Plank as a Linux alternative to Bartender
Updated
Our verdict
Plank is a reasonable replacement for Bartender if you are moving from macOS to an X11-based Linux desktop. It provides the core dock functionality with low resource usage, which matches Bartender's lightweight nature. However, it lacks Bartender's advanced hide-and-organize logic. Plank does not group apps into single icons or offer sophisticated auto-hide triggers based on window focus. It is best for users who want a simple, clean dock on X11 and do not rely on complex icon management. If you use Wayland, Plank will not work, so this is not a universal solution.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.11.178
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both are lightweight dock managers designed to reduce desktop clutter
- Both provide quick access to applications and running windows
- Both support configuration via GUI or files
- Both aim for low resource usage compared to heavier desktop components
What is different
- Plank does not support grouping multiple apps into a single icon
- Plank lacks the advanced auto-hide triggers and specific icon hiding rules found in Bartender
- Plank is strictly X11-only, whereas Bartender targets macOS and works on its specific display server
- Plank does not integrate with the system tray in the same way Bartender manages menu bar items
Opening your Bartender files
There is no direct file compatibility between Bartender and Plank. Bartender configuration files are specific to macOS and its internal state, while Plank uses its own configuration format (typically a JSON or INI file depending on the version and distribution). You cannot import or export Bartender settings to Plank. You will need to manually recreate your dock layout and preferences in Plank's settings.
Switching from Bartender to Plank, step by step
- Install Plank from your distribution's package manager (e.g., apt, dnf, pacman)
- Launch Plank from your application menu or terminal to generate default configuration files
- Open Plank's settings to adjust icon size, position, and opacity to match your previous setup
- Add your frequently used applications to the Plank dock by dragging their icons or using the context menu
- Configure auto-hide settings in Plank preferences if you want the dock to disappear when not in use
- Test the dock on multiple monitors to ensure it behaves as expected across your screen setup
Key features of Plank
- Dock-style application launcher
- Shows indicators for running applications
- Supports multiple monitors
- Configurable icon size and position
- Lightweight and low resource usage
- X11 only compatibility
- Simple configuration via GUI or config file
How to install Plank on Linux
sudo apt install planksudo apt install planksudo dnf install planksudo pacman -S plankFrequently asked questions
Does Plank work on Wayland?
No, Plank is X11-only. It will not function correctly on Wayland compositors. If you use Wayland, you should look for alternatives like the dock built into your desktop environment or other Wayland-compatible docks.
Can I hide specific icons in Plank?
Plank does not have a feature to selectively hide specific application icons from the dock while keeping others visible. You can remove icons from the dock, but you cannot have a dynamic hide/show rule for individual apps like Bartender.
Is Plank resource-heavy?
No, Plank is designed to be lightweight and uses very few system resources. It is comparable to Bartender in terms of minimal impact on system performance.