launcher
Unfortunately, the Unity Launcher on the left hand side of the screen takes more valuable space away than the new menu bar gives.
Is there any way to get rid of the Launcher?
Alternatives I would be satisfied with include:
(edit:) Note that I am specifically looking for a way to keep the global menubar, while getting rid of the Launcher.
A possible solution is to automatically change the position of the launcher, depending on the current mouse-position:
In the test I ran, it worked surprisingly smooth, and windows adapt well to the change.
#!/usr/bin/env python3
import subprocess
import time
scr_data = subprocess.check_output(["xrandr"]).decode("utf-8")
border = int([s.split("x")[0] for s in scr_data.split() if "+0+0" in s][0])
left_scr = [l.split()[0] for l in scr_data.splitlines() if "+0+0" in l][0]
key = "com.canonical.Unity.Launcher"
item = "launcher-position"
def catch_mouse():
return int(subprocess.check_output([
"xdotool", "getmouselocation"
]).decode("utf-8").split()[0].split(":")[1])
test1 = ""
while True:
time.sleep(1)
test2 = catch_mouse() <= border
if test2 != test1:
if test2 == True:
cmd = ["gsettings", "set", key, item, "Left"]
else:
cmd = ["gsettings", "set", key, item, "Bottom"]
subprocess.Popen(cmd)
test1 = test2
The script needs xdotool:
sudo apt-get install xdotool
Copy the script into an empty file, save it as move_launcher.py
Test- run it by the command (from a terminal)
python3 /path/to/move_launcher.py
If all works fine, add to Startup Applications: Dash > Startup Applications > Add. Add tghe command:
/binh/bash -c "sleep 15 && python3 && /path/to/move_launcher.py
...a script that will set only one launcher (on the left screen, on the left side):
...while you are working on the left screen. This will give you full size view on the right screen...
...and one launcher at the bottom of the second screen:
...If you move to the right screen, giving you the launcher you need on the desired position on the right screen.
As mentioned, in the test(s), the windows adapted smoothly without an error.
#!/usr/bin/env python3
import subprocess
import time
scr_data = subprocess.check_output(["xrandr"]).decode("utf-8")
border = int([s.split("x")[0] for s in scr_data.split() if "+0+0" in s][0])
left_scr = [l.split()[0] for l in scr_data.splitlines() if "+0+0" in l][0]
right_scr = [l.split()[0] for l in scr_data.splitlines() if all([
not "+0+0" in l, l.count("+") == 2])][0]
key = "com.canonical.Unity.Launcher"
item = "launcher-position"
subprocess.call(["dconf", "write",
"/org/compiz/profiles/unity/plugins/unityshell/num-launchers", "1"])
def catch_mouse():
return int(subprocess.check_output([
"xdotool", "getmouselocation"
]).decode("utf-8").split()[0].split(":")[1])
test1 = ""
while True:
time.sleep(1)
test2 = catch_mouse() <= border
if test2 != test1:
if test2 == True:
cmd1 = ["xrandr", "--output", left_scr, "--primary"]
cmd2 = ["gsettings", "set", key, item, "Left"]
else:
cmd1 = ["xrandr", "--output", right_scr, "--primary"]
cmd2 = ["gsettings", "set", key, item, "Bottom"]
subprocess.Popen(cmd1)
subprocess.call(cmd2)
test1 = test2
These are just two examples. Many things are possible.
Two launchers, at the same time on a different position per screen, is currently impossible however, untill someone creates the option...
Best Answer
12.04 and later
From the Gear, choose System Settings
Double click the Appearance icon
Click the behaviour tab and then toggle the autohide option...
You can re-reveal the menu by pushing onto the left-hand side of the window or the top corner depending upon which option is shown as per the picture.