Have you ever noticed a light top bar in some apps and wondered what it was? If you're a GNOME user, you might be familiar with the top bar that houses the app menu, window controls, and system tray. However, some apps use a different top bar, which can be confusing for users who are used to the GNOME layout.
In this article, we'll explain what the light top bar is, how it differs from the GNOME top bar, and how to use it. We'll also highlight some of the benefits and drawbacks of this alternative layout.
What is the Light Top Bar?
The light top bar is a minimalist alternative to the GNOME top bar that is used in some apps. It is typically white or light-colored and contains only the app menu and window controls. The system tray is usually hidden by default, but it can be accessed by clicking on a small icon in the top right corner of the bar.
The light top bar is often used in apps that prioritize content over interface elements. By minimizing the amount of space dedicated to window controls and the system tray, the app can provide more room for the user's work.
How is it Different from the GNOME Top Bar?
The GNOME top bar is a more traditional layout that includes the app menu, window controls, and system tray. It is typically dark-colored and takes up more space than the light top bar. The GNOME top bar is designed to be consistent across all apps, providing a familiar interface for users.
The light top bar, on the other hand, is more customizable. App developers can choose the color and layout of the bar, providing a unique look and feel for their app. However, this can also lead to inconsistencies between apps, which can be confusing for users who switch between different apps frequently.
How to Use the Light Top Bar
Using the light top bar is simple. The app menu is located in the top left corner of the bar, and it contains the usual options such as File, Edit, and View. The window controls are located in the top right corner of the bar, and they allow you to minimize, maximize, or close the window.
To access the system tray, click on the small icon in the top right corner of the bar. This will open a dropdown menu that contains the usual system tray icons such as network, volume, and power.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The light top bar has both benefits and drawbacks. One of the main benefits is that it provides more space for the app's content. By minimizing the amount of space dedicated to window controls and the system tray, the app can provide a more immersive experience for the user.
Another benefit is that it is more customizable. App developers can choose the color and layout of the bar, providing a unique look and feel for their app. This can help the app stand out from the crowd and provide a more memorable user experience.
However, there are also some drawbacks to the light top bar. One of the main drawbacks is that it can be confusing for users who are used to the GNOME layout. The hidden system tray can be particularly frustrating for users who rely on it to access frequently used apps and settings.
Another drawback is that it can be less consistent between apps. The GNOME top bar provides a consistent interface across all apps, which can be helpful for users who switch between different apps frequently. The light top bar, on the other hand, can vary in layout and color between apps, which can be disorienting for users.
The light top bar is a minimalist alternative to the GNOME top bar that is used in some apps. It provides more space for the app's content and is more customizable, but it can also be confusing for users who are used to the GNOME layout. By understanding what the light top bar is and how to use it, you can make the most of this alternative layout.
References
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| GNOME Top Bar | ```python https://developer.gnome.org/hig/stable/shell-top-bar.html.en ``` |
| Light Top Bar | ```python https://www.gnome-look.org/p/1255336/ ``` |