If you use GNOME, you’ve probably noticed the app grid tends to show everything.
Some of it’s useful. Some of it’s… not. (Looking at you, “Help” and random config utilities.)
Luckily, it’s easy to hide apps you never open but don’t want to uninstall.
Step 1: Copy the .desktop file
System-wide application shortcuts live in /usr/share/applications/.
Copy the one you want to hide into your local directory:
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cp /usr/share/applications/<APP NAME>.desktop ~/.local/share/applications/
(Replace <APP NAME>.desktop with the actual name of the app you want to hide.)
Step 2: Edit the file
Open the copied file with your favorite text editor and add this line under the [Desktop Entry] section:
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NoDisplay=true
Save the file. That’s it.
Step 3: Restart GNOME Shell (optional)
If the app still shows up, press Alt + F2, type r, and hit Enter to restart GNOME Shell. Or just log out and back in.
Now your Overview only shows the apps you actually use, and no unnecessary clutter.