GNOME 51, due out in September, could include a redesigned search experience.

Presently, when you trigger a search from the GNOME Shell overview, a dedicated search results screen replaces the one you were looking at, either the workspaces or app picker.

But a change targeted for GNOME Shell in v51 plans to change that.

Modern GNOME Shell is designed around a ‘semantic’ model, where elements visibly enter and exit from a specific place (with animations providing cues) so you know how one screen relates to the next.

Under this model, search results would appear in an overlay that ‘spawns out of the search entry’ box, and float over the workspace overview or the app grid rather than, as now, abruptly appearing. It’s an idea that’s been explored in GNOME design mockups before.

Now, an open merge request is posted to make this idealised ‘shell search’ experience a reality.

Animation: Jakub Steiner

The open merge implements the animated demo above. It makes GNOME Shell’s search mode an overlay that clearly originates from the search field. Result sit above the overview or app grid rather than, as now, ‘switching to a separate view’ during searches.

As design rejigs go, it’s a relatively modest one. Nonetheless, the existence of working code for this long-held idea generated plenty of discussion amongst GNOME contributors and designers, many of whom have helped test and ideate on the change to help it land.

Cassidy James Blaede, formerly of Endless and elementary, was among those to weigh in, saying the change “looks great”. Long-time GNOME design team member Sam Hewitt described the overlay search as “a long time coming”.

So much discussion has, it seems, had an unintended consequence, delaying the merge from being accepted in time to meet GNOME development deadlines. A freeze request was opened, so it may yet make it across the line in time for the GNOME 51 release in September.

GNOME designer Tobias Bernard, writing in a blog post titled ‘GNOME Shell Design Dreams‘, in which this and other design changes (see below) are discussed, is hopefully. He said the search revamp is ‘likely’ to ship in GNOME 51.

If it does, it’ll also be available in Ubuntu 26.10, out in October – another stonking feature to look out for if you plan to install or upgrade to it.

More GNOME Shell design changes are planned

Bernard suggests supporting ‘richer types of content and actions’, similar to other desktop launchers and tools (like Raycast on macOS). Search is already extensible – Ubuntu 26.04 added Snap Store app matches and web search shortcuts – so there’s scope for expansion.

Other design changes on the GNOME Shell ‘wish list’ include directly-editable Quick Settings, a simpler calendar applet, ‘mosaic’ style window management, transparent top bar, dynamic battery icons and a login screen that’s a little less drab.

If you have the skills (not the .md variety) to make more of these ideas a reality, Bernard’s post mentions that i’s easier than eve to hack on GNOME Shell. To pitch in and help, join the #gnome-design room on Matrix.