List of GNOME Essential Extensions You Must Install

 Gnome desktop comes in different flavors with different distros. Because not all the distro uses vanilla Gnome. Such as Zorin OS, POP_OS, or some other distro that uses customized Gnome. They use some of their own extensions to make the desktop looks different and give some advantage to the users. 

However, those modifications mostly focused on the look of the desktop, not the functionality. So, today we are going to learn about a set of essential Gnome extensions which you must install on your desktop to make it fully functional and easy to use. If you want to know the core apps for Gnome, you can check them here. These apps come by default with Gnome desktop.

Essential GNOME Extensions

Essential GNOME Extensions

1. Application Menu - This adds a category-based application menu in the Gnome shell. 
2. Clipboard Indicator - This is a clipboard manager. You can manage all the texts you have copied from the Gnome shell easily with the help of this extension.
3. Dash to Dock - Gnome comes with a default dock. Also, most of the distro who uses customized Gnome have a dock of their own. But maybe you don't like that dock! So in that case you can use this extension for a dock on your system. Although there are many docks available for Gnome but I have found it most helpful.
4. Frippery Move Clock - By default clock stays in the middle of the Gnome shell. If you want to change its position to give it a better look then this extension can help you with that. 
5. Hide Activities Button - Gnome has this icon by default in its shell. Most of the users don't need it. If you are one of those who don't this button, then use this extension to remove that icon for a better look.
6. Icon Area Horizontal Spacing Fixed - This extension will let you change the space between the Icon area horizontal spacing on the left side.
7. Status Area Horizontal Spacing - This will do the same as the previously mentioned extension but it will change the horizontal spacing between the status area on the right side.
8. Internet Speed Meter - This will show you the current internet speed. You can the upload speed and download speed separately by double click on the extension.
9. Panel OSD - By default Gnome shows the notification at the middle of your desktop. But if you want to change the position of the notification then this extension can do that for you.
10. Places Status Indicator - This will add a menu for quickly navigating places in the system.
11. Removable Drive Menu - This is a status menu for accessing the mounted devices and drives. Also, you can unmount a drive or device from here.
12. Remove Dropdown Arrows - Gnome shows a dropdown arrow at the side of all menus in the shell. This will remove all those arrows and make your desktop look clean.
13. Sound Input & Output Device Chooser - This extension lets the user choose the audio input and output device.
14. Tray Icons: Reloaded - This is a very helpful extension. It shows all the apps running in the background.
15. User Themes - With the help of this extension you can change the theme of your desktop easily.

This is pretty much all the extension you need for making your Desktop Environment fully functional and give you ease of use. But there are some other extensions you may give a look at. Maybe you will find some of them helpful.