How can I adjust the transparency of the Status Bar (top panel)?

Question

The status bar (by default) at the top of your screen with the icons OFF to the right, date, user name and other computer options.

How can I make that bar transparent, like it is when dash activated (as seen in a screen below)?

Instead of having this:

Solution 1

example panel transparency

For example 100% transparency...

A useful option if you are using transparency is the option just below - Transparency Maximized Toggle (called Opaque panel for maximized windows in Unity-Tweak-Tool)

Switching on this option will not display the top panel as transparent if the window is maximised i.e. with 100% transparency but this toggle switch-on:

Nautilus is maximised and therefore the top-bar does not remain transparent.

13.04

The panel transparency can be defined with unity-tweak-tool

12.04

(click to install)

The panel transparency can now be defined in MyUnity

Solution 2

From the terminal, you can use

gsettings get org.compiz.unityshell:/org/compiz/profiles/unity/plugins/unityshell/ panel-opacity

to get the current value for panel opacity and

gsettings set org.compiz.unityshell:/org/compiz/profiles/unity/plugins/unityshell/ panel-opacity X

to set the panel opacity to X. X must be between 0 and 1.

_{P:S This way is preferred over any other method that uses dconf directly. And safer than using CCSM}

See also:

• Can I change the Unity Launcher transparency?

Solution 3

For 12.04 and 12.10 - Using CCSM

Since existing Unity configuration tools are not yet updated for 12.10, we are confined to using CCSM. Before we get going, here's some precaution:

• What are some of the issues with CCSM and why would I want to avoid it?

If you still want to persist, install compizconfig-settings-manager and go to Ubuntu Unity plugin:

Navigate to Experimental tab and input any value between the range of 0.0000 to 1.0000 in the option Panel Opacity, where 0.0000 is complete transparent and 1.0000 is complete opaque.

Here's what my top panel looks like at 0.3670 opacity:

Solution 4

You want to change the opacity of the Panel. Some helpful terminology definitions for Unity are here.

The way to do this is to install CompizConfig Settings Manager from the Software Center. After it installs, launch it. Find the setting you want in Ubuntu Unity Plugin/Experimental/Panel Opacity. Slide the marker where you want it to adjust. There is no save button, just close the settings window.

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Comments

[Nahydrin]

This doesn't have the outcome I am looking for, that's why I posted images.

[Sanam Patel]

I just tested it and it works as expected. You may have a problem with settings not being applied for some reason? No sure what to do when that happens, sorry. Nice kitty, btw.

[Sanam Patel]

Just found this, you might want to try it: askubuntu.com/questions/67091/ccsm-changes-have-no-effect

[Nahydrin]

Thanks, :). I looked through the link, didn't help me. I should point out that I can change the opacity, but the end result doesn't look like what's in the (1st) image.

[Knowledge Cube]

@DarkSlipstream The first image shows the Dash open. While it's open, the panel will change accordingly to that specific style. If you want it to look that way even when the Dash is not open, you may want to try finding a Unity-compatible theme that changes the look of the panel, probably to something flat.

[Knowledge Cube]

@JE2Tom +1 for the link to the terminology definitions.

[Nahydrin]

@WarriorIng64 Do you have any ideas on how I can do this?

[Sanam Patel]

There are several differences in the top picture. You can't enable them all to always be shown. The window controls, colored icons, drop shadow and edge border all change, as well as a blur effect. Compiz Settings can only change Panel transparency.

[Nahydrin]

@JE2Tom Is there any way to force the panel to always look like it does when the dash is activated (top picture)?

[Knowledge Cube]

@DarkSlipstream I think that's the key question here, to which I must admit I do not know the answer to. Whatever solution exists would probably take a fair amount of work, considering all the modifications you would have to make.

[Sanam Patel]

Sorry, I don't know. I leave most everything on default, and this has greatly reduced my frustration when using the computer. You need to find a theme that has the design elements you want, and apply it. Then cross your fingers and hope it doesn't break anything else... This might also be a good question for the chat room linked at the top of the page.

[James]

@BrianGraham What you're wanting has to do with theme, not transparency. Please edit your question to reflect that.