Understanding the Panel Overflow Menu
The MATE desktop environment in Fedora is designed to be lightweight and highly customizable. One of its features is the ability to hide applets that do not fit within the available screen space. When an applet is added to a panel but there is insufficient room to display it fully, MATE automatically displays a small icon with three vertical dots. This is known as the overflow menu or the "add/remove panel applets" button.
For many users, this button appears cluttered or unnecessary, especially if they prefer a minimalist aesthetic or have already organized their workspace efficiently. Removing this visual element can provide a cleaner look to your taskbar or top bar. It is important to note that removing this button does not disable any functionality; it simply hides the quick-access toggle for managing panel contents.
Step-by-Step Removal via GUI
The most straightforward method to eliminate the three dots involves using the graphical interface provided by MATE. You do not need to edit configuration files manually or use command-line tools for this specific change. Follow these steps carefully:
- Locate the Panel: Identify the panel where the three dots are visible. This could be the top panel, bottom panel, or a custom panel you have created.
- Access Properties: Right-click anywhere on the panel itself. Ensure you click on the empty space of the panel rather than on an existing icon or applet. A context menu will appear.
- Select Properties: From the context menu, click on the option labeled "Properties." This opens the configuration window for that specific panel.
- Modify Appearance Settings: In the properties window, look for a section related to appearance or behavior. Find the checkbox labeled "Show add/remove panel applets button." This is often found under the "Appearance" tab or similar depending on the MATE version.
- Apply Changes: Uncheck the box next to "Show add/remove panel applets button." The three dots should disappear instantly from the panel.
- Close the Window: Click "Close" or "OK" to save the changes. No restart is required.
If you wish to manage your applets after hiding this button, you can still access the full list of available applets by right-clicking the panel again and selecting "Add to Panel..." or by accessing the main MATE Control Center under "Panel Preferences."
Alternative Methods for Advanced Users
While the GUI method is sufficient for most users, some advanced Linux enthusiasts prefer to modify settings directly through configuration databases. In the MATE desktop environment, settings are often stored in dconf or gsettings. However, changing these values manually carries a risk of misconfiguration if the schema path is incorrect.
If you choose to use the command line, you can attempt to modify the setting using gsettings. The exact key may vary slightly depending on your Fedora and MATE versions, but it generally relates to the panel's show-applets-button property. For example, you might run a command similar to:
gsettings set org.mate.panel.toplevel show-add-remove-panel-applets falseNote that the schema name org.mate.panel.toplevel is a common convention, but you should verify this on your specific system by checking gsettings list-keys for the relevant domain. If you are unsure about the correct schema, stick to the graphical method described above to avoid potential errors.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, the three dots may reappear after a system update or if new applets are installed. This happens because the default configuration might be reset or overridden. If you encounter this, simply repeat the GUI steps to uncheck the option again.
Another common issue arises when users cannot find the "Properties" option. This usually occurs if the user is right-clicking on an active applet instead of the empty panel space. Always ensure you are clicking on the gray or transparent background area of the panel. If the panel is locked, you may need to unlock it first. Right-click the panel and select "Unlock Panel" if the option is available. Once unlocked, you can make changes to the properties.
In rare cases, if the GUI options are missing, it may indicate a corrupted configuration file. In such scenarios, resetting the panel configuration to defaults might help. You can do this by deleting the configuration directory for MATE panels, typically located in ~/.config/mate/panel2d/. Be cautious when doing this, as it will remove all custom panel layouts. After deletion, log out and log back in to regenerate the default configuration.
Related Resources
If you are looking to further customize your Fedora MATE experience, you might find our guide on Setting up VNC on a Bare Debian 12 Install with MATE useful for remote access configurations. Additionally, for those interested in older or alternative installation methods, A Guide to Fresh Install Fedora 17 Without Root for Old School Linux Users provides historical context on Fedora setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing the three dots affect my running applications?
No, removing the overflow button has no impact on currently running applications or applets. It only hides the interface element used to add or remove items from the panel. Your existing applets will continue to function normally.
How do I add new applets if the button is hidden?
You can add new applets by right-clicking the panel and selecting "Add to Panel..." from the context menu. Alternatively, open the Main Menu, search for "Applets," and launch the Applet Browser to browse and install additional tools.
Can I move the three dots to a different location on the panel?
Unfortunately, the position of the overflow menu is fixed by the MATE panel logic. It typically appears at the end of the panel or in a designated spot based on the panel's layout settings. You cannot freely drag it to a custom position.
Does this change apply to all panels in my session?
No, the setting is per-panel. If you have multiple panels (e.g., top and bottom), you must configure each one individually. You will need to right-click each panel and adjust its properties separately to hide the button on all of them.
What if the "Show add/remove panel applets button" option is grayed out?
This usually indicates that the panel is locked or that you lack the necessary permissions to modify the configuration. Unlock the panel by right-clicking and selecting "Unlock Panel." If you are using a restricted user account, you may need administrator privileges to change panel settings.