LatteDock/FAQ/en: Difference between revisions

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[[Special:myLanguage/LatteDock|←Latte Dock]]
[[Special:myLanguage/LatteDock|←Latte Dock]]
[[File:LLoXdgK.png|right|Latte Dock!]]


==  What is Latte Dock? How did it begin? ==
==  What is Latte Dock? How did it begin? ==
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'''Latte Dock''' is a dock based on plasma frameworks and a direct successor of [https://github.com/psifidotos/nowdock-panel Now Dock]. '''Latte''' is the combined effort from the developers of [https://github.com/psifidotos/nowdock-panel Now Dock] and [https://github.com/audoban/Candil-Dock Candil Dock].
'''Latte Dock''' is a dock based on plasma frameworks and a direct successor of [https://github.com/psifidotos/nowdock-panel Now Dock]. '''Latte''' is the combined effort from the developers of [https://github.com/psifidotos/nowdock-panel Now Dock] and [https://github.com/audoban/Candil-Dock Candil Dock].


== How can I add launchers? ==
== Which Linux distros provide "Out Of The Box" Latte Dock experience? ==


The easiest and most memory efficient way to do so is to drag n' drop them on the task manager (this is the area where dots and lines are shown under running windows).
* [https://nxos.org/ Nitrux]
* [https://garudalinux.org/ Garuda KDE Dragonized]
* [https://xldb.techxero.com/ Xerolinux]
* [https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=bluestar Bluestar Linux]
* [https://pearos.xyz/ pearOS]


'''Hint:''' You can also add them outside the task manager, but this creates animation issues for sizes <64px and it is memory hungry.
== How can I add launchers? ==
 
== How can I add applets? ==
 
Right click on your <menuchoice>Plasma desktop</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Add Widgets</menuchoice>. From the plasma widgets explorer, drag n' drop any widget you want onto your '''Latte Dock'''.
 
== How can I enable Edit Mode in Latte? ==


In '''Edit Mode''' the user can remove applets, change their ordering and access advanced settings in various areas. To enable it the user just has to show the '''Latte Settings Window'''.
The easiest and most memory-efficient way to do so is to drag n' drop them on the task manager (this is the area where dots and lines are shown under running windows).


== How can I move/remove applets? ==
You can also add them outside the task manager, but this creates animation issues for sizes <64px and it is memory hungry.
 
You should go to '''Edit Mode''' (when the settings window is shown) and then you can drag any applet you want to be placed elsewhere. You can also remove it while under "Edit Mode" by right clicking on it or by pressing the [X] button in the tooltip above the applet.
 
== Can I disable the parabolic effect for a specific applet? ==
 
You should go to '''Edit Mode''' (when the settings window is shown) and hover afterwards the specific applet. Its tooltip contains a lock icon that will disable parabolic effect for that applet when clicked.


== My launcher and its window are not associated correctly OR my launcher is using a low-resolution icon? ==
== My launcher and its window are not associated correctly OR my launcher is using a low-resolution icon? ==
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'''Example:'''
'''Example:'''
# Run <code>xprop</code> from the command line
# Run <code>xprop</code> from the command line.
# Click on the window you are interested in.
# Click on the window you are interested in.
# Locate at the end of the output the record <code>WM_CLASS(STRING) =</code>.
# Locate at the end of the output the record <code>WM_CLASS(STRING) =</code>.
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For instance, with "Gimp 2.10", even though its desktop file is called {{Path|1=gimp.desktop}}, its <code>StartupWMClass</code> is "gimp-2.10". <code>StartupWMClass</code> is not needed to be added for "Gimp" since plasma developers have taken special care to map it properly through {{Path|1=/etc/xdg/taskmanagerrulesrc}}.
For instance, with "Gimp 2.10", even though its desktop file is called {{Path|1=gimp.desktop}}, its <code>StartupWMClass</code> is "gimp-2.10". <code>StartupWMClass</code> is not needed to be added for "Gimp" since plasma developers have taken special care to map it properly through {{Path|1=/etc/xdg/taskmanagerrulesrc}}.


== How does Latte Dock (auto)start and why is a widget provided? ==
== How can I enable Latte Global Shortcuts? ==
 
Latte starts from the menu; there is no need to place the widget on your desktop. It is there for testing purposes. Automatic start can be enabled through <menuchoice>Settings Window</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Tweaks</menuchoice>.
 
