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Cairo-Dock

Cairo-Dock is a Linux desktop interface built around docks, desklets, and panels.

Place
#21 of 40
Score
6.5
Cairo-Dock's website

What Cairo-Dock is

Cairo-Dock is a Linux desktop interface built around docks, desklets, and panels. The open-source project describes it as an OpenGL dock that is customizable and desktop-agnostic. Users can add functions with plug-ins and applets, including listed modules such as Rendering, Logout, and Clock. Applets can be written in C or another language, and third-party applets can be added by dragging a link or image into the dock. Most actions can be performed from the keyboard, and a DBus interface allows control from a terminal or another application. From version 2.4.0 onward, Cairo-Dock can also be used with GNOME as a session manager instead of GNOME Panel, GNOME Shell, or Unity. The project provides installation instructions for Ubuntu and Debian repositories and recommends installing its signed repository key for authentication. Its home page lists 3.4.0 as the latest stable release and notes that code hosting moved to GitHub. Cairo-Dock is free and open source, with Linux as its listed platform.

Good

  • Free and open source.
  • Supports plug-ins and applets.
  • Most actions are available from the keyboard.
  • DBus enables control from a terminal or application.
  • Can act as a GNOME session manager.

Watch out

  • Linux is the only listed platform.
  • The project lists 3.4.0 as its latest stable release.
  • Repository installation guidance focuses on Ubuntu and Debian.

Who it suits

Cairo-Dock suits Linux users who want a configurable dock-based desktop interface and are comfortable adding applets or following repository installation instructions. It may also suit GNOME users seeking an alternative session manager.

Verdict

Cairo-Dock offers a configurable Linux desktop interface with applets, keyboard controls, and DBus support. Its platform scope and listed stable release are worth considering before choosing it.

Plans and prices

From Cairo-Dock's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
Cairo-DockFreeOpen source desktop dock; latest stable release listed as 3.4.0

The facts

Each one read from Cairo-Dock's own pages, with the date it was checked.

Where it runs

Applets
Applets let users add functionality and customize the dock; the site lists modules including Rendering, Logout, and Clock.checked 11 Oct 2026
Third-party applets
The site says third-party applets can be installed by dragging a link or image into the dock.checked 11 Oct 2026

What it does

Control
Cairo-Dock has a DBus interface for control from a terminal or another application, and most actions can be done from the keyboard.checked 11 Oct 2026
Current release listed
The home page lists 3.4.0 as the latest stable release and says the project moved its code hosting to GitHub.checked 11 Oct 2026
Customization
Features can be added through plug-ins or applets, and applets can be written in C or another language.checked 11 Oct 2026
Design
The project describes Cairo-Dock as light, fast, customizable, and desktop-agnostic.checked 11 Oct 2026
Desktop session
With Cairo-Dock 2.4.0 and newer, it can be used with GNOME as a session manager in place of GNOME Panel, GNOME Shell, or Unity.checked 11 Oct 2026
Installation
The site provides installation instructions for Ubuntu and Debian repositories and describes using packages for those systems.checked 11 Oct 2026
OpenGL and open source
The site describes Cairo-Dock as an OpenGL and open-source dock.checked 11 Oct 2026
Product
Cairo-Dock is a desktop interface that takes the form of docks, desklets, and panels.checked 11 Oct 2026
Repository security
The project recommends installing its signed repository key for authentication.checked 11 Oct 2026
Support
The project directs users with repository problems to its forum when the issue is not covered by its troubleshooting section.checked 11 Oct 2026
Web search integration
A third-party WebSearch applet provides searches across engines and sites including Google, Bing, Yahoo!, YouTube, Flickr, and Wikipedia.checked 11 Oct 2026

The company

Founded
2007checked 28 Sep 2026

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