gnome-panel

gnome-panel [OPTION…]

--help
    Display command help and exit

--help-all
    Show all help options including GTK

--help-gtk
    Display GTK+ toolkit options

--version
    Print version information and exit

--replace
    Replace any running gnome-panel instance

--display=DISPLAY
    Specify X11 display to connect to

The gnome-panel command launches and controls the GNOME Panel, a customizable bar central to the GNOME 2.x desktop environment. It hosts applets for launchers, taskbars, menus, system trays, clocks, and drawers, enabling quick access to applications and system monitoring.

Typically started by gnome-session, it runs as a user process. Right-clicking the panel allows adding/removing applets like weather displays, CPU monitors, or workspace switchers. Configurations are saved as XML files in ~/.gnome2/panel2.d/ for manual tweaks.

In GNOME 3+ (2011 onward), it was replaced by GNOME Shell's overview and extensions, rendering gnome-panel obsolete on modern setups. It survives in forks like MATE (mate-panel) and Cinnamon for legacy compatibility. While extensible via plugins, it lacks Wayland support and native theming in newer systems.

Ideal for GNOME 2 enthusiasts or lightweight desktops, but users should migrate to shell alternatives for contemporary features like dynamic workspaces.

Deprecated in GNOME 3+; use GNOME Shell instead.
No Wayland support; X11 only.
Configuration may conflict with session managers.

Use gnome-panel --replace & to restart without logging out.
Unlock panels first if locked.

Add applets via right-click > 'Add to Panel'.
Legacy applets in /usr/lib/gnome-panel/modules/.

~/.gnome2/panel2.d/ holds XML panel files.
Backup before editing.

Introduced in GNOME 1.0 (1997) as panel applet host. Core component of GNOME 2.x (2002–2011). Phased out with GNOME Shell release (2011). Maintained in MATE desktop fork since 2011.

gnome-session(1), mate-panel(1), gnome-shell(1), xfce4-panel(1)