== Did any other dock inspire you? How does Latte Dock compare to other docks? ==
 
'''Latte Dock''' has an architecture inspired and based on '''Plasmashell''', but we also took some inspiration from '''Plank''', e.g.: its Visibility modes.
 
== What technology/programming language does it make use of? ==
 
Latte is mostly written in Qt/QML and C++14, but this project would not be possible without [https://api.kde.org/frameworks/index.html '''KDE Frameworks 5'''].
 
== Ok, you convinced me to try it! How can I install it and what are its dependencies? ==
 
You can download the sources, install the required dependencies and build '''Latte'''. Please read the [https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock/blob/master/README.md README] and [https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock/blob/master/INSTALLATION.md INSTALLATION]. But if you have any problems or doubts, you can [https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock/issues/203 ask the development team].


== Which distributions have packages for it, so that I can install it through the package manager? ==
In most cases you need to go to <menuchoice>Plasma System Settings</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Global Shortcuts</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Latte Dock</menuchoice> and enable what shortcuts you need.


Please read at the bottom of [https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock Latte Dock's Main Page] the [https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock#from-repositories Repositories] section.
* <menuchoice>Super + Number</menuchoice> : Activate a task
 
* <menuchoice>Super + Ctrl + Number</menuchoice> : A new instance for a task
== Why is the displayed window not smooth after the launcher's bouncing animation? ==
 
Try the following steps:
 
#Go to <menuchoice>Plasma System Settings</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Applications</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Launch Feedback</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>(disable) Task Manager</menuchoice> animation.
#If the problem persists, then your application desktop file might be missing the "StartupWMClass" record. In Inkscape's case, that would be: <code>StartupWMClass=inkscape</code>. You can use the <code>xprop</code> application in order to identify its correct value.
 
== What are some basic configuration options? ==
 
'''Latte''' is highly configurable. We invite you to explore and configure latte to your liking from the config window. 👍
But some special features are: Visibility, Zoom Effect and Add widgets/plasmoids from KDE Plasma.
 
== Where are the configuration(s) stored? ==
 
Be careful! It is recommended to make a backup of those if you want to keep the original configurations.
 
{{Path|1=cat ~/.config/lattedock-appletsrc}}
 
{{Path|1=cat ~/.config/lattedockrc}}
 
== Inside ~/.config/lattedock-appletsrc I see several things. Can you explain a little the idea behind those? ==
 
Config is organized based on "Containments" (e.g. <code>[Containments][1]</code>). Each of those have a number to distinguish one from the other, and each one has different blocks of options. That's where "applets" come into play and each "Containment" has its applets (usually one - <code>[Containments][1][Applets][2]</code>). So it goes like:
 
{{Input|1=[Containments][NumberOfContainment][Applets][NumberOf_Applet]}}
 
Now, applet-2 may be a series of launchers, a Plasma Widget, anything. Each and every applet also has multiple blocks of configuration. A block might be used for generic "applet" configuration (e.g. <code>[Containments][1][Applets][2]</code>) or some more specific options (e.g. <code>[Containments][1][Applets][2][Configuration][General]</code>).
 
As you can tell, we can't document ''everything'' about those numerous options here, but here is the deal: You can tweak every applet separately, you can change the order applets appear with <code>appletOrder=No_of_Applet;No_of_Another</code>, under <code>[Containments][1][General]</code>* , you can manually change the <menuchoice>iconSize</menuchoice> at the same block, if you want <menuchoice>shadows</menuchoice>, what the <menuchoice>zoomLevel</menuchoice> must be, etc. A sample is provided [http://pastebin.ca/3772307 here] so you can see it for yourself.
 
* You see, it ''contains'' all the other applets and you tweak it under ''general'' options.
 
== What are some expert configuration options to never mess with? ==
 
None is forbiden, as long as you take ''frequent backups'' of your configuration. Use [https://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/how-do-i-add-jobs-to-cron-under-linux-or-unix-oses/ cron] or similar software to automate the procedure and place them in a safe place.
 
