Product Help for Taskbar+
Taskbar+ (a.k.a. Taskbar Plus) is a lightweight customization tool that enhances the Windows taskbar by providing dynamic modes, transparency controls, and personalized color settings. It allows users to adjust the taskbar’s appearance based on the system state—such as when the Start menu is opened or a window is maximized—and supports multiple transparency modes, including Blur and Acrylic. With seamless integration into Windows 10 and 11, Taskbar+ ensures a visually cohesive and functional taskbar experience tailored to individual preferences.
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Dynamic Modes in Taskbar+
Taskbar+ makes it easy to configure the appearance of the taskbar based on various desktop states through Dynamic Modes. These modes allow the taskbar to adapt seamlessly to different scenarios, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics. Each mode can be customized with unique colors and styles, and they work together to offer a cohesive, dynamic experience.
Available Dynamic Modes:
- Desktop Mode: activates when no windows are open or all open windows are minimized, leaving the desktop fully visible. Since no other system activities—such as the Start menu, Search, or Task View—are active, this mode provides a default taskbar appearance for an idle or clear desktop. It ensures the taskbar remains visible in its configured state until another dynamic mode, like Maximized Window or Start Opened, takes over.
- Visible Window Mode: This mode triggers when any window is open on the desktop. It allows you to change the taskbar’s appearance to differentiate it from the default Desktop mode.
- Maximized Window Mode: When a window is maximized, the taskbar shifts to this mode, giving users the option to adjust its look for better visibility or aesthetic appeal when working in full-screen.
- Start