Add icon to show desktop

Question

I need the icon to minimize windows and show desktop. I can't find a decent guide. Can you help me?

Answer 1

The first step, install wmctrl package:

sudo apt-get install wmctrl

Description from the wmctrl homepage:

The wmctrl program is a UNIX/Linux command line tool to interact with an EWMH/NetWM compatible X Window Manager. The tool provides command line access to almost all the features defined in the EWMH specification. It can be used, for example, to obtain information about the window manager, to get a detailed list of desktops and managed windows, to switch and resize desktops, to make windows full-screen, always-above or sticky, and to activate, close, move, resize, maximize and minimize them. The command line access to these window management functions makes it easy to automate and execute them from any application that is able to run a command in response to an event.

Next step, download and install script, prepared by me:

cd /tmp && wget https://github.com/png2378/showdesktop/archive/master.zip
unzip master.zip && cd showdesktop-master
sudo mv showdesktop /usr/local/bin/ && sudo mv showdesktop.desktop /usr/share/applications/ && sudo mv showdesktop.svg /usr/share/icons/elementary/apps/48/

The finish step, add icon on Plank:

mv showdesktop.dockitem ~/.config/plank/dock1/launchers/

Result:

Answer 2

Plank(Dock) has a hidden settings window for developers/OEMs.

1. Hold Control and right click anywhere on the dock
2. Select "Preferences"
3. Select "Docklets" tab from the Dialog box that appeared
4. Drag "Desktop" item to the Dock

Boom!!

Answer 3

I believe you are asking how to minimize active windows in elementary?

As of now, there isnt a dedicated minimize button on application windows in elementary. You can, however, minimize active windows to plank (the dock) by clicking said application's icon in the dock.