Cairo Dock as a Linux alternative to Bartender
Updated
Our verdict
Cairo Dock is a functional replacement for Bartender if you want a full dock interface rather than just a manager for an existing one. It handles hiding, grouping, and auto-hiding well. However, it is heavier than Bartender and requires more configuration to feel lightweight. It is best for users who want a complete dock solution with system monitors and applets, not just icon management. If you only need to hide icons on a minimal WM, it might be overkill. For GNOME or KDE users, native extensions or panel settings often do this job with less overhead.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.6.2
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Hides specific application icons to reduce clutter
- Groups multiple apps into a single launcher or folder
- Auto-hide functionality for the entire dock
- Customizable triggers for showing and hiding the dock
- Integrates with the system tray or dock area
What is different
- Cairo Dock is a full dock interface, not just a manager for an existing dock
- Higher resource usage compared to the lightweight Bartender
- Requires more manual configuration for basic hiding behaviors
- Includes extra features like system monitors and applets that Bartender lacks
- May conflict with existing desktop environment panels if not configured correctly
Opening your Bartender files
There is no direct file compatibility between Bartender and Cairo Dock. Bartender configurations are stored in macOS-specific preference files, while Cairo Dock uses its own configuration files (typically in ~/.config/cairo-dock/). You cannot import Bartender settings directly. You will need to manually recreate your hiding rules, groups, and auto-hide settings in Cairo Dock's configuration interface.
Switching from Bartender to Cairo Dock, step by step
- Install Cairo Dock via your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install cairo-dock)
- Launch Cairo Dock and open its configuration window
- Navigate to the 'Appearance' or 'Behavior' tabs to set auto-hide preferences
- Add your applications to the dock and create groups or folders as needed
- Configure specific icons to hide using the dock's context menu or settings
- Test the show/hide triggers and adjust sensitivity if necessary
Key features of Cairo Dock
- Dock with app launchers and taskbar integration
- System monitors (CPU, RAM, disk, network)
- Customizable themes and icons
- Support for applets (weather, calendar, notifications)
- Animated window minimize effects
- Integration with Compiz or standalone mode
- Supports drag-and-drop and tooltips
How to install Cairo Dock on Linux
sudo apt install cairo-docksudo apt install cairo-docksudo dnf install cairo-docksudo pacman -S cairo-dockFrequently asked questions
Will Cairo Dock work with my current desktop environment?
Yes, Cairo Dock works with most Linux desktop environments including GNOME, KDE, and XFCE. It can run standalone or integrate with compositors like Compiz. However, it may conflict with existing panels, so you might need to disable the default panel or adjust positioning.
Is Cairo Dock lightweight like Bartender?
No, Cairo Dock is generally heavier than Bartender. It uses more CPU and RAM due to its animations, applets, and system monitoring features. If low resource usage is your top priority, consider using your desktop environment's native panel settings instead.
Can I hide only specific icons in Cairo Dock?
Yes, you can hide specific icons. Right-click on an icon in the dock and select 'Hide' or configure it in the settings. You can also set rules to automatically hide icons based on conditions, similar to Bartender's behavior.