== How can I enable the Latte Global Shortcuts? ==
 
In most cases you need to go to <menuchoice>Plasma System Settings</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Global Shortcuts</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Latte Dock</menuchoice> and enable what shortcuts you need.
 
* <keycap>Super + No</keycap>: Activate a task
* <keycap>Super + Ctrl + No</keycap>: A new instance for a task
* <keycap>Super + `</keycap>: Show a hidden dock
* <keycap>Super + `</keycap>: Show a hidden dock


== Can I use my super key to open the app launcher? ==
== Can I use my super key to open the app launcher? ==


First make sure '''Latte Dock''' is not open.
* The official way to enable this is to right click <menuchoice>Dock</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Configure Latte...</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Enable autostart during startup</menuchoice>
 
===Option 1:===
Of course you can, but you will need to add at your {{Path|1=~/.config/kwinrc}} file the following code:
 
{{Input|1=<nowiki>
[ModifierOnlyShortcuts]
Meta=org.kde.lattedock,/Latte,org.kde.LatteDock,activateLauncherMenu</nowiki>}}
 
Then reload KWin with:


{{Input|1=qdbus org.kde.KWin /KWin reconfigure}}
* The manual way is to <menuchoice>Close Latte</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Execute in command prompt:</menuchoice> {{Input|1=<nowiki>kwriteconfig5 --file ~/.config/kwinrc --group ModifierOnlyShortcuts --key Meta "org.kde.lattedock,/Latte,org.kde.LatteDock,activateLauncherMenu"
 
===Option 2:===
Alternatively, you can run the following commands:
 
{{Input|1=<nowiki>kwriteconfig5 --file ~/.config/kwinrc --group ModifierOnlyShortcuts --key Meta "org.kde.lattedock,/Latte,org.kde.LatteDock,activateLauncherMenu"
qdbus org.kde.KWin /KWin reconfigure</nowiki>}}
qdbus org.kde.KWin /KWin reconfigure</nowiki>}}
== Latte v0.8 deactivates Borderless Maximized Windows from Active Window Control plasmoid, what can I do ? ==
Latte v0.8 supports <menuchoice>BorderLess Maximized</menuchoice> Windows per layout simultaneously. In order for this to work it had to support that feature internally. You can try the following:
# Disable <menuchoice>BorderLess Maximized</menuchoice> Windows from <menuchoice>Active Window Control</menuchoice>.
# Go to <menuchoice>Latte Settings</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Layouts</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Choose tab (Preferences)</menuchoice> and enable <menuchoice>Support borderless maximized windows in different layouts</menuchoice>.
# Return to your layouts and a new column called <menuchoice>Borderless</menuchoice> must have been added, add a check mark in that column for the layout you want that feature and click <menuchoice>Apply</menuchoice>
== Ok, so now I can't launch Latte. Is there any sample config to restore it to default settings? ==
You have been told to take backups. Unfortunatelly unless you post your configuration to get help, little can be done now; just `killall -9 latte-dock`, delete your configuration and restart Latte in order to reconfigure it. A configuration exists [here](http://pastebin.ca/3772307) but it's most likely useless to you.
== Can I tweak things like Latte Dock's distance from the screen's border? ==
You can minimize the distance, but not directly tweak it. Go to <menuchoice>Latte Setting</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Tweaks</menuchoice> and select <menuchoice>Shrink thickness margins</menuchoice>.
== Are there preloaded layouts for Latte v0.6? ==
In Latte v0.7 the layouts have been added by default in Appearance page. For previous v0.6 the users can use [https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock/files/888568/MyProfiles.zip Preloaded Layouts] file, that contains four of the most used layouts '''(Default, Unity, Plasma, Favourite)'''
== Can I tweak a launcher's icon or its command parameters? ==
You can set it up on your plasma environment and drag n' drop it onto your "Latte Dock".
== Can I rearrange misplaced launchers and applets through the configuration files? ==
If you misplaced a launcher (or a whole applet), open {{Path|1=~/.config/lattedock-appletsrc}}. Search your launcher and decide where you want to place it. Cut {{Input|1=;file:///usr/share/applications/myapp.desktop}} (yes, with the semicolon too) and paste it after the launcher - and its semicolon - you want. ''Be very careful''; only the last launcher won't need a semicolon afterwards! So if you are copying your launcher between two others, you have to make sure that a semicolon exists both ''before'' and ''after'' your launcher. Let's see an example; let's say you need to copy the launcher for '''transmission-qt''':
{{Input|1=..;file:///usr/share/applications/kchmviewer.desktop;file:transmission-qt;file:....}}
If what you want to reposition is a whole applet, rather than a launcher in an applet, you will find <code>appletOrder</code> very useful. Just note your applet's number and change the order in which applets are written in the previously mentioned option. Have I mentioned to keep a backup before you edit? I'm mentioning again; it's good practice.
== What effects does Latte Dock provide? Can launchers rotate, shake or dim when clicked? ==
'''Latte''' only has the zoom effect and shadows, but we are very concerned about delivering an excellent user experience.
== How can someone shutdown any effect, so the icons do absolutely nothing when clicked? ==
You can disable all animations through <menuchoice>Latte Configuration Window</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Appearance</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Animations</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>None</menuchoice>.


