The Shifting Grid
By default, the Ubuntu desktop behaves strictly like a grid. When you save a new file, create a folder, or drag an icon to the desktop, Ubuntu automatically snaps it into the next available slot starting from the top-left corner. If you delete a file, all the other icons instantly shuffle backward to fill the gap. If you rely on spatial memory—placing your important “Invoices” folder in the bottom-right corner and your “Scripts” in the top-right—this automatic reorganization makes the desktop completely useless.
How to Disable Auto-Arrange in GNOME Extensions
The modern Ubuntu desktop (which uses the GNOME shell) relies on a built-in extension called “Desktop Icons NG” (DING) to manage the desktop space. You must change the settings within this extension to gain free-form placement.
1. Right-click anywhere on the empty desktop background.
2. Select Desktop Icons Settings from the context menu.
3. A settings window will open. Look for the dropdown menu labelled Arrange desktop icons.
4. By default, this is set to “Sort by Name” or “Sort by Type,” which forces the rigid grid layout.
5. Unfortunately, the default DING extension in standard Ubuntu does not always offer a “Free placement” option in this specific menu. If it does not, you must uncheck the “Keep Aligned” toggle.
6. Right-click the desktop again. If you see an option called Keep Aligned with a checkmark next to it, click it to uncheck it.
How to Use Nemo for True Free-Form Desktops
If the default GNOME extension is too restrictive and continues to snap your icons, the most reliable Linux workaround is to replace the desktop manager entirely with “Nemo,” the file manager from Linux Mint, which fully supports classic, unorganized desktop icons.
1. Open your terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T).
2. Install Nemo by running: sudo apt install nemo
3. You must disable the default GNOME desktop icons so they don’t conflict. Open the “Extensions” app in Ubuntu and turn off the Desktop Icons NG toggle.
4. Tell Nemo to take over the desktop by running: gsettings set org.nemo.desktop show-desktop-icons true
5. To ensure Nemo manages the desktop every time you boot, open the “Startup Applications” tool in Ubuntu.
6. Click “Add.” Name it “Nemo Desktop,” and in the Command field, type: nemo-desktop
You can now drag and drop icons literally anywhere on your screen, and they will permanently stay exactly where you leave them.