Plasma (aka KDE Plasma) is without doubt one of the greatest desktop environments available on the market as we speak. It is equal components magnificence and effectivity. It is immediately acquainted and straightforward to customise.
However do you know that the Plasma desktop provided widgets approach earlier than MacOS? And do you know that with the addition of some of those widgets, you can also make your desktop much more efficient?
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After all, everybody’s wants are totally different, in addition to everybody’s thought of “efficient”. Nonetheless, I’ve created a brief listing of widgets that virtually anybody can profit from.
Let’s dive in.
1. Dictionary
Okay, I confess this widget is particularly helpful to me as a author. However everybody runs into phrases they may not know. Others may wish to give their work a bit extra panache. These causes are why I at all times like fast entry to a dictionary and Plasma has a widget only for that goal.
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With this widget, you should use all obtainable dictionaries (the default), or choose which dictionary you favor. To make use of this widget, click on the icon, sort the phrase you wish to lookup, and hit Enter in your keyboard. A popup will seem with the definition, and also you’re good to go. You too can create a keyboard shortcut to launch the dictionary, so there’s even much less clicking.
2. Folder View
Folder View is pretty fundamental — it simply shows the contents of a folder you designate. By the widget, you’ll be able to click on a sub-folder which is able to open within the Dolphin file supervisor, and even open a file with the related default utility.
I added this widget to the listing as a result of it makes accessing information and folders simpler. As an alternative of getting to launch the file supervisor and navigate to the folder in query, you simply click on on the folder within the widget and do your factor.
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You possibly can configure the default folder, how icons are displayed, filter the contents of the default folder, and create a keyboard shortcut (though I’ve but to get this function to work correctly). Folder View is an important widget for anybody who desires critical effectivity on their desktop.
3. Utility Launcher
The Utility Launcher widget locations an icon in your desktop that, when clicked, opens the desktop menu. Okay, why would you want this, given there’s already an icon on the desktop panel for that goal? The reply to that query comes from my days utilizing the Enlightenment Window Supervisor, which incorporates an utility menu that may be accessed from anyplace on the desktop with a right-click of the mouse.
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That function means you do not have to spend seconds transferring the cursor throughout the desktop. As an alternative, place the Utility Launcher in a handy spot and you will have sooner entry to the functions you wish to use.
4. Quicklaunch
Talking of which, when you have favourite functions that you simply frequently use, why not add the Quicklaunch widget? This widget means that you can add utility launchers in your most-used functions, so you’ll be able to launch them straight from the widget.
This method is useful when you have a set of apps for a particular goal (resembling networking, productiveness, design, and extra). So as to add launchers to the widget, you open the Plasma Menu and drag any icon from the menu to the widget.
5. Sticky Notice
I frequently should jot issues down and infrequently have fast entry to pen and paper. As an alternative of opening up a notepad app or Google Maintain, I can add the Sticky Notice widget to the Plasma desktop and at all times have a spot to sort a fast observe. You possibly can customise the colour of your sticky notes, the font dimension, and even add some fundamental formatting. You too can configure the widget to be clear so that every one you see are the notes you have written. This widget needs to be the primary one you add as a result of it is so useful.
6. Vaults
If you happen to use the Plasma Vaults function, you will be glad to know you may get fast entry to any vaults and even create vaults, straight from the widget. Though this widget might not be helpful to everybody, in case you prefer to hold info locked away in a safe folder, and wish to have fast entry to that info, this widget could be very useful.
How one can add Widgets to Plasma
The method for including widgets could be very easy:
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Proper-click anyplace on the desktop
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Click on Enter Edit Mode from the popup menu
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Click on Add Widgets from the top-left nook
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Find the widget you wish to add and drag it to the desktop
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Add extra widgets
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When completed, click on Exit Edit Mode within the top-right nook of the desktop
And there you’ve it — 5 Plasma widgets to assist make your desktop expertise more practical and environment friendly.