named show-desktop.sh (I put it in my home folder)

   gedit ~/show-desktop.sh
   

   place this code in there:

   #!/bin/bash
   status="$(wmctrl -m | grep "showing the desktop" | sed -r 's/(.*)(ON|OFF)/\2/g')"
   
   if [ $status == "ON" ]; then
       wmctrl -k off
   else
       wmctrl -k on
   fi
   

   and make it executable:

   chmod +x ~/show-desktop.sh
   

3. Create a file show-desktop.desktop in ~/.local/share/applications/ folder:

   gedit ~/.local/share/applications/show-desktop.desktop
   

   Add this text and save (don't forget change the value on <your user>):

   [Desktop Entry]
   Type=Application
   Name=Show Desktop
   Icon=user-desktop
   Exec=/home/<your user>/show-desktop.sh
   

4. Open the dash, search for show desktop and add it to the favorites.

If you have upgraded from Ubuntu GNOME 17.04 the default GNOME session(s) will still remain for you to choose during login. On top of that the all-new GNOME session(s) customised by Ubuntu (simply named Ubuntu and/or Ubuntu on Xorg) will be added.

Ubuntu dock setting is accessible only from the GNOME session(s) customised by Ubuntu, not from the default GNOME session(s).

When you boot your system and get to the GDM login screen you should find a cogwheel (⚙️) next to the sign in button. If you click on the cogwheel you should find an Ubuntu (and/or Ubuntu on Xorg) option.

Choose Ubuntu (or Ubuntu on Xorg) instead of GNOME (or GNOME on Xorg).

See this if you don't have Ubuntu Dock installed in the first place: Dock settings missing in gnome-control-center after upgrade to Ubuntu 17.10