DockBarX Is A Fully Customizable Dock For Ubuntu & Other Linux Versions

DockBarX is a fully customizable standalone dock application for Ubuntu & other Linux based operating systems. It has options which allow completely transforming its look according to user specifications. The options are so specific that they are much more advanced than Cairo Dock. The below screenshot is an example of how I was able to customize DockBarX to give it the Windows style Aero glass look.

DockbarX can either be used as a standalone Dock or with Avant Window Navigator. You can Install DockBarX, by entering the following commands in the Terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nilarimogard/webupd8
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install dockbarx dockbarx-themes-extra

After instalation, you can launch the dock by pressing ALT+F2 and entering dockx in the text box.

DockbarX can also be used with Unity or as a standalone dock with the classic Ubuntu menu. In case you use it with unity, all launched items will  be opened with DockBarX.

To customize DockbarX, launch DockBarX Preferences from Applications menu. The preferences (settings) option will automatically be available after DockBarX is installed. I made the Window List background transparent to get the Aero glass look for the dock. You can use the available options to change the theme, dock colors and effects from the Appearance tab.

Window List tab contains dock alignment options. The dock is not centered by default and I used the available options in this tab to customize it for a centered look.

Group Buttons and Window Items tabs provide the utility to assign mouse actions and hotkeys for performing tabs quicker. For example, you can use the middle mouse click to close tabs or use Shift+Left Click to launch applications.

You can change the dock size, transparency, smoothness, etc from Dock and Advanced tabs. Whereas, Plugins tab can be used to enable  Unity quick list and media buttons.

So give DockBarX a try and customize it to your liking.

To also install the Avant Window Navigator DockBarX applet, use the following Terminal command:

sudo apt-get install awn-applet-dockbarx
  • Arch Linux users can get DockBarX from AUR
  • DockBarX can be downloaded for other Linux versions via its GNOME-Look page or from the Launchpad link given below.

Download DockBarX

[via Webupd8]