How to Use the Command 'trayer' (with Examples)

Trayer is a lightweight GTK-2 based system tray utility designed mainly for Unix-like operating systems. It provides an easily accessible place to keep running applications and background processes that can be controlled or monitored directly from the system tray. Unlike other more comprehensive panels, trayer focuses on simplicity and light resource usage. By providing various options for customization, trayer ensures seamless integration into various desktop environments and layouts, allowing users to define its appearance and level of interactivity according to their needs.

Use Case 1: Run trayer

Code:

trayer

Motivation:

Running the basic trayer command allows users to launch the system tray with default settings. This is a quick and straightforward way to set up the tray if you do not require any specific customization. Developers or users who are new to customizing their desktop environments may want to start here to see what the default setup looks like before tweaking additional options.

Explanation:

By simply executing the trayer command, the system tray is initialized with pre-defined default settings which usually include basic icon sizing, alignment, and placement. This default setting is beneficial for getting a baseline experience and understanding what elements you might want to change.

Example Output:

Upon executing this code, the user should see a default system tray panel appear on their desktop screen. It will likely be located along one of the screen edges, displaying a standardized set of running background applications.

Use Case 2: Position trayer to a Specific Edge

Code:

trayer --edge left

Motivation:

Positioning the system tray to a specific edge of the screen allows users to customize their workspace more effectively. Users might prefer the tray at a particular screen edge to align with personal preferences or workflow requirements. For example, left-handed users might prefer a left-edge tray for easier accessibility.

Explanation:

• --edge: This option determines where on the screen the tray will appear.
• left: Specifies that the tray should appear on the left edge of the screen. Users can alternatively choose ‘right,’ ’top,’ or ‘bottom’ to place the tray at the desired edge.

Example Output:

The system tray will be displayed along the left edge of the user’s screen, arranging the icons of running applications vertically.

Use Case 3: Provide a Specific Height and Width of the Panel (in Pixels)

Code:

trayer --width 10 --height 32

Motivation:

This use case is ideal for users who need a tray that fits a particular space in their desktop layout, such as within tiling windows or specific workspaces. Specifying an exact pixel dimension allows for meticulous design of the desktop environment tailored to the specific size constraints or aesthetic demands.

Explanation:

• --width 10: This sets the width of the tray to 10 pixels, creating a narrow vertical strip.
• --height 32: This sets the height of the tray to 32 pixels, which may be a reasonable height for a small set of icons or a single attempt at minimalism.

Example Output:

With this command, a compact and slim system tray will appear in the designated position on your screen, displaying only a few icons due to its size constraints.

Use Case 4: Provide the Width of the Panel in Pixels or Percentages

Code:

trayer --widthtype percent --width 72

Motivation:

Defining the width in percentages is useful for users who want the tray to adjust based on different screen resolutions or configurations. If your desktop setup involves frequent adjustments between different monitors or screen sizes, specifying percentage width ensures consistent appearance across various displays.

Explanation:

• --widthtype percent: This specifies that the width of the tray should be calculated as a percentage of the screen’s total width.
• --width 72: This determines that the tray’s width should cover 72% of the total width of the screen.

Example Output:

An elongated system tray will stretch across 72% of the screen width, providing ample space for numerous icons and system indicators.

Use Case 5: Align trayer to a Specific Direction

Code:

trayer --align right

Motivation:

Aligning the tray in specific directions enables customization of the tray’s integration with other desktop elements. For instance, aligning the tray to the right might accommodate a fixed panel or interface elements on the left, creating a more organized workspace.

Explanation:

• --align right: The tray will appear aligned to the right side of its designated edge, working well with other UI components and giving room on the left for different applications or widgets.

Example Output:

As a result, the system tray will be neatly aligned to the right side of the screen or its allocated area in the panel, maintaining visual coherence with other desktop components.

Use Case 6: Provide Spacing Between Icons (in Pixels)

Code:

trayer --iconspacing 10

Motivation:

Adding spacing between icons enhances readability and interaction, especially on high-resolution screens. Users who value aesthetics and accessibility may prefer spaces that allow individual icons within the tray to be more distinguishable and interactive.

Explanation:

• --iconspacing 10: This sets a 10-pixel gap between each icon in the tray, providing clear, well-defined spaces to improve the tray’s visual structure.

Example Output:

Icons within the tray will appear evenly distributed, with 10 pixels of space separating each one. This layout can help prevent accidental clicks on adjacent icons and improve overall ease of use.

Conclusion:

The trayer utility is a versatile and lightweight system tray solution that offers numerous customization options to suit diverse user preferences and desktop environments. By adjusting parameters such as position, dimensions, alignment, and icon spacing, users can create a tray setup that best fits their specific workflow or aesthetic requirements. Whether you’re optimizing for minimalism or needing a flexible layout for dynamic workspaces, trayer provides the functionality needed to adjust your system tray seamlessly.