== Launchers are disappearing before the relevant window is shown even though they shouldn't. ==
== Launchers are disappearing before the relevant window is shown even though they shouldn't. ==


We are acquainted with this, but this behavior is provided by plasma's '''libtaskmanager'''. You can read more at: [https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock/issues/72 Latte Issue #72], [https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=368386 KDE bug report]
We are acquainted with this, but this behavior is provided by plasma's '''libtaskmanager'''. You can read more at: [https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock/issues/72 Latte Issue #72], [https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=368386 KDE bug report]
== I set Animations to None, but when clicking on a launcher its icon momentarily disappears. ==
This bug was ''already'' fixed in current master and will be included in the next (0.6.0) release. So all you have to do is <code>git pull</code> the latest changes of master, or wait for the next stable version if you prefer.
== Some applets in my dock are shown too small from Plasma 5.10 and beyond, can I fix this? ==
In Plasma 5.10, the plasma developers decided that the applets in the panels should have a maximum size that they shouldnt overcome. You can change this at plasma <menuchoice>systemsettings</menuchoice>-> <menuchoice>Icons</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Advanced</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Panel</menuchoice> -> set a size of 256px.


== My left dock behaves strangely from Plasma 5.10 onwards, how can I fix this? ==
== My left dock behaves strangely from Plasma 5.10 onwards, how can I fix this? ==


In Plasma 5.10, the KWin developers introduced gesture functionality for touch screens, which is enabled by default for all systems. You can disable it through plasma <menuchoice>System Settings</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Workspace Behavior</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Touchscreen</menuchoice>. Relogin your plasma session if the change doesn't take effect immediately.
In Plasma 5.10, the KWin developers introduced gesture functionality for touch screens, which is enabled by default for all systems. You can disable it through plasma <menuchoice>System Settings</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Workspace Behavior</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Touchscreen</menuchoice>. Relogin your plasma session if the change doesn't take effect immediately.


[https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=382219 KWin bug report] [https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=392464 Plasma bug report]
[https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=382219 KWin bug report] [https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=392464 Plasma bug report]


== So far so good, but Wayland is the future. What are the plans on this? ==
== Is there a way to tell Latte Dock to launch only in '''Plasma Session''' ? ==
 
We plan to work on this for Plasma 5.10, but we are currently working on offering experimental support as well.
 
== When support for Wayland is provided, will Latte Dock remove its automagical dependency of X11? ==
 
It's still a long way off for Wayland to replace X11, but it's possible to build '''Latte''' without X11 dependencies, however we are still working on supporting Wayland.
 
== As of writing this F.A.Q., what is the problem with Qt v5.8? ==
 
If you are brave enough to mess with technical details, you may want to look [https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock/issues/183 here] and [https://bugreports.qt.io/browse/QTBUG-59044 here].
 
== Is there a way to tell Latte Dock to launch only for a Plasma session ? ==


Of course you can, please follow these steps:
Of course you can, please follow these steps:


# Go to <menuchoice>System Settings</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Startup and Shutdown</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Autostart</menuchoice>.
# Go to <menuchoice>System Settings</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Startup and Shutdown</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Autostart</menuchoice>.
# Choose '''Latte Dock''' from applications list
# Choose '''Latte Dock''' from the applications list.
# <menuchoice>Advanced</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Autostart only in Plasma</menuchoice>.
# <menuchoice>Advanced</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Autostart only in Plasma</menuchoice>.


