How To Use Workspace Activities And Virtual Desktops

  
By Tim Chesonis •  Updated: 02/20/23 •  6 min read

You can arrange your programs and windows using KDE technologies like KDE Virtual Desktops and KDE Activities. The scope and aim of the organizations are the fundamental distinction between the two.

The goal of KDE Virtual Desktops is to organize your windows and apps according to the tasks you are completing. To divide your work into different regions, you can establish multiple virtual desktops and switch between them. For example, you could have business-related windows on one virtual desktop and entertainment-related windows on another.

On the other side, KDE Activities concentrate on arranging your windows and programs according to the circumstance or environment. You could, for instance, develop a work activity, a leisure activity, and a project-related activity.

Advantages of using KDE Activities and KDE Virtual Desktops

The utilization of KDE Activities and KDE Virtual Desktops has been known to provide a plethora of benefits, one of which is the potential to enhance one’s productivity. Through the segregation of windows and applications into various activities or virtual desktops, individuals can reduce external distractions and hone in on their designated task with a heightened degree of focus.

Another added advantage of utilizing these features is the improvement of organization, as users have the ability to easily categorize and manage their windows and applications in a systematic manner. The creation of multiple activities or virtual desktops empowers individuals with the freedom to customize their desktop environment by adjusting settings such as background images and layouts, thereby increasing the overall level of customization available.

By creating multiple activities or virtual desktops, individuals can also achieve a more streamlined desktop environment, thus eliminating the chaos that often results from having too many open windows. This is a fundamental aspect of space administration and is conducive to promoting a more organized workflow. Ultimately, the improved workflow results in a more efficient and productive work experience.

Both Activities and Virtual Desktops are highly flexible and customizable in nature, allowing users to exercise control over their desktop environment and increase overall productivity and efficiency.

How to Create Plasma Workspace Activities in KDE

Let’s start with the basics – creating an Activity. First, locate the Activities button, which can be found in the top left corner of your screen. Once you’ve found it, click on it and select “Add Activity” to begin the creation process. Here comes the tricky part – you will need to provide a name for the Activity and choose a default layout. Are you feeling perplexed yet?

Now that you’ve successfully created an Activity, it’s time to learn how to switch between them. Don’t worry, this won’t be too challenging. Simply click on the Activities button and select the Activity you desire from the list. But wait, there’s more! For those who enjoy a burst of complexity, you can also use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Key” to switch between Activities.

Let’s kick it up a notch by learning how to add windows to an Activity. This may sound daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. All you need to do is open the windows you want and then switch to the Activity you want them to belong to. The windows will magically be added to the Activity without any additional effort on your part.

Now, brace yourself for the real challenge – removing windows from an Activity. To remove a window, you must right-click on the window’s title bar and select “Close.” Feeling overwhelmed? Take a deep breath and remember that you can also close the window using the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + W.”

Last but not least, let’s learn how to configure an Activity. This is where you can truly showcase your expertise in KDE. Click on the Activities button and select “Configure Activity” to begin. From here, you can change the name, background image, and default layout of the Activity. Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end!

How to Create Plasma Workspace Virtual Desktops in KDE

First, to initiate the creation of a new virtual desktop, you must embark on a journey to the bottom right corner of your screen and gaze upon the Workspace Switcher. Once you have located this mystical object, select the option to “Add Virtual Desktop.” Alternatively, you may summon this creation into existence using the arcane keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + F8.”

Now, let us venture into the treacherous realm of switching between virtual desktops. With a steady hand, navigate your cursor to the Workspace Switcher and select the virtual desktop that you so desire. Or, should you be feeling particularly daring, wield the all-powerful keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Alt + Left/Right Arrow Key” to traverse the planes of your virtual existence.

But what of adding windows to a virtual desktop, you may ask? Fret not, for this task is not beyond your abilities. Simply summon the windows you desire and transfer them to the virtual desktop of your choosing. The magic of technology shall do the rest and seamlessly integrate these panes into the fabric of your digital universe.

Alas, as with all things in life, there may come a time when you must sever ties with a window that no longer serves a purpose. To do so, direct your gaze to the title bar of said window and make use of your right-clicking prowess to select the option to “Close.” Alternatively, if you are feeling particularly adventurous, the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + W” will also suffice.

Finally, should you possess the courage to attempt to configure a virtual desktop, prepare yourself for a task that will test even the bravest of souls. With a firm resolve, right-click on the workspace switcher and select the option to “Configure Workspaces.” From here, a world of possibilities awaits. You may alter the number of virtual desktops at your disposal, add or remove these ethereal constructs, and customize their very names and behaviors to suit your every whim. May fortune favor you on this perilous quest.

In summary, while virtual desktops allow you to organize your windows and applications based on task, activities allow you to organize them based on context or situation. Both features are useful and can be used together or separately to create a customized and organized desktop environment.

Tim Chesonis

Tim has been helping people with computers needs for several years, and he loves to help people succeed. He brings a wealth of wisdom and insight from an entrepreneur's perspective and enjoys freelance writing. In fact, when he's not writing an article, you might find him binge-watching Suits or formatting his computer . . . again, just for fun. To learn more about Tim, click here.