Getting the panels to behave like macOS
The Panel Profiles utility for Xfce lets users swap between desktop layouts that mimic macOS, Unity, MATE, GNOME 2 and various Windows skins. While the tool installs easily, fine‑tuning each profile still requires hands‑on adjustments, according to the second part of a two‑part guide released this week.
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Apple Limits iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Max to Reservation-Only Sales in Japan and South KoreaThe first article explained how to add Panel Profiles and its required plugins, then listed a dozen pre‑made configurations. This follow‑up dives into the practical steps needed to make every element line up correctly, from panel height to window button placement. It also offers tips for customizing themes, icons and shortcuts so the look feels authentic rather than a rough imitation.
Xfce’s default panel is highly configurable, but reproducing the sleek macOS dock demands more than a simple preset. Users must first enable the „Window Buttons” plugin, set its mode to „Icon only,” and hide the title bar on all windows. Next, the „Separator” plugin is added to create the characteristic gap between the dock and the menu bar. Adjusting the panel’s size to 48 pixels and enabling „Always on top” helps the dock stay visible over full‑screen apps.
Can Unity’s launcher be recreated on Xfce?
Theme selection also plays a crucial role. The guide recommends the „Mojave‑Xfce” theme, which supplies macOS‑style icons and a matching cursor set. After applying the theme, users should edit the „xfwm4” configuration file to disable window shadows, mirroring the flat aesthetic of macOS. Finally, a small script can be added to the startup applications list to automatically launch the „Plank” dock, completing the transformation.
Yes, but it requires a blend of plugins and manual layout work. The Unity‑style layout hinges on the „Whisker Menu” for the start button and the „DockBarX” plugin for the vertical launcher. Users must position the DockBarX on the left edge, set its icon size to 48 pixels, and enable „Intellihide” so it disappears when windows cover it.
To emulate Unity’s top panel, the „Clock” and „Notification Area” plugins are placed at the right side, while the „Window Buttons” plugin sits centrally. Adjusting the panel’s transparency to 85 percent gives the familiar semi‑transparent look. The guide also advises disabling Xfce’s default window manager shortcuts and reassigning them to match Unity’s key bindings, such as Super + A for the application lens.
Both macOS and Unity makeovers showcase Xfce’s flexibility, but they also highlight the need for users to edit configuration files and test settings repeatedly. The effort pays off for those who prefer a familiar desktop without abandoning the lightweight performance Xfce offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reinstall Xfce after applying a new panel profile? No. All changes are applied at runtime; you can switch profiles or revert to the default layout without reinstalling the desktop environment.
Will these customizations affect system stability? When using officially supported plugins and themes, stability remains comparable to a standard Xfce setup. Problems usually arise only from incompatible third‑party extensions.
Can I save my own custom layout for later use? Yes. Panel Profiles includes an export function that writes your current configuration to a file, which can be imported on any other Xfce installation.
