Getting Started

Getting Started

Before installing

GNOME Widget Panel currently supports GNOME Shell 46–50 and is alpha software. Check your GNOME version in Settings → System → About and review the support matrix.

The GNOME Extensions store page is the intended installation route once its listing is publicly available. Until then, use the latest GitHub release and the installation guidance in the repository README.

Set up your panel

1. Enable GNOME Widget Panel.
2. Open its settings from Extensions or Extension Manager using the gear button.
3. Add, remove or reorder widgets. Changes appear immediately.
4. Choose a horizontal panel or a vertical strip.
5. Under Main panel (top bar), choose:
   • Visible — leave GNOME's top bar unchanged. This is the default.
   • Auto hide — hide it until you reach the top edge or open Overview.
   • Hidden — keep it hidden.
6. Start with Auto hide if you want more space while keeping easy access to the original top bar.

The default panel contains GNOME Action, Applications, Places, Keyboard layout, App notifications, CPU load, AI agent usage, Clock and System status.

Configure a widget

Open the panel settings and select a widget's settings button. Depending on the widget, you can change its icon, label, colours, width, update interval or tooltip.

For the AI workflow, continue to Using the AI widgets.

Need help?

This is early software. When reporting a problem, include your GNOME version, panel configuration, and a screenshot or short screencast.

Report a problem