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Fixing Ubuntu 20.04’s Bulky Title Bars

8 min read
Fixing Ubuntu 20.04’s Bulky Title Bars

If you’re a Linux user, especially someone who values efficiency, aesthetics, and a clutter-free workspace, you’ve probably noticed something about Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) that’s hard to ignore: the enormous title bars on applications. These oversized title bars are not just a minor inconvenience—they’re a significant pain point, particularly for laptop users or anyone working with smaller screens. If you’re someone who multitasks frequently or simply prefers a sleek, minimalist interface, these bulky title bars can feel like a step backward in user experience.

In this blog post, we’ll explore this issue in depth, understand why it exists, and walk through multiple solutions to slim down those title bars. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux veteran or a newcomer to the world of open-source operating systems, this guide will provide you with a detailed, humanized, and easy-to-follow roadmap to reclaim your screen real estate and improve your workflow.

The Problem: Why Are Title Bars So Large in Ubuntu 20.04?

Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: Why are the title bars in Ubuntu 20.04 so large? To understand this, we need to look at the design philosophy behind GNOME, the desktop environment that Ubuntu 20.04 uses.

GNOME, since version 3.0, has been designed with a focus on simplicity, modernity, and touch-friendly interfaces. While this approach works well for devices like tablets or 2-in-1 laptops, it doesn’t always translate seamlessly to traditional laptops or desktops. The large title bars are part of this design ethos—they’re meant to make the interface more accessible for touchscreens, where larger clickable areas are beneficial. However, for users who rely on precise mouse movements and keyboard shortcuts, these oversized title bars can feel unnecessary and wasteful.

My Personal Experience with the Title Bar Issue

As someone who has been using Ubuntu since 2012, I’ve seen the evolution of its user interface firsthand. My favorite release was Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus), which struck a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. When I upgraded to Ubuntu 20.04, I was excited about the new features and improvements, but I quickly noticed the oversized title bars. On my 14-inch laptop, opening just two applications side by side felt cramped because the title bars consumed so much vertical space. It was frustrating, especially when compared to the slim, uniform title bars of Ubuntu 18.04.

What’s worse, the inconsistency in the size and spacing of the minimize, maximize, and close buttons added to the visual clutter. It felt like a regression in design, and I knew I had to find a solution.

The Impact of Large Title Bars on User Experience

The oversized title bars in Ubuntu 20.04 aren’t just a cosmetic issue—they have real implications for productivity and usability. Here’s how they affect the user experience:

  1. Wasted Screen Real Estate: Laptop screens, especially those in the 12–15 inch range, have limited vertical space. The large title bars eat into this space, making it harder to view content or multitask effectively.

  2. Visual Clutter: The uneven sizing of the minimize, maximize, and close buttons creates a disjointed look. For users who appreciate clean, symmetrical designs, this can be visually jarring.

  3. Reduced Multitasking Efficiency: When you’re working with multiple windows open side by side, every pixel counts. The bulky title bars make it harder to arrange windows in a way that maximizes productivity.

  4. Touchscreen Bias: While the large title bars are great for touchscreen devices, they’re less practical for traditional laptops and desktops. This design choice feels like it prioritizes a niche use case over the needs of the majority of users.

Solutions to Slim Down the Title Bar in Ubuntu 20.04

Now that we’ve established why this issue matters, let’s dive into the solutions. There are multiple ways to reduce the size of the title bars in Ubuntu 20.04, each with its own pros and cons. Below, we’ll explore three methods in detail:

  1. Changing Your Theme
  2. Using GNOME Extensions
  3. Modifying GTK CSS

Let’s break each of these methods down step by step, with explanations and personal insights to help you choose the best approach for your needs.

1. Changing Your Theme

One of the simplest ways to alter the appearance of your title bar is by changing the system theme. Ubuntu comes with a variety of pre-installed themes, but there are countless others available online. Switching to a different theme can not only slim down the title bar but also give your entire system a fresh new look.

Why Change the Theme?

Themes in Linux are more than just cosmetic changes—they can significantly impact the usability and aesthetics of your system. For example, some themes are designed to mimic macOS or Windows, offering a familiar interface for users transitioning from those operating systems. Others focus on minimalism, reducing clutter and maximizing screen space.

