Exciting Updates in Desktop Icons NG (DING) for GNOME

The Desktop Icons NG (commonly known as DING) is a popular GNOME Shell extension that allows users to display icons directly on their desktop. This utility has taken significant strides recently, particularly with its port to GTK4, and has introduced various enhancements to improve performance and usability.

What’s New in Version 51.0.0?

This month marked the release of DING version 51.0.0, which includes support for GNOME 51—the version expected to ship with Ubuntu 26.10 this coming October. Before this major update, smaller patches were rolled out back in June targeting memory leaks and fine-tuning usability features.

GTK4 Transition

The transition to GTK4 is a monumental step forward for DING, aligning it with modern standards of GNOME development. This upgrade ensures that DING operates on a technology stack that is consistent with the overall architecture of contemporary GNOME desktops. It’s essential to clarify that this update is independent of an earlier GTK4 fork that was discussed in 2022, allowing users to benefit from features native to the browser-like experience Linux users expect today.

Visual Enhancements

With the GTK4 update, users will notice a range of aesthetic changes that significantly enhance the interface:

• Right-click Context Menu: The right-click context menu now features a distinct "call out," delivering a more modern look.
• File-Matching Dialog: When typing on the desktop without any focused item, a visually enhanced file-matching dialog appears.
• Radio Buttons: These indicate the active desktop arrangement, providing clearer visual feedback.

Improved Prompt Interfaces

The "Open with…" dialog has also been refined. Previously, it included a button for “Find new apps,” which was redundant on Ubuntu, as it invoked GNOME Software—not typically pre-installed. This has been removed, streamlining the experience for users.

Performance Tweaks

DING’s performance has seen remarkable improvement thanks to contributions from the community:

• Asynchronous Clipboard Check: Right-clicking on the desktop now behaves more responsively. Instead of getting delayed by clipboard checks from slower applications, DING reads the clipboard asynchronously, allowing the context menu to display almost instantly.

Enhanced File Stacks

File stacks, which group similar file types into a single visual icon, can now be managed using the keyboard. Earlier versions didn’t effectively convey the open/close status of these stacks, hindering keyboard navigation. The update allows users to toggle stacks using keyboard commands, enhancing accessibility and usability.

Fine-Tuning File Management

The DING update has resolved issues concerning names of archived files extracted directly onto the desktop. Previously, the lack of file-roller could cause errors or inconsistent name structures. The filename extension detection has been improved significantly, even incorporating double extensions—such as .tar.zst—to facilitate seamless extraction processes.

Memory Improvements

In the wake of Ubuntu 26.04 raising its recommended memory requirements, users on memory-constrained devices were advised to consider disabling DING. With the latest update addressing past memory issues, users may find DING more palatable resource-wise, potentially negating the need for extensive adjustments.

Installation Instructions

Users keen on experiencing the latest improvements can easily install the current version of Desktop Icons NG from the GNOME Extensions website.

For those operating on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, the extension is pre-installed as part of the gnome-shell-ubuntu-extensions metapackage. This package includes a myriad of essential tools like Ubuntu Dock, Tiling Assistant, and Snap Search.

If you wish to manually upgrade DING, it is possible to utilize the source code for the update. However, it’s vital to note that any manual modifications could be overwritten by future system updates, as the GTK4 port is not designed to retroactively apply to earlier Ubuntu versions.

Looking Ahead

Exciting developments are on the horizon with the upcoming Ubuntu 26.10 release scheduled for October 15, 2026. Users can anticipate additional enhancements and features making their experience even more fluid and intuitive.

With continued evolution in DING’s capabilities and technology alignment, users can enjoy a desktop experience that is not only functional but also visually engaging.