More layouts for Zorin start menu

Forpli · January 25, 2026, 9:24am

Today I found a nice setting which I want to share. Maybe someone is interested.
Personally, I don't like having to click so many times in the Zorin start menu to get to an app, and I've often used the gnome extension "Arc Menu", which allows for much more flexibility in the design of the start menu.
Nowadays, I mostly only use the search function.

Today I discovered that the Mint menu layout, which I prefer, can be easily activated in Zorin by setting “Mint” as layout in dconf-editor.

sudo apt install dconf-editor

There go to org > gnome > shell > extensions > zorin-menu > layout
and disable "use default value". Then select 'Mint'.
When you like terminal commands to set up this layout instead of the GUI of dconf-editor, enter

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.zorin-menu layout 'MINT'

If you like a Windows look, you can choose "APPGRID" as layout.

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.zorin-menu layout 'APP_GRID'

(Please note: Do not enter 'APPGRID' here, but 'APP_GRID'. This is unusual, as normally the names are the same as shown in dconf-editor.)

To go back to the default setting, choose "use default value" in dconf-editor or enter in terminal

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.zorin-menu layout 'ALL'

The layouts are not such customizable as Arc Menu, but an alternative for those users who don't want to use third-party gnome shell extensions or are beginners.

piyush · January 25, 2026, 10:06am

Thanks

Ponce-De-Leon · January 25, 2026, 11:22am

Interesting that this works because the Mint Layout and the other are Menu Layouts for the Pro Version. Is this a Core or a Pro ISO?

Forpli · January 25, 2026, 11:25am

Zorin 18 core, I used the r1 .iso.
I found this setting very interesting because I had not read of it since I switched to Zorin.

Edit:
In Zorin 17 core are only 4 layouts you can select ('ALL', 'APPS_ONLY', 'SYSTEM_ONLY' and 'APP_GRID'), the 'MINT' layout doesn't exist there.

Ponce-De-Leon · January 25, 2026, 5:54pm

Because it doesn't exist in Zorin 17. But interesting that this works. I don't believe that it is intended to act like this, but ... it does. Maybe checking if the r2 ISO behaves the same ...

Forpli · January 26, 2026, 7:52am

It also works with r2 .iso.

I particularly like the fact that you can add apps with the Mint layout to the desktop. When using the Arc menu in Zorin, you first have to replace the gnome extension '"Zorin Desktop Icons" with another gnome extension for desktop icons, e.g. "Desktop Icons NG (DING) or "Gtk4 Desktop Icons NG (DING), to be able to add apps to the desktop from start menu, or adapt the extension code of Arc menu.

@Ponce-De-Leon
I tested the arc menu gnome extension in Zorin 18 core live session, and I don´t have the option to add apps to the desktop as shown in your screenshot here:

I use the latest 68.0 version of arc menu for gnome 46, but don´t have the option:

As you use Zorin 18 Pro, was Arc menu preinstalled there and maybe the developers have changed the code of the extension? Or do you use Desktop Icons NG (DING) or GTK4 Desktop Icons NG (DING) instead of the Zorin Desktop Icons? I'm wondering, why you have the option.

It works in Zorin 18 for me, when I replace the gnome extension for desktop icons or add
'zorin-desktop-icons@zorinos.com',
to line 20 of the file
~/.local/share/gnome-shell/extensions/arcmenu@arcmenu.com/appMenu.js

Forpli · February 3, 2026, 2:14pm

@Ponce-De-Leon
Have you seen my last post?
Do you know why adding apps to the desktop with arc menu works for you but not for me by default on Zorin 18? My thread about this theme has already been closed, so I ask you here. Maybe you have an idea?

Ponce-De-Leon · February 3, 2026, 2:23pm

To be honest, I don't know why I had this. I looked now again and I haven't it anymore. First, I thought it might be a Layout thing but after switching it wasn't there too:

I looked in the Thread but I can't remember ... But now I don't have it anymore.

Forpli · February 3, 2026, 2:31pm

Thanks for checking! Then it's not because of the live session or Pro version.

Forpli · February 14, 2026, 3:43pm

I'll post no helpful ideas when then afterwards the settings are removed☹️.

littlekun · February 14, 2026, 5:32pm

gnome has a habit of removing things.

Which settings got removed now?

Forpli · February 14, 2026, 5:49pm

I wanted to use the commands today in Zorin 18 live session and only the normal Zorin menu (=layout 'ALL') was possible to setup, all other options have been removed (also in dconf editor).
I'm very disappointed. I would understand if Zorin Group asks me to hide my thread, but simply removing options which existed...

Ponce-De-Leon · February 14, 2026, 5:51pm

Well, that wasn't intended. It is Pro Content.

Forpli · February 14, 2026, 5:58pm

But in Zorin 16 and 17 you had the options to change the menu to other layouts.
It is always pointed out that you can set up all the features that Zorin Pro offers yourself and that you only pay for the work that is taken off your hands by a comprehensive installation with many apps and more layouts.
I don't see any contradiction here, because you still have to tinker with many layouts to make them look like Zorin's.

Ponce-De-Leon · February 14, 2026, 7:34pm

When You use ArcMenu to set it up like the Zorin Menu, that is fine. But that is here not the Case. You explored this in the Zorin Menu Extension. And this was not officially offered for Core.

You have to seperate the Start Menu Layout's that Zorin offers for Core and for Pro. The Layouts come preconfigured for the chosen Layout in Zorin Appearance. That You found the Menu Layouts that are for Zorin Pro is not a Feature or a Function. That seems to be a Bug or simply a Mistake.

Yes, You can built the Menu Layout by Yorself, that is right - but only when You use ArcMenu. That is not a Zorin Extension but Zorin Menu is one.

So, and when the Zorin Dev's now see that here the Pro Stuff can be used in Core, they will of Course do something because that is not intended.