What Is The Desktop Clock App For Ubuntu?

The default desktop clock app for Ubuntu is GNOME Clocks. This is a versatile, simple, and elegant application that integrates seamlessly with the GNOME desktop environment, which is the standard in modern Ubuntu versions. Beyond simply telling the time, it includes features for world clocks, alarms, a stopwatch, and timers.

GNOME Clocks: A detailed overview

GNOME Clocks is the standard solution for time-related functions on Ubuntu. It is usually pre-installed and can be found by searching "Clocks" in the Activities overview.

Core features

• World clocks: This function allows users to add and track the time in multiple cities and time zones around the world. This is particularly useful for those who communicate with people in different regions.
• Alarms: Users can set multiple alarms with custom names and repeat schedules. An alarm will produce an audible notification and a desktop pop-up. While the sound can be customized, some users may find the process challenging as the sounds are compiled into the application's binary.
• Stopwatch: A simple and accurate stopwatch is included for timing events. It can track elapsed time and individual lap times.
• Timers: This feature provides countdown timers with optional presets. When a timer finishes, it alerts the user with a sound and a notification.

Installation

While GNOME Clocks is typically pre-installed, you can manually install it using the Snap Store or the apt package manager through the terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install gnome-clocks

Use code with caution.

Customizing the panel clock

By default, the date and time are displayed in the top bar of the GNOME desktop. Basic customization options are available in the system settings, while more advanced formatting requires installing a GNOME Shell extension.

Using the settings panel

To switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings from the Activities menu.
2. Navigate to the Date & Time section.
3. Toggle the Time Format to your preference (12-hour or 24-hour).

Using GNOME Shell extensions

For advanced formatting, such as adding the weekday or a custom time zone, you can use a GNOME Shell extension:

1. Install the GNOME Shell integration extension for your browser and the chrome-gnome-shell connector.
2. Search for and install the Panel Date Format extension from the GNOME Extensions website.
3. Use the dconf-editor to specify a custom format string, following the guidelines of strftime format codes.

Alternative clock applications

For users with different needs, several other desktop clock apps and widgets are available for Ubuntu.

Desktop Widgets (Desktop Clock)

This is a popular GNOME Shell extension that adds a draggable digital or analog clock widget directly to your desktop.

• Features: Displays a customizable clock, and can also show weather, static text, and the output of shell commands.
• Installation: Search and install the "Desktop Widgets (Desktop Clock)" extension from the GNOME Shell Extensions website.

tty-clock

For terminal enthusiasts, tty-clock displays a simple digital clock directly in the terminal.

• Features: Displays the current date and time in a retro style. Offers options for 12/24-hour format, colors, and a "screensaver" mode.

• Installation:sh

  sudo apt install tty-clock
  

  Use code with caution.

  To run the clock, enter tty-clock in the terminal.

Alarm Clock Applet

This is a small, lightweight alarm clock that places a tray icon on the panel. It is useful for older versions of Ubuntu or other desktop environments.

• Features: Simple interface for setting alarms with various options for repetition.

• Installation:sh

  sudo apt install alarm-clock
  

  Use code with caution.

Time-tracking apps

If your needs extend to tracking time for productivity, several tools are available, though they go beyond a simple clock. Popular options include:

• Hamster: A simple and free time tracker for individuals.
• TimeCamp and Clockify: Feature-rich time-tracking software with Ubuntu support for both personal and team-based use.

Conclusion: Which app is right for you?

The best desktop clock app for Ubuntu depends on your specific needs.

• For the average user, GNOME Clocks is the perfect solution. It's pre-installed, simple, and provides all the essential features for alarms, timers, and world time management.
• For those seeking advanced customization, the Panel Date Format GNOME Shell extension is ideal for altering the top bar's date and time display.
• For users who want a floating clock, the Desktop Widgets extension offers an analog or digital widget that can be placed anywhere on the desktop.
• For developers and command-line fans, tty-clock provides a quick and distraction-free way to see the time in the terminal.