How do I enable multiple workspaces in Ubuntu Mate 16.04.1 LTS 64 bit?
I have placed the workspace switcher on the panel. When right clikcking on the panel I can set the number of workspaces from 1 to 4, but when I look again, it is always set back to one.
The same happens when I try to set the number of workspaces in Compiz-config settings manager.
Hi @Spidrena,
I think you’re seeing a longtime disconnect between Compiz and Workspace Switcher that goes back well into Gnome2 (Mate’s predecessor).
When Compiz is running, the Workspace Switcher number becomes meaningless and to my knowledge has always said 1. The CompizConfig Settings Manager setting takes over.
Is that consistent with what you’re seeing?
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Yes, but even in the Compiz-config settings manager, the number of workspaces is set to 4 horizontally and 1 vertically, but I can’t seem to switch to a second workspace.
I found the settings to enable workspaces in Unity via System settings - Appearance - Behavior tab - tick Enable workspaces, but I cannot find this option in Ubuntu Mate…
As a keyboard user, I use Ctrl+Alt+Arrows. RightArrow and LeftArrow for your standard 4 x 1. If you add more vertically, UpArrow and DownArrow come into play.
Doesn’t left-clicking the Workspace Switcher change desktops?
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Yes, I always used these but nothing happens here.
They should work, even when the other workspaces are empty?
Yes, they should always work. Where they are set depends if you’re using Marco (Keyboard Shortcuts) or Compiz (CCSM).
I have a theory if you’re running compiz…
Somehow, Desktop Wall (the default) or Rotate Cube (what I always use) has been disabled. Enable one or the other - or reset Compiz in Mate Tweak to get everything at default.
I installed CCSM and use Compiz, just to have a look at the wobbly windows (which work fine) and the workspaces cube effects.
Only when I press Ctrl+Alt+DownArrows, I see 4 workspaces next to each other, the other combinations do nothing at all.
Unfortunately, I’ve customized too much and never used desktops arranged vertically to know exactly what you may have. Nor am I exactly sure where Ctrl+Alt+Left/RightArrow comes from. I think it’s “Desktop Wall” in default. For me, it’s in Rotate Cube.
EDIT: See where I’m going? If neither “Desktop Wall” or “Rotate Cube” is enabled, I believe Ctrl+Alt+Arrows won’t work!
Thanks very much for your support , Bill_Ml
I kept on looking and found there was a conflict in CCSM
I switched off the Viewport Switcher and kept the Rotate Cube enabled, where I found the control keys.
Everything works fine now, thanks !
Should I close this post now?
Greetz
Great! Glad you got it going again.
A you can see, Compiz can be a challenge to navigate its quirks and interactions. To really make it sing is quite the learning curve so it’s very hard to recommend it to everyone. It was made by geeks for geeks and frankly, has never been stable IMHO.
Also, I hesitated to play around with my own working customized settings because I have window sizes and placements programmed that would take some time to recreate. Yet I know that “Compiz Reset” button is a golden solution when trying things.
I hope I got you looking in the right direction but it looks like you solved it yourself. Generally, a support topic closes successfully with the solution post flagged as such. You can mark your own post in this case. 
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