By default, Ubuntu comes with the Unity desktop environment, and while it is quite a good interface, especially for people who are new to linux, you may want to use a different launcher. Maybe you want a launcher that looks more like the dock on your Mac, or the taskbar on windows.Either way, there are quite a lot of options that you can choose from, when it comes to application launchers for Ubuntu. So, if you’re looking for someUnity launcher alternatives, here are 7 greatUbuntu application launchers you can use:
1. DockyDocky is as close as you can get to the macOSdock on Ubuntu. Thelauncher works exactly the way aMac’s dock works, and you can configure it to use different themes, styles, and evenalign it elsewhere on the screen. One of the best features in Docky, is that you can create multiple docks , and place them on any edge of the screen. You can configure the theme foreach dock that you create, along with specific docklets that you want to place there. The battery info dockletis especially useful, if you need to monitor your battery at a glance. Docky a llows for a lot of customization , and is definitely one of the application launchers for Ubuntu that you should try.
How to Install Docky on Ubuntu
Installing Docky is easy, as well, you just have toopen up the Terminal, and type in the following command:
sudo apt-get install docky
2. Gnome Pie
Gnome Pie is a very different type of a launcher. It does not work as a Dock, or as a Panel. You have to activate Gnome Pie with its activation hotkey , and itpresents a pie-like menu with the applications, directories, etc that you can open. Gnome Pie is customizable , and you can create menus that suit your style of working.You can create multiple “slices” for different types of applications. By default, Gnome Pie comes with slices for the main menu, media applications, utilities, directories, and a lot more. You can mix and match these to create a highlycustomized Gnome Pie for your Ubuntu system.
How to Install Gnome Pie on Ubuntu
Installing Gnome Pie can be quickly done using the following command in Terminal:
sudo apt-get install gnome-pie
3. Albert
Albert is a powerful application launcher for Ubuntu. It is suitable for peoplewho prefer using the keyboard to navigate around their system. The app launches witha customizable hotkey , and looks a lot like the Spotlight in macOS. The features offered by Albert are similar to Spotlight, as it can launch apps, perform calculations , and do a lot more. Albert is highly customizable, and is recommended for people who like using their keyboards, as much as possible. By default, Albert does not come with a hotkey defined, so you will have to set up a hotkey on the first launch (I’d suggest ctrl+space), and after that, you’re good to go.
How to Install Albert on Ubuntu
Albert is not available in the default repositories, yet. So you will have to run a couple of extra Terminal commands, in order to install it on your system:
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:flexiondotorg/albert
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install albert
4. ClassicMenu Indicator
ClassicMenu Indicator is perfect for people who prefer having hierarchical trees of the apps, and utilities thatthey can use. CustomMenu Indicator lives in the menu bar of your Ubuntu system, and reveals amenu reminiscent of the old Windows start menus (only on theopposite edge of the display). Applications, and utilities are clearly laid out , and you can quickly reach any application that you want. ClassicMenu Indicator does not exactly replace the default Unity launcher, but lives alongside it.
How to Install ClassicMenu Indicator on Ubuntu
You can install ClassicMenu Indicator on Ubuntu, with just a couple of Terminal commands:
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:diesch/testing
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install classicmenu-indicator
5. Plank
Plank is another app launcher for Ubuntu that you can use as a Unity launcher alternative. It’s similar to Docky, and by extension, the macOS Dock. You can customize a lot of settings in Plank, and install docklets to add functionality . There are docklets available for battery stats, volume adjustment, time, and a lot more; so, you can customize Plank as much as you want and get the perfect looking dock. You can also use themes to change the look of Plank , and match it to your overall system aesthetics.
How to Install Plank on Ubuntu
Plank can be installed on Ubuntu with a simple Terminal command:
sudo apt-get install plank
6.Zazu
Zazu is an application that is very similar to the Spotlight in macOS . You can perform a lot of functions in Zazu. Just like Albert, Zazu is recommended for people who prefer using the keyboard , as much as possible. With Zazu, you can perform calculations,launch applications, open websites, and perform searches . You can even develop your own plugins for Zazu, and add them to your Zazu configuration, to make it as powerful as you want.
How to Install Zazu on Ubuntu
You can install Zazu on your Ubuntu system by downloading the deb file fromthe Zazu website . When you double click on the downloaded file, it will open up in Ubuntu Software Center. Here, simply click on Install to install the app on your system.
7. DockbarXIf youlike the Windows taskbar,and you want a taskbar like application launcher for your Ubuntu system, you should check out DockbarX. This app launcher looks exactly like the taskbar on Windows machines, and works in much the same way. You can add plugins toDockbarX, and create your own customized version of the taskbar. Some of the best plugins that you can add to DockbarX, are the battery monitor plugin, volume settings, and time plugins. There are lot moreplugins for DockbarX, and you can check them out in the DockbarX preferences.
How to Install DockbarX on Ubuntu To install DockbarX on Ubuntu,