Sometimes the included default settings are not enough to get certain things done quickly or even impossible to do in some instances. GNOME shell extensions, when enabled, come in handy to improve productivity, to enhance the user experience, and to install themes.
What are GNOME Shell extensions?
GNOME shell extensions are tiny add-ons that can add or tweak the system settings, including desktop user-interface and appearance. It includes the ability to install desktop themes.
Technically, these extensions modify GNOME Shell either by adding functionality or modifying core functionality. Third-party developers develop GNOME shell extensions, but some good ones do land into the official GNOME desktop environment. A dedicated website, “GNOME extensions,” hosts all the GNOME extensions.
How to install a GNOME shell extension in Fedora?
You need first to do a couple of things to enable the GNOME shell extension. Firstly, you need to either install Firefox or chromium-browser. You can install any of these browsers by merely visiting the Fedora software store.
Fedora Software Center
Next, you need to enable the shell extensions.
Enable Browser Shell extensions
Go to the below link using Firefox or Chromium browser.
Click “Click here to install browser extension” and click “Allow.”
GNOME Shell Integration Browser Extension
Your Fedora system is now ready to install the extensions. Go ahead and install an extension that you like. For example, I installed the “Shutdown Timer” extension for illustration. Installing an extension is as simple as going turning on the slider to “ON,” followed by “Install.”
Enable Shutdown Timer Extension
The next optional step is to install the GNOME Tweak Tool. This is essential to configure the installed extensions.
Installing GNOME Tweak Tool
Step 1) Launch the Terminal.
Launch Terminal
Step 2) Enter the following command and press enter.
sudo dnf install gnome-tweak-tool
Go ahead and enter the root password when prompted. If GNOME tweaks are already installed, you should see the message.
Installing GNOME Tweaks
Step 3) After installation is complete, go ahead and check it in the “Activities” menu. It should get registered as “Tweaks.”
Launch Tweaks
Step 4) Click “Extensions” tab. This is where all the extensions you installed, as well as officially included in GNOME, get listed. Click on the gear icon to configure the extension settings.
Access GNOME Shell Extensions via GNOME tweaks
That’s it! Enjoy the world of GNOME extensions.
