Introduction
Canonical has finally begun rolling out a visual refresh for one of its most crucial developer tools: the Launchpad series page. For years, the interface that Ubuntu developers rely on daily has remained virtually unchanged—stuck in an early 2010s design that prioritized function over form. Now, with the upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, that's starting to change. UX designer Enzo Deng announced a “complete redesign of the series page” as the first step in “the journey of modernizing the Launchpad user experience.” This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the new series page—how to access it, what’s different, and how to make the most of its improved features.
What You Need
- A Launchpad account (sign up at launchpad.net if you don’t have one)
- Basic familiarity with Ubuntu development workflows (e.g., bug tracking, merge proposals)
- A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge—any recent version works)
- An active internet connection
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Access the Launchpad Series Page
Open your web browser and navigate to launchpad.net/ubuntu/+series. If you’re working with a specific Ubuntu release, replace +series with the version code (e.g., launchpad.net/ubuntu/noble for Ubuntu 24.04). The redesigned series page automatically loads for all Ubuntu 26.04 LTS-related views. Bookmark this URL for quick access later.
Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the New Layout
The most noticeable change is a cleaner, more modern interface. Gone are the cluttered tables and tiny links. Instead, you’ll see:
- A responsive grid that adapts to your screen size
- Prominent call-to-action buttons for common tasks (e.g., “File a bug”, “Propose a merge”)
- A stickied header with the release name and status
Step 3: Locate the Version Selector
In the top-right corner of the page, you’ll see a dropdown labelled “Series”. Click it to switch between active Ubuntu releases (e.g., 24.04, 25.04, 26.04). The redesign makes it easier to compare milestones across different series because each series now has its own dedicated URL—and the design is consistent across all of them.
Step 4: Use the Search and Filter Options
One of the biggest pain points of the old Launchpad was its weak search. The new series page includes an instant search bar at the top of the main content area. Type a package name, bug ID, or contributor’s username, and results appear in real time. Next to the search bar, you can filter by:
- Status (open, closed, in progress)
- Assignee (yourself, a team, or unassigned)
- Milestone (Alpha, Beta, Final release)
Step 5: View Series Milestones and Deadlines
Scroll down to the “Milestones” section. The redesign presents each milestone as a timeline card with the due date, percentage of completed tasks, and a progress bar. Click on any milestone to see a detailed breakdown of bugs, blueprints, and merge requests associated with that phase. This visual overview replaces the old flat list and helps you quickly assess whether the series is on track.
Step 6: Submit Bug Reports or Merge Proposals Using the Updated Forms
When you click “File a bug” or “Propose a merge”, the form that opens has been redesigned for clarity. Instead of a long, monolithic form, you’ll see step‑by‑step sections: describe the issue, add tags, assign importance, and attach logs or patches. The entire process is now wizard‑style, reducing the chance of missing required fields. Once submitted, the form automatically redirects you back to the series page, where your new entry appears in the recent activity feed.
Step 7: Track Your Personal Contributions
Click on your avatar in the top navigation bar and select “My Series”. This new dashboard summarizes your activity across all series you’re involved in: bugs you’ve filed, merge proposals you’ve made, and milestones you’re watching. The redesign uses colour‑coded badges (green for completed, orange for in progress, red for overdue) to give you an instant snapshot. This view is perfect for developers juggling contributions to multiple Ubuntu releases.
Step 8: Provide Feedback to Canonical’s UX Team
Canonical has integrated a feedback widget (a small “?” icon in the bottom‑right corner). Click it to rate the new design, suggest improvements, or report any issues you encounter. Your input directly influences the next iteration of this redesign. The UX team, led by Enzo Deng, has explicitly requested developer feedback as they continue the “journey of modernizing Launchpad.”
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Bookmark the series page for your primary Ubuntu version so you can jump straight to it without navigating through the Launchpad home.
- Use keyboard shortcuts—press g + s to open the search bar, or n to file a new bug. A full list is available in the help menu.
- Check for new features regularly; Canonical is rolling out improvements incrementally. Subscribe to the Launchpad Announcements mailing list to stay updated.
- If you experience performance issues, try clearing your browser cache—the old design’s static assets may still be cached locally.
- Share your feedback early—the earlier you report a problem, the more likely it will be addressed before the final release of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.
With these steps, you’re fully equipped to navigate the modernized Launchpad series page and contribute more efficiently to Ubuntu development. The redesign is still a work in progress, but it already marks a significant improvement in usability and clarity. Dive in and see how the new layout can streamline your workflow!