How do I resize app icons in applications overview on Ubuntu 18.04?

Question

Is there any way to resize these app icons in Ubuntu 18.04?

They seem too big to me.

Answer 1

1. You can edit /usr/share/gnome-shell/theme/gnome-shell.css.

   Don't forget to make a backup of the original file!

2. Search for a line starting with #dash {.

3. In the following lines you can change the properties like .icon-grid { spacing and icon-grid .overview { icon-size.

4. After your changes you have to restart the Gnome Shell with Alt+F2 and typing r and Enter.

Answer 2

Thanks for this info. On my system 18.04 I have found you only need change /usr/share/gnome-shell/theme/ubuntu.css

And only the line:

/* App Vault/Grid */
.icon-grid {
  spacing: 30px; 
  -shell-grid-horizontal-item-size: 96px; /* change this line - was 136px */
  -shell-grid-vertical-item-size: 136px; } 
  .icon-grid .overview-icon {
    icon-size: 96px; }

Answer 3

I just managed to change the size in Ubuntu 20.04.1. When using a custom theme the .css is in that file. So Home/.themes.

I changed:

• shell-grid-horizontal-item-size: 86 px
• shell-grid-vertical-item-size: 60 px;
  With the same number the icons are out of shape.

I use the gnome extension for 10 columns. So much better !!!

Answer 4

Two things:

1. The file to edit might be /usr/share/gnome-shell/theme/ubuntu.css, not gnome-shell.css. At least this is my case for a fresh Ubuntu 18.04 install.

2. You are still "stuck" with a max of 6 columns. If you want more, then use the "More columns in applications view" extension: https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1305/more-columns-in-applications-view/