Quick Start: Optimize Your Screen in 5 Minutes
In Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat), Canonical has finally made Tiling Assistant a default feature. You no longer need to install cumbersome third-party extensions. To activate it now, follow these simple steps:
- Open Settings -> Ubuntu Desktop.
- Find the Enhanced Tiling section.
- Turn on the Tiling Assistant switch.
- Try dragging a window to the edge of the screen. You will see a transparent overlay appear. Release the mouse, and the system will automatically suggest remaining windows to fill the gap (Layout Suggestions).
With just a 5-second setup, you’ll escape the struggle of manually aligning Terminal or VS Code windows pixel by pixel. However, to reach “pro user” speed, shortcuts are what you really need to master.
Why Ubuntu 24.04 is a Game Changer for Multitasking
Previously, GNOME only supported half-tiling by default. To split into quarters or use a 70/30 ratio, users often had to install third-party extensions, which frequently caused conflicts or system lag during OS updates. The deep integration of Tiling Assistant in 24.04 makes everything much smoother and more stable.
I used to work on Ubuntu 22.04 with a 27-inch 2K monitor. Managing three log windows, a browser, and an IDE simultaneously was a nightmare. Since upgrading to 24.04, I save about 20-30 minutes daily by reducing Alt-Tab usage. The Layout Suggestions feature is truly intelligent; it understands you want to fill the space as soon as you snap a window.
Advanced Shortcut Configuration – Keep Your Hands on the Keyboard
Using the mouse to drag and drop is just the beginning. Real IT professionals prioritize shortcuts to maintain maximum focus.
1. Essential Default Shortcuts
Super (Windows Key) + Left/Right Arrow: Instant half-tiling.Super + Up Arrow: Maximize window.Super + Down Arrow: Minimize or restore previous size.
2. Customizing Quarter Tiling Shortcuts
To snap windows to the four corners of the screen, you need to configure them slightly. Go to Settings -> Keyboard -> Keyboard Shortcuts -> View and Customize Shortcuts. Look for the Windows section and reassign these combinations according to your preference:
- View split on left/right:
Super + Left/Right. - Maximize/Restore window:
Super + Up/Down.
Pro Tip: If you use an Ultrawide monitor, install the full Tiling Assistant from GNOME Extensions. It allows for 3-column layouts—the “golden” layout for coding, reading documentation, and monitoring Slack all at once.
# If you want to dive deep into config via Terminal
sudo apt install dconf-editorWorkspace Strategies for Project Separation
Don’t cram all your applications onto a single screen. This only leads to visual clutter. Leverage Dynamic Workspaces to separate your workflows.
My real-world setup usually looks like this:
– Workspace 1: Reserved for browser and Slack/Telegram.
– Workspace 2: Main coding environment (VS Code, IntelliJ).
– Workspace 3: Terminal, Docker logs, Database client (DBeaver).
Quickly switch between workspaces:
– Super + Page Up/Down: Switch Workspaces in a blink.
– Super + Shift + Page Up/Down: Move the current window to another Workspace.
Small Tips to Elevate Productivity
Assign Shortcuts for Quick App Launching
Instead of pressing Super and typing the app name, assign direct shortcuts in Settings -> Keyboard -> Custom Shortcuts:
- Open VS Code:
Super + C(Command:code). - Open Browser:
Super + B(Command:google-chrome).
Leverage “Always on Top” for Debugging
When I need to compare data between the Terminal and the browser, I right-click the Terminal title bar and select Always on Top. Combined with setting the opacity to around 80%, you can type commands while seeing the results underneath without switching tabs.
Effective Extension Management
Sometimes you need to check if tiling features are running correctly. Use this command for a quick list:
gnome-extensions list --enabledConclusion
Optimizing your screen real estate isn’t just for aesthetics. The ultimate goal is to minimize distractions and build muscle memory. When every window is in its right place via shortcuts, you can maintain a state of deep work for longer. Try this setup today, and you’ll see a significant difference in your task processing speed!