How to Change the Theme
  1. Install a New Theme: You can download themes from websites like GNOME-Look.org. Popular choices include “Arc,” “Numix,” and “Adapta.”
  2. Extract the Theme: Once downloaded, extract the theme files to the ~/.themes directory. If the directory doesn’t exist, create it.
  3. Apply the Theme: Use the GNOME Tweaks tool (install it via sudo apt install gnome-tweaks if you don’t have it) to apply the new theme. Open GNOME Tweaks, go to the “Appearance” tab, and select your new theme under “Applications.”
Pros and Cons
  • Pros: Changing the theme is relatively easy and can give your system a completely new look.
  • Cons: Some themes may not fully support all applications, leading to inconsistent UI elements. Additionally, if you’re attached to the default Ubuntu theme, this might not be the ideal solution.

2. Using GNOME Extensions

If you’re looking for a more targeted solution, GNOME Extensions might be the way to go. These are small add-ons that allow you to customize specific aspects of your desktop environment, including the title bar.

Why Use Extensions?

Extensions are powerful tools that let you tweak your system without making permanent changes. They’re particularly useful for addressing specific issues, like the oversized title bar, without altering the entire theme.

How to Use Extensions
  1. Install GNOME Shell Integration: First, install the GNOME Shell Integration browser extension. This will allow you to manage extensions directly from your browser.
  2. Browse the GNOME Extensions Website: Visit extensions.gnome.org and search for extensions related to title bars. Some popular options include “Pixel Saver” and “Unite.”
  3. Install and Enable: Click on the extension you want to install, then toggle the switch to enable it.
Pros and Cons
  • Pros: Extensions are easy to install and can provide quick fixes for specific issues.
  • Cons: Not all extensions are compatible with Wayland (Ubuntu’s default display server), and some may cause instability or conflicts with other extensions.

3. Modifying GTK CSS

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, modifying the GTK CSS file is a powerful way to customize the title bar. This method involves editing a configuration file to change the appearance of the title bar directly.

Why Modify GTK CSS?

This method gives you complete control over the size and appearance of the title bar. It’s a bit more technical than the other methods, but it’s also the most effective for achieving a specific look.

How to Modify GTK CSS
  1. Create a GTK CSS File: Open a terminal and create a new file named gtk.css in the ~/.config/gtk-3.0/ directory: 
    nano ~/.config/gtk-3.0/gtk.css
  2. Insert the Code: Add the following code to the file: 
    headerbar entry,
headerbar spinbutton,
headerbar button,
headerbar separator {
    margin-top: 0px;
    margin-bottom: 0px;
}

headerbar {
    min-height: 24px;
    padding-left: 2px;
    padding-right: 2px;
    margin: 0px;
    padding: 0px;
}
  3. Save and Reload: Save the file and reload the GNOME Shell by pressing ALT + F2, typing r, and pressing Enter.
Pros and Cons
  • Pros: This method is highly customizable and doesn’t require installing additional software.
  • Cons: It involves editing system files, which can be intimidating for beginners. Additionally, changes may be overwritten during system updates.

Conclusion: Which Method Should You Choose?

Each of the methods outlined above has its own strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, changing your theme or using a GNOME extension might be the best option. However, if you’re comfortable with a bit of coding and want precise control over the title bar’s appearance, modifying the GTK CSS file is the way to go.

It’s also worth noting that while these solutions work perfectly on Ubuntu 20.04, they may not be fully compatible with newer versions like Ubuntu 22.04. If you’re planning to upgrade, keep this in mind and be prepared to revisit these settings.

Ubuntu 20.04 is a fantastic operating system, but like any software, it’s not without its quirks. The oversized title bars might be a minor annoyance, but they’re also a testament to the flexibility of Linux. With a little effort, you can tailor your system to meet your exact needs, whether that’s slimming down the title bar, changing the entire theme, or something else entirely.

If you found this guide helpful, consider supporting the author on Patreon. Your contributions help keep content like this free and accessible to everyone.

Happy customizing!

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