How to make https://github.com/micheleg/dash-to-dock show strictly more than 4 dots for a given program in the taskbar if there are strictly more than 4 instances of this given program?
Jan 28, 11:07am

The dash-to-dock extension for GNOME allows you to customize the dock (taskbar) behavior, including how it displays open windows for applications. By default, it groups windows and shows a maximum of 4 dots (indicators) for each application, even if more than 4 windows are open.

To make dash-to-dock show strictly more than 4 dots for a given program when there are more than 4 instances, you need to tweak its settings. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Install and Configure dconf Editor

You’ll need to edit the GNOME settings using dconf or gsettings. If you prefer a GUI, you can install dconf-editor:

bash
sudo apt install dconf-editor  # For Debian/Ubuntu

Or use the command line directly.

2. Change the Maximum Number of Dots

Open a terminal and run the following command to set the maximum number of dots (indicators) for each application:

bash
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock max-dots-per-app 10

Replace 10 with the number of dots you want to display (e.g., 5, 6, etc.).

3. Disable Window Grouping (Optional)

If you want each window to appear as a separate icon (instead of grouping them under one icon with dots), run:

bash
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock isolate-workspaces false
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock isolate-monitors false
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock multi-monitor false
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-windows-preview false
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-apps-at-top true
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-trash false
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-mounts false
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-favorites false
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-running false
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock group-windows-by-app false

Note: Disabling grouping will show each window as a separate icon, which may clutter your dock.

4. Restart GNOME Shell

After making changes, restart GNOME Shell to apply them:

bash
killall -3 gnome-shell

Or log out and log back in.

5. Verify the Changes

Open more than 4 instances of your program and check if the dock now shows more than 4 dots (or separate icons, depending on your settings).

Troubleshooting

  • If the changes don’t take effect, ensure you’re using the latest version of dash-to-dock.
  • If you’re on Wayland, some settings may require
Jan 28, 11:07am

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gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock isolate-workspaces false gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock isolate-monitors false gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock multi-monitor false gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-windows-preview false gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-apps-at-top true gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-trash false gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-mounts false gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-favorites false gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock show-running false gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock group-windows-by-app false