How To Use Multiple Workspaces
Workspaces - refer to the grouping of windows on your desktop. These virtual desktops increase the size
of your working area. Workspaces are meant to reduce clutter and make the desktop easier to navigate.
of your working area. Workspaces are meant to reduce clutter and make the desktop easier to navigate.
One of the nice features about Ubuntu MATE is the use of multiple desktops or workspaces. Multiple desktops in Linux are also referred to as Virtual desktops. In years past, it was this feature that stood out in the Linux world. A lot of Linux distributions are now hiding or turning this feature off by default, but not Ubuntu Mate.
If you still are using the default Window when you installed Ubuntu MATE, then look in the lower right corner of your screen. On the lower right-panel, known as the lower right taskbar in Windows, you should see four rectangles to the left of the Trash Bin. These four rectangles are your workspaces. They can be treated as if you have four different monitors connected to your computer and you can easily switch between them.
Shortcut Keys:
You can switch between workspaces by holding down Ctrl + Alt and tap an arrow (left or right) key to quickly move to the left or right between workspaces. Add the Shift key—so, press Shift + Ctrl + Alt and tap an arrow key—and you’ll switch between workspaces, taking the currently active window with you to the new workspace.
Using the Mouse:
My favorite method is using the mouse to move to a new workspace or to move an application or file to a new workspace.
Shortcut Keys:
You can switch between workspaces by holding down Ctrl + Alt and tap an arrow (left or right) key to quickly move to the left or right between workspaces. Add the Shift key—so, press Shift + Ctrl + Alt and tap an arrow key—and you’ll switch between workspaces, taking the currently active window with you to the new workspace.
Using the Mouse:
My favorite method is using the mouse to move to a new workspace or to move an application or file to a new workspace.
In the illustration above, you'll notice that when I right-clicked on the application on the panel it produced a pop-up dialog box. In the dialog box you'll notice that I have the option to move the current or active document to a new workspace. I can move it to Workspace 2, Workspace 3, or Workspace 4. This helps to free up space on my desktop(s). This is very useful when I work on my laptop with the small screen.
In the illustration below you'll see that I moved Test #2 from Workspace 1 to Workspace 2 with the Earth's Plate Boundaries vocabulary sheet.
In the illustration below you'll see that I moved Test #2 from Workspace 1 to Workspace 2 with the Earth's Plate Boundaries vocabulary sheet.
If you right-click the active document on the panel bar in Workspace 2 or 3, you'll notice that you have extra options to Move to Workspace Up or Move to Workspace Down. Using Workspaces is an easy way to organize all your open windows into different groups.
The more you use these features, the more you will grow to like them. Eventually, you'll think, "How did I ever do without them?"
MATE Tip:
If you have several Windows open in the same Workspace, you can switch between them by using the
short-cut keys: Alt + Tab
If you have several Windows open in the same Workspace, you can switch between them by using the
short-cut keys: Alt + Tab
