Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, offers a wide range of features and customization options to enhance user experience. Among these features are hot corners, which allow users to trigger specific actions by moving the mouse pointer to one of the four corners of the screen. While hot corners can be convenient for some, they can also be annoying or distracting for others. If you’re looking to turn off hot corners in Ubuntu, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Ubuntu customization and provide a step-by-step guide on how to disable hot corners.
Understanding Hot Corners in Ubuntu
Before we dive into the process of disabling hot corners, it’s essential to understand what they are and how they work. Hot corners are a feature in Ubuntu that enables users to assign specific actions to each corner of the screen. By default, Ubuntu has the following hot corner settings:
– Top-left corner: Shows the Activities overview
– Top-right corner: Shows the window preview
– Bottom-left corner: Shows the desktop
– Bottom-right corner: No action assigned by default
These actions can be customized to suit individual preferences. However, some users may find that hot corners interfere with their workflow or are simply not useful to them.
Why Disable Hot Corners?
There are several reasons why you might want to disable hot corners in Ubuntu. Some of the most common reasons include:
– Accidental triggers: If you frequently work with applications that require you to move the mouse pointer to the corners of the screen, you might accidentally trigger a hot corner action.
– Distractions: Hot corners can be distracting, especially if you’re working on a task that requires your full attention.
– Personal preference: Some users simply prefer not to use hot corners or find them unnecessary.
Disabling Hot Corners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Disabling hot corners in Ubuntu is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
To disable hot corners, you’ll need to use the Gnome Tweaks application. If you don’t have Gnome Tweaks installed, you can do so by running the following command in the terminal: sudo apt install gnome-tweaks.
Once you have Gnome Tweaks installed, follow these steps:
– Open Gnome Tweaks by searching for it in the Activities overview or by running the command gnome-tweaks in the terminal.
– In the Gnome Tweaks window, click on the Extensions tab.
– Look for the Corner or Hot Corner extension and toggle the switch to the off position.
Alternatively, you can also disable hot corners by using the dconf-editor application. To do this, follow these steps:
– Open dconf-editor by searching for it in the Activities overview or by running the command dconf-editor in the terminal.
– Navigate to the /org/gnome/shell/enabled-extensions key.
– Look for the corner or hotcorner extension and remove it from the list.
Using the Command Line to Disable Hot Corners
If you prefer to use the command line, you can disable hot corners by running the following command: gsettings set org.gnome.shell.enabled-extensions “[]”. This command will disable all extensions, including the hot corner extension.
To disable hot corners specifically, you can use the following command: gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface enable-hot-corners false.
Customizing Hot Corners
If you don’t want to disable hot corners entirely, you can customize them to suit your needs. To do this, you can use the Gnome Tweaks application or the dconf-editor application.
Using Gnome Tweaks, you can customize hot corners by following these steps:
– Open Gnome Tweaks and click on the Extensions tab.
– Look for the Corner or Hot Corner extension and click on the Settings button.
– In the settings window, you can customize the actions assigned to each corner of the screen.
Using dconf-editor, you can customize hot corners by following these steps:
– Open dconf-editor and navigate to the /org/gnome/shell/hotcorner key.
– Look for the top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right keys.
– You can customize the actions assigned to each corner by changing the value of the corresponding key.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your hot corner customization:
– Experiment with different actions: Don’t be afraid to try out different actions for each corner of the screen. You might find that a particular action is more useful to you than the default one.
– Use hot corners to improve productivity: Hot corners can be a great way to improve your productivity. For example, you can assign the show desktop action to the bottom-left corner and use it to quickly minimize all windows and show the desktop.
– Customize hot corners to suit your workflow: If you work with multiple applications at the same time, you can customize hot corners to suit your workflow. For example, you can assign the show window preview action to the top-right corner and use it to quickly preview windows without having to switch between them.
Conclusion
Disabling hot corners in Ubuntu is a relatively straightforward process that can be done using the Gnome Tweaks application or the dconf-editor application. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable hot corners and customize them to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking to improve your productivity or simply prefer not to use hot corners, this article has provided you with the necessary information to make the most out of your Ubuntu experience. Remember to experiment with different actions and customize hot corners to suit your workflow to get the most out of your hot corner customization.
What are Hot Corners in Ubuntu and How Do They Work?
Hot Corners in Ubuntu are a feature that allows users to trigger specific actions when they move their mouse cursor to one of the four corners of the screen. By default, these actions include showing the desktop, minimizing all windows, showing all windows, and triggering the Expo mode. The Hot Corners feature is designed to provide a convenient way for users to access these actions quickly, without having to navigate through menus or use keyboard shortcuts. However, some users may find this feature annoying or distracting, especially if they tend to accidentally trigger the actions while working.
