How to change the layout of the window buttons GNOME Documentation Project gnome-doc-list@gnome.org April Gonzales loonycookie@gmail.com Change the order of the close, minimize, and maximize window buttons

You can change the layout of the window buttons for all the application windows that are launched on your computer.

The layout of the window buttons is dictated by a configuration file. You can modify the configuration by using the gconf-editor. To do this:

Press AltF2 to bring up the Run Application window.

Type in gconf-editor in the text field and click Run. This launches the Configuration Editor.

Refer to the left-hand panel. Click on the expand button next to apps.

Click on the expand button next to metacity. Select general.

On the right-hand panel of the Configuration Editor window, locate the button_layout key. Double click on this item.

On the Edit Key dialog box, modify the text in the Value text field to fit the order or layout of the window buttons you wish to use. (Example: If you want the buttons to be displayed on the right side of the title bar, and in this order: maximize, minimize, close; then type in “maximize,minimize,close:”).

The position of the colon determines the location of the window buttons. In the above example "maximize,minimize,close:", the buttons will be located at the left side of the title bar.

To move the window buttons to the right, simply type in ":maximize,minimize,close".

Click Ok. The changes will be applied and will be reflected immediately on all open windows.

Remember to take note of the original configuration settings. You may need to revert back to the original settings if you are not pleased with the changes made.

The Configuration Editor does not offer an option to revert back to the original settings once the changes are applied; you will need to modify the button_layout key again to go back to the old window button layout.