How to add Trash Can to Left Panel in Ubuntu 18.04

Understanding the Ubuntu 18.04 desktop environment

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions, widely appreciated for its user-friendly interface and extensive community support. As part of its offerings, Ubuntu 18.04 provides a sophisticated desktop environment that prioritizes usability and efficiency. However, this environment might not always meet individual user preferences out of the box. One common customization request is for a Trash Can—not just on the desktop but conveniently placed in the left panel (also known as the dock) for easy access. This article will guide you through the process of adding a Trash Can icon to the left panel in Ubuntu 18.04, enhancing your workflow and overall user experience.

Why Customize Your Workspace?

Customizing your workspace can significantly increase productivity and efficiency. When you have easy access to frequently used applications or files, you spend less time navigating through menus. The Trash Can is an essential tool for managing files, allowing you to quickly delete items without permanently losing them at the first step. Having the Trash Can in the left panel makes it more accessible, letting you manage your deletions seamlessly.

Prerequisites for This Tutorial

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, here are some basic prerequisites:

1. Ubuntu 18.04 Installation: Ensure that you have Ubuntu 18.04 installed on your machine.
2. Administrative Access: You may need administrative rights for certain commands.
3. Basic Familiarity with Terminal: While this can be done through graphical interfaces, understanding how to use the terminal will enhance your experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding the Trash Can

Step 1: Open the Terminal

First, open the terminal application. You can do this by either searching in the Activities overview or by using the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T. The terminal will be your main tool for making system adjustments.

Step 2: Install Required Packages

Ubuntu 18.04 should already have the necessary packages installed for managing icons and panels, but it’s always a good idea to ensure everything is up-to-date. To do this, execute the following commands:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 3: Create a Shortcut for the Trash Can

The next step involves creating a shortcut for the Trash Can. The Trash Can icon can be linked directly to its location. To do that, you’ll need to navigate to the desktop interface.

1. Create a .desktop File: Enter the following command in the terminal:

   bash
   echo ‘[Desktop Entry]
   Name=Trash
   Exec=nautilus trash:///
   Icon=user-trash
   Type=Application
   Terminal=false’ > ~/.local/share/applications/trash.desktop

This command creates a .desktop file with all of the necessary details that define the Trash Can.

Step 4: Make the .desktop File Executable

After creating the file, you will need to give it executable permissions. Use the following command:

bash
chmod +x ~/.local/share/applications/trash.desktop

Step 5: Add the Trash Can to the Dock

Now that your Trash Can is ready, you will need to manually add it to the left panel. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the Trash Can in Applications:

   • Open the Activities overview by pressing the Super key (Windows key).
   • Type “Trash” in the search bar. You should see your newly created Trash application listed.

2. Drag and Drop the Trash Can:

   • Click and hold the Trash icon in the applications list and drag it to the left panel.
   • Release the mouse button to drop it in your desired position.

Step 6: Test the Trash Can Functionality

To ensure that everything is functioning as expected, click on the Trash Can icon you just added. This action should open the Trash folder, allowing you to view, restore, or permanently delete files you have previously sent to the Trash.

Step 7: Customize the Appearance (Optional)

If you want to delve deeper into personalization, consider changing the icon or position of the Trash Can in the dock:

1. Right-click on the Trash Can icon in the left panel.
2. From the context menu, you can select options to adjust the preferences or behavior of the icon to suit your needs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Customizing the desktop environment in Ubuntu may lead to some common issues, especially if you’re new to Linux. Here are a few troubleshooting steps:

• Icon Not Appearing: If the Trash Can does not show up after you follow all the steps, double-check the .desktop file and ensure it has been created correctly and has executable permissions.
• Permissions Issues: Make sure you have the necessary permissions when creating files or folders in the ~/.local/share/applications/ directory.
• Application Not Responding: If the Trash Can does not open or acts unexpectedly, you may need to restart your session or reboot your computer.

The Benefits of Using the Trash Can in Your Workflow

The Trash Can is more than a simple deletion tool; it’s an integral part of file management. Here are some of the advantages of having the Trash Can easily accessible:

1. Accidental Deletion Recovery: Files deleted can easily be recovered instead of losing them permanently, offering you a safety net.
2. Organized Workflow: Having easy access to the Trash Can streamlines your workflow, allowing for quick sorting and deletion of unnecessary files.
3. User Control: By placing the Trash Can where you prefer, you create a workspace that aligns with your usage patterns.

Conclusion

Customizing your Ubuntu 18.04 desktop environment to include a Trash Can in the left panel not only enhances usability but also personalizes your experience. With just a few commands and drag-and-drop actions, you can significantly improve your file management efficiency.

FAQ Section

1. How do I remove the Trash Can from the left panel in Ubuntu 18.04?

To remove the Trash Can from the left panel, right-click on its icon and select “Remove from Favorites.” This action will delete the shortcut from the dock, but the actual Trash functionality will remain accessible.

2. Can I customize other icons in the left panel?

Yes, you can customize the left panel by adding or removing applications similarly to how you added the Trash Can. Simply find any application in your Applications overview, right-click, and select “Add to Favorites” to pin it to the dock.

3. Is it possible to restore files from the Trash Can?

Absolutely! You can open the Trash Can, select files you wish to restore, and right-click to choose the “Restore” option. This will return the files to their original locations.

4. What if my Trash Can is empty, but I still want it in the dock?

The Trash Can icon will appear in the left panel even when empty, serving as a reminder that it’s there for use. If you find it missing due to it being empty, following the steps in this guide will enable you to add it back again.

5. Can I change the icon of the Trash Can?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of the Trash Can by changing the icon in the .desktop file or by using additional third-party icon themes available in the Ubuntu repository.