To understand how Hot Corners work, it’s essential to know that each corner of the screen is assigned a specific action. The top-left corner shows the desktop, the top-right corner minimizes all windows, the bottom-left corner shows all windows, and the bottom-right corner triggers the Expo mode. When a user moves their mouse cursor to one of these corners, the assigned action is triggered immediately. While this feature can be useful for some users, others may prefer to disable it to avoid accidental triggers or to customize their desktop experience. Fortunately, disabling Hot Corners in Ubuntu is a straightforward process that can be completed through the desktop settings.
Why Would I Want to Disable Hot Corners in Ubuntu?
There are several reasons why a user might want to disable Hot Corners in Ubuntu. One common reason is to prevent accidental triggers, which can be frustrating and disrupt workflow. For example, if a user is working on a project and accidentally triggers the “show desktop” action, they may lose focus or have to spend time rearranging their windows. Additionally, some users may find the Hot Corners feature distracting or annoying, especially if they have a large monitor or multiple screens. By disabling Hot Corners, users can customize their desktop experience to suit their preferences and work style.
Disabling Hot Corners can also be beneficial for users who prefer to use keyboard shortcuts or other methods to access desktop actions. For instance, a user may prefer to use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+D to show the desktop instead of relying on the Hot Corners feature. By disabling Hot Corners, users can avoid conflicts between different input methods and create a more streamlined desktop experience. Furthermore, disabling Hot Corners can be a good option for users who are new to Ubuntu and prefer a more traditional desktop experience without the Hot Corners feature.
How Do I Disable Hot Corners in Ubuntu Using the Desktop Settings?
To disable Hot Corners in Ubuntu using the desktop settings, users can follow a few simple steps. First, they need to open the desktop settings by clicking on the “Settings” icon in the dock or by searching for “Settings” in the Activities overview. Once the Settings window is open, users can click on the “Appearance” tab and then select the “Behavior” tab. In the Behavior tab, users can find the “Hot Corners” section, where they can toggle off the Hot Corners feature for each corner of the screen.
By toggling off the Hot Corners feature, users can disable the actions associated with each corner of the screen. For example, if a user toggles off the top-left corner, the “show desktop” action will no longer be triggered when they move their mouse cursor to that corner. Users can customize the Hot Corners feature to suit their preferences by toggling on or off the actions for each corner. Additionally, users can also use the “dconf Editor” tool to disable Hot Corners, but using the desktop settings is generally the easiest and most straightforward method.
Can I Customize the Hot Corners Feature Instead of Disabling It?
Yes, users can customize the Hot Corners feature instead of disabling it. By customizing the Hot Corners feature, users can assign different actions to each corner of the screen or disable specific actions that they don’t use. To customize the Hot Corners feature, users can use the “dconf Editor” tool or the “gsettings” command in the terminal. For example, users can use the “gsettings” command to set a custom action for the top-left corner or disable the “show desktop” action altogether.
Customizing the Hot Corners feature can be a good option for users who want to retain the convenience of the feature but with more control over the actions triggered by each corner. By assigning custom actions to each corner, users can create a more personalized desktop experience that suits their workflow and preferences. Additionally, customizing the Hot Corners feature can also help users to avoid accidental triggers by assigning actions that are less likely to be triggered accidentally. However, customizing the Hot Corners feature requires some technical knowledge and may not be suitable for all users.
Will Disabling Hot Corners Affect Other Desktop Features in Ubuntu?
Disabling Hot Corners in Ubuntu will not affect other desktop features. The Hot Corners feature is a separate component of the desktop environment, and disabling it will only prevent the actions associated with each corner of the screen from being triggered. Other desktop features, such as the dock, the Activities overview, and the window manager, will continue to function normally. Users can disable Hot Corners without worrying about disrupting their overall desktop experience or affecting other features that they rely on.
However, it’s worth noting that disabling Hot Corners may require users to adapt to new ways of accessing certain desktop actions. For example, if a user is used to triggering the “show desktop” action by moving their mouse cursor to the top-left corner, they may need to use a keyboard shortcut or click on the “Show Desktop” button in the dock instead. By disabling Hot Corners, users can simplify their desktop experience and avoid accidental triggers, but they may need to adjust their workflow and habits accordingly.
Are There Any Alternative Methods to Disable Hot Corners in Ubuntu?
Yes, there are alternative methods to disable Hot Corners in Ubuntu. In addition to using the desktop settings, users can also use the “dconf Editor” tool or the “gsettings” command in the terminal to disable Hot Corners. The “dconf Editor” tool provides a graphical interface for editing desktop settings, including the Hot Corners feature. Users can use the “dconf Editor” tool to toggle off the Hot Corners feature or customize the actions associated with each corner of the screen.
The “gsettings” command is a more advanced method that requires users to use the terminal. By using the “gsettings” command, users can set or reset the Hot Corners feature to its default state. For example, users can use the command “gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface enable-hot-corners false” to disable Hot Corners altogether. Alternative methods to disable Hot Corners can be useful for users who prefer to use the command line or need more advanced customization options. However, these methods may require more technical knowledge and may not be suitable for all users.