== Is there any other hiccup or potential problem I should be careful of? ==
== What happens if I drag 'n' drop files on launchers? ==


Software, as everything else in life, isn't perfect; we constantly try to make better software and you can help
The file will be passed as a parameter to the specific application, creating a new instance (e.g. passing an image to '''Kolourpaint''' will open the image with '''Kolourpaint''').
us out by reporting every possible problem you may find. To answer the question though, there isn't a bug serious enough to prevent you from trying '''Latte Dock'''.


== Are there any hopes and wishes for features from the Plasma upstream? ==
== My right click does not work ? ==


The most important feature needed from KWin in Wayland is that distros provide access to KWayland's privileged APIs ''and/or'' for the users, a confirmation from them that Latte requests such APIs.
When right-click does not work both for applets and tasks it means that your Latte has not been built with the same KDE Frameworks libraries like Plasma Desktop. The only solution is either your distro to update its Latte package properly or to build Latte by yourself.


== How often new versions will be released and what are your plans? ==
== How can I set the maximum icon size for applets in Plasma panels? ==  


The first priority needed to release a stable version is that all the needed features are implemented and no major crashes appear. We are of course trying to keep the schedule, but on the other hand, ''it will be ready when it is ready'' is the better philosophy we should follow in order to provide a complete and stable release for our users.
If you want to set 192px. as maximum icon size for applets in panels you can execute:


== I am a complete newbie but I want to help somehow. What can I do? ==
{{Input|1=<nowiki>kwriteconfig --file ~/.config/kdeglobals --group PanelIcons --key Size "192"</nowiki>}}


By the time this F.A.Q. was written, much help is needed to make '''Latte''' stable with multi-screen setups. You could clone the
In the previous example, any plasma applets larger than 192px. are going to use their full Desktop representation when are placed inside panels.
"multiscreens" branch and report back any issues. Normal bug reports, reports about problems with specific Plasma or Qt versions, strange desktop behavior or even wishes about new features are all welcome as well. {{Smiley}}


== I know how to program. What can I do? ==
== How can I improve CPU usage? ==  


First step is to know what you are after and then to fork the repo; after that, you can hunt for bugs, add new features - or make already existing features more stable. Discuss your changes and if they are good and reasonable enough, we are more than happy if you provide a pull request.
Latte, in general, has as a focus to provide maximum configurability and performance, so all its graphics and animations are set to BEST values...


== How can I install from the current master branch? ==
An easy and known solution if you want better CPU usage it to DISABLE tasks/applets shadows. Latte is using DropShadow qml element extensively and it is quite costly. To disable all shadows in a dock, you can do:


You can easily download and install from the latest master branch by running a script with the following commands:
'''Right click Dock -> Edit Dock... -> Effects -> "Shadows" [disable that options group from its header]'''


{{Input|1=<nowiki>git clone https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock.git
In my system, when using the parabolic effect, ''CPU usage is dropped around 75%''
cd Latte-Dock
sh install.sh</nowiki>}}


The last command might ask for your root password just before installing.
== My badge counters do not work in Latte Dock. How can I fix it? ==


== How can I install from a specific branch? ==
Please make sure you have libunity installed. On KDE versions of Ubuntu such as Kubuntu and KDE Neon, you will need <code>libunity-dev</code> installed.


If you wish test some features currently non existing in ''master'' branch, you have to ''checkout'' the branch you wish to install. Let's say you need the ''multi2'' branch:
== How can I autocolor my Latte panel based on specific application? ==


{{Input|1=<nowiki>git clone https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock.git
# Install <menuchoice>Latte Window Colors </menuchoice> KWin script from [https://store.kde.org/p/1290287/ KDE Store]
cd Latte-Dock
# Right click <menuchoice>Latte Panel</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Edit Panel...</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Appearance</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Colors</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>From Window</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Any Touching Window</menuchoice>
git pull
# Specify different color schemes for your applications:
git branch multi2
#* Right click <menuchoice>Window Titlebar</menuchoice>
git checkout multi2
#* <menuchoice>More Actions</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Configure Special Application Settings...</menuchoice>
git pull origin multi2</nowiki>}}
#* <menuchoice>Add Property</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Appearance and Fixes</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Titlebar color scheme</menuchoice>
#* Select <menuchoice>Force</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Choose your preferred color scheme</menuchoice>


Compile as usual.
== Can I disable autocolor for specific applet? ==


== I added the applet, but it is shown without a shadow like the rest of the icons. ==
Yes, right click <menuchoice>Dock</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Edit Dock...</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Rearrange and configure your widgets</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Disable "drop" icon</menuchoice> from mentioned applet tooltip


Well, if an applet (or more) doesn't have a shadow, you should either double-check that option <menuchoice>All</menuchoice> is set under <menuchoice>Latte Settings</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Appearance</menuchoice>.


== What happens if I drag 'n' drop files on launchers ? ==
== Are there any known compatibility issues with specific graphics drivers? ==
 
The file will be passed as a parameter to the specific application, creating a new instance (e.g. passing an image to '''Kolourpaint''' will open the image with '''Kolourpaint''').
 
== Are there known compatibility issues, with some specific graphics driver? ==


If you have Intel Graphics and experience problems with rendering such as pixelated graphics, corrupt text and others, you can try changing the 2D rendering method from ''SNA'' to ''UXA''.
If you have Intel Graphics and experience problems with rendering such as pixelated graphics, corrupt text and others, you can try changing the 2D rendering method from ''SNA'' to ''UXA''.
Line 269: Line 125:
EndSection</nowiki>}}
EndSection</nowiki>}}


== My dock doesn't show anymore when i activate the Auto-hide or the Dodge window feature ==
== Can I have different '''Borderless Maximized''' windows options between different layouts? ==
 
1. Yes, this is possible. First enable this functionality in Latte's Preferences settings:
 
[[File:Borderless.png]]
 
2. Enable/Disable this functionality per layout on the Latte Layout settings afterwards.


Apparently, some features from plasma can hinder '''Latte Dock''''s ability to show itself when touching the screen border. Plasma 5.10 added the option to execute actions on swiping over a border on a touch screen. You can find this option in System Settings under: <menuchoice>Desktop behavior</menuchoice> -> <menuchoice>Touch screen</menuchoice>. If you have your dock on the same border a touch gesture is active, the dock may not be able to show itself. Try deactivating the gesture on that border, then close and restart your session and check if the problem was fixed. ([https://github.com/psifidotos/Latte-Dock/issues/676 #676])
[[File:Layout.png]]

Latest revision as of 23:07, 23 September 2022

Other languages:

←Latte Dock

Latte Dock!
Latte Dock!

What is Latte Dock? How did it begin?

Latte Dock is a dock based on plasma frameworks and a direct successor of Now Dock. Latte is the combined effort from the developers of Now Dock and Candil Dock.

Which Linux distros provide "Out Of The Box" Latte Dock experience?

How can I add launchers?

The easiest and most memory-efficient way to do so is to drag n' drop them on the task manager (this is the area where dots and lines are shown under running windows).

You can also add them outside the task manager, but this creates animation issues for sizes <64px and it is memory hungry.

My launcher and its window are not associated correctly OR my launcher is using a low-resolution icon?

This issue means that plasma libtaskmanager has not associated your launcher and app windows correctly to the relevant desktop file. Plasma is trying to be smart enough in order to correctly identify which desktop files are associated to which specific windows, but there are cases when it fails. Best way to solve this is to check the StartupWMClass record in the desktop file. This record should point at the proper WM_CLASS record at all times. For example even though the Latte Dock desktop file is called org.kde.latte-dock.desktop, its StartupWMClass is lattedock. In order to correctly identify the StartupWMClass of an application, you can use xprop.

Example:

  1. Run xprop from the command line.
  2. Click on the window you are interested in.
  3. Locate at the end of the output the record WM_CLASS(STRING) =.
  4. Add the previously mentioned record in the application desktop file at the StartupWMClass field.

For instance, with "Gimp 2.10", even though its desktop file is called gimp.desktop, its StartupWMClass is "gimp-2.10". StartupWMClass is not needed to be added for "Gimp" since plasma developers have taken special care to map it properly through /etc/xdg/taskmanagerrulesrc.

How can I enable Latte Global Shortcuts?

In most cases you need to go to Plasma System Settings → Global Shortcuts → Latte Dock and enable what shortcuts you need.

  • Super + Number : Activate a task
  • Super + Ctrl + Number : A new instance for a task
  • Super + `: Show a hidden dock

Can I use my super key to open the app launcher?

  • The official way to enable this is to right click Dock → Configure Latte... → Enable autostart during startup
  • The manual way is to Close Latte → Execute in command prompt: 
    kwriteconfig5 --file ~/.config/kwinrc --group ModifierOnlyShortcuts --key Meta "org.kde.lattedock,/Latte,org.kde.LatteDock,activateLauncherMenu"
qdbus org.kde.KWin /KWin reconfigure

Launchers are disappearing before the relevant window is shown even though they shouldn't.

We are acquainted with this, but this behavior is provided by plasma's libtaskmanager. You can read more at: Latte Issue #72, KDE bug report

My left dock behaves strangely from Plasma 5.10 onwards, how can I fix this?

In Plasma 5.10, the KWin developers introduced gesture functionality for touch screens, which is enabled by default for all systems. You can disable it through plasma System Settings → Workspace Behavior → Touchscreen. Relogin your plasma session if the change doesn't take effect immediately.

KWin bug report Plasma bug report

Is there a way to tell Latte Dock to launch only in Plasma Session ?

Of course you can, please follow these steps:

  1. Go to System Settings → Startup and Shutdown → Autostart.
  2. Choose Latte Dock from the applications list.
  3. Advanced → Autostart only in Plasma.

What happens if I drag 'n' drop files on launchers?

The file will be passed as a parameter to the specific application, creating a new instance (e.g. passing an image to Kolourpaint will open the image with Kolourpaint).

My right click does not work ?

When right-click does not work both for applets and tasks it means that your Latte has not been built with the same KDE Frameworks libraries like Plasma Desktop. The only solution is either your distro to update its Latte package properly or to build Latte by yourself.

How can I set the maximum icon size for applets in Plasma panels?

If you want to set 192px. as maximum icon size for applets in panels you can execute: 

kwriteconfig --file ~/.config/kdeglobals --group PanelIcons --key Size "192"

In the previous example, any plasma applets larger than 192px. are going to use their full Desktop representation when are placed inside panels.

How can I improve CPU usage?

Latte, in general, has as a focus to provide maximum configurability and performance, so all its graphics and animations are set to BEST values...

An easy and known solution if you want better CPU usage it to DISABLE tasks/applets shadows. Latte is using DropShadow qml element extensively and it is quite costly. To disable all shadows in a dock, you can do:

Right click Dock -> Edit Dock... -> Effects -> "Shadows" [disable that options group from its header]

In my system, when using the parabolic effect, CPU usage is dropped around 75%

My badge counters do not work in Latte Dock. How can I fix it?

Please make sure you have libunity installed. On KDE versions of Ubuntu such as Kubuntu and KDE Neon, you will need libunity-dev installed.

How can I autocolor my Latte panel based on specific application?

  1. Install Latte Window Colors KWin script from KDE Store
  2. Right click Latte Panel → Edit Panel... → Appearance → Colors → From Window → Any Touching Window
  3. Specify different color schemes for your applications:
    • Right click Window Titlebar
    • More Actions → Configure Special Application Settings...
    • Add Property → Appearance and Fixes → Titlebar color scheme
    • Select Force → Choose your preferred color scheme

Can I disable autocolor for specific applet?

Yes, right click Dock → Edit Dock... → Rearrange and configure your widgets → Disable "drop" icon from mentioned applet tooltip


Are there any known compatibility issues with specific graphics drivers?

If you have Intel Graphics and experience problems with rendering such as pixelated graphics, corrupt text and others, you can try changing the 2D rendering method from SNA to UXA.

/etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-intel.conf 

section     "Device"
Identifier  "Intel Graphics"
Driver      "intel"
Option      "AccelMethod"  "uxa"
EndSection

Can I have different Borderless Maximized windows options between different layouts?

1. Yes, this is possible. First enable this functionality in Latte's Preferences settings:

2. Enable/Disable this functionality per layout on the Latte Layout settings afterwards.

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