Xfce Makeover: Mimicking macOS and Unity Layouts
A guide from The Register details the plugins and configuration tweaks needed to transform the lightweight Xfce environment into a professional dock-based workspace.
Linux users can transform the lightweight Xfce desktop environment to closely mimic the aesthetics of macOS and Ubuntu Unity. A two-part guide published by The Register outlines the specific tools and manual refinements required to move beyond basic templates toward a polished, professional interface.
The process begins with the Panel Profiles tool, which provides several alternative layouts including macOS (Cupertino), Unity, MATE, GNOME 2, and various Windows-style setups. However, The Register notes that the 'Cupertino' and 'Unity' default profiles are not ideal out-of-the-box; they require manual tinkering to achieve proper alignment, particularly when configuring the AppMenu.
To achieve a more authentic dock experience, the guide recommends replacing the standard Window Buttons plugin with the 'Docklike Taskbar' plugin. This tool, installed via the command `sudo apt install -y xfce4-docklike-plugin`, allows users to maintain pinned app launchers and running-app indicators within a single strip. This approach is more space-efficient, as it keeps pinned launchers permanently visible while adding an indicator next to the icon to signal if the application has open windows.
The Value of Lightweight Customization
Xfce is widely recognized for being resource-efficient on UNIX-like systems, making it a preferred choice for users with older hardware or those seeking maximum performance. While the environment is highly customizable, achieving a modern look often requires a combination of third-party plugins, such as Vala Panel AppMenu, and manual Xfconf queries to manage how applications interact with the system shell.
For users who prefer the workflow of macOS or Unity but want the speed of a lightweight environment, these refinements bridge the gap between a rough template and a functional desktop. The ability to implement these changes demonstrates the deep extensibility of Xfce through its plugin architecture and configuration flexibility.
Application Support and Next Steps
One of the more complex aspects of the makeover is the implementation of a functional global menu. The Register reports that while Waterfox continues to support global menus, Mozilla Firefox no longer does, meaning users may need to select specific browser forks to maintain a consistent macOS-style top bar.
Moving forward, users looking to implement these changes should focus on the interplay between the Panel Profiles tool and individual plugin configurations. While the guide provides a roadmap for the visual transformation, the final result depends on the user's willingness to perform the manual alignment and technical configuration steps necessary to stabilize the layout.