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Add, Switch, And Change Workspace In Ubuntu Linux

Workspaces is one of the perks in Linux based systems that allows user to manage the open windows and running programs. You can consider workspaces as virtual screens which you can switch between at any time. You will get the same desktop, panels, and menu in every workspace. However, the main purpose of workspace is that you can run different applications and open different windows in each workspace. Whenever you will switch the workspace there will be no change to the applications running in the first workspace, they will keep running normally.

By default, Ubuntu launches two workspaces (named as Desk1 and Desk2). Lets see how we can switch from one workspace to another, its pretty easy.You will be able to see Workspace Switcher located in the Bottom Panel before the Trash icon, as shown in the following screenshot.

workspace-switcher

By default, there are two buttons in workspace switcher as there are total two workspaces, you can switch to second workspace (Desk2) by clicking the second button.

Now lets see how we can switch any particular application from one workspace to another. Right click the application and choose Move to Another Workspace. For example I moved Firefox to second workspace as illustrated in the following screenshot.

switch-workspace1

Isn’t it simple ? Now lets explore how we can add further workspaces, right click the Workspace Switcher, and choose Preferences.

preferences-workspace

Now, Workspace Switcher Preferences box will be displayed, increase the column value to 3 and click Close.

workspace-switcher-preferences

Now, you will be able to see third workspace added as well.

third-workspace1

Enjoy!

11 Comments

  1. Four desktops now, whether you want them or not. You can’t get rid of them, they just sit there wasting space on yer task bar.

    Oh, and wanna press F4 to close a Firefox tab? TOUUUUUGH NOOGIES PEASANT, cos we’ve intercepted it! hahahahahaha!!!! Enjoy your pointless utility that you never asked for, suckers!

  2. guys i m new to linux world
    using ubuntu 11.04
    now i m trying to change the view of my workspace as i see in images available on internet
    is someone here that can help me????????????????
    pleassssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

  3. Thanks that simple point of moving an application to another workspace was missing in the manual.

  4. i have a problem. i want to add a workspace, but after i changed the preferences of the switcher to columns 3, there is nothing happen. I am using Ubuntu 9.10. plz help me , thx.

  5. i have a problem. i want to add a workspace, but after i changed the preferences of the switcher to columns 3, there is nothing happen. I am using Ubuntu 9.10. plz help me , thx.

  6. i have a problem. i want to add a workspace, but after i changed the preferences of the switcher to columns 3, there is nothing happen. I am using Ubuntu 9.10. plz help me , thx.

  7. I have a question. I accidentally removed my workstations from the task bar. So now I have only one desk.
    I am quite new to Ubuntu 8.1 well to Linux period. I know it is probably a dumb question but how on earth do I get them back?

    • If you removed your workspace switcher from the panel, just right click on the panel and select “Add to panel…”. Scroll to the bottom and select “workspace switcher”. This should put your workspace switcher back onto the panel.

    • drc372,

      I will be eternally grateful for your solution to my problem of missing workspaces
      Bruce

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