📖Dock
Quickly access your apps, folders, and more features
Another important component of the desktop is Dock which is by default located at the bottom of the screen. The Dock app name is Plank and it is promoted as the simplest dock on the planet.
The Dock gives you quick access to your favorite and currently-open apps, still its functionality is not limited with this only option. For example, right-click either icon in the Dock to see the available options it suggests.
Go on reading to find out what you can do with this simple but definitely useful app.
Manage Dock App Icons
Add an app icon to the Dock by any of the following method:
Drag and drop an app from the Apps Menu.
Secondary-click an app in the Apps Menu and select Add to Dock.
Secondary-click an open app's icon and choose Keep in Dock.
You can drag and drop icons within the Dock to rearrange them.
To remove an app icon from the Dock:
Drag it off and drop it in an empty space on your desktop.
Secondary-click the icon and uncheck Keep in Dock.
You can't add, rearrange, or remove icons if they are locked in the Dock preferences.
Add Folders to Dock
You can add your favorite folders to the Dock to have a quick access to them later on.
Open Files and navigate to where the target folder is located.
Drag and drop the folder to the Dock.
Click the added folder to view and access its contents in the pop-up.
To remove the folder icon from the Dock, either drag it off the Dock, or secondary-click and uncheck Keep in Dock.
You can't drag and drop the added folder icon within the Dock, so put the folder right where you want it when dropping.
Add Docklets
Docklets are special applets—standalone tools—running inside Plank. For example, you can add a battery indicator, or even another applications menu. See the table below for details.
To add a Docklet:
Hold Ctrl on the keyboard and secondary-click anywhere on the Dock.
In the pop-up, select Preferences.
Go to the Docklets tab.
Drag and drop a Docklet you need to the Dock.
To remove a Docklet, just drag it off the Dock and drop anywhere on the desktop.
Available Docklets
The following table explains the functionality of the Docklets you can add to your Dock.
Applications
Applications menu alternative to the stock one. When added to the Dock, secondary-click the icon to open the categorized menu of all your installed applications.
Battery
Battery charge indicator. Hover the icon to see the percentage.
Clippy
Clipboard manager (text data, or emojis). - Hover the icon to see the last copied data. - Click the icon to see the entire list of copied data. You can select the necessary item and then paste where you need. - To delete all the records from the clipboard, click Clear.
Clock
Clock in the Dock. Secondary-click the Clock to select between analogue and digital modes.
CPU Monitor
Animated indicator of CPU and memory. Changes its color from green to red depending on how hard your devices are loaded. Hover the indicator to see the CPU and memory load in percentage terms.
Desktop
Shows your desktop. Click to minimize all open apps. Click again to restore.
Trash
Trash bin. - Click to open the trash bin folder in the Files. - Secondary-click to open the pop-up with the trash bin contents. There are also the options to open the trash bin folder, and to empty the trash.
Dock Preferences
You can change the Dock appearance and behavior in its preferences.
Hold Ctrl on the keyboard and secondary-click anywhere on the Dock.
In the pop-up, select Preferences.
On the Appearance tab, you can select the Dock theme, specify its position on the desktop, and adjust the icons size.
On the Behaviour tab, you can change the manner of the Dock hide in respect to the apps windows position. You can also adjust the hide/unhide delays, lock the icons, and use more other options.
If the option to reveal the pointer with Ctrl is enabled, you need to use the right Ctrl on your keyboard to open the Dock preferences.
If you feel prepared and experienced enough, try advanced Dock settings.
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