Ubuntu – Start Ubuntu Unity With Dash Open

unityunity-dash

How do you start ubuntu unity 3D with the dash open? This is so that I can get things done fast. I would like to log in to my desktop with a full-screen dash without having to click the Ubuntu dash button.

Best Answer

One (somewhat hackish) solution could be to simulate a Super keystroke every time you log in.

You can do this by adding the following xdotool command to your Startup Applications:

xdotool key Super_L

11.10

It is configurable. The unity icons are in /usr/share/unity/4. Please browse this folder with the file manager to see the thumbnails.

Here is an example to change the look of the default dash home:

cd /usr/share/unity/4
sudo mv squircle_base_54.png squircle_base_54.png.orig
sudo mv squircle_shine_54.png squircle_shine_54.png.orig
sudo cp round_outline_54x54.png squircle_base_54.png
sudo cp round_shine_54x54.png squircle_shine_54.png

Log out and log back in. You will see the new dash home.

enter image description here

Definitely more customization could be done as long as you replace the correct files. Please backup the original files before making the changes.

BTW, maybe you have the question: how do you know the solution? I hit the same problem and tried to search all related files:

sudo find / -type f -iname "*dash*"

Ubuntu – What’s the command to open the Unity Dash

This is quite simple using xdotool -- a small command-line utility which automates keyboard and mouse clicks/movements; install it with sudo apt-get install xdotool
In your .desktop shortcut, simply set the Exec line as:
```
Exec=xdotool key --clearmodifiers Super
```

Best Answer

Related Solutions

Ubuntu – How to change the Dash Button in Unity Launcher

11.10

Ubuntu – What’s the command to open the Unity Dash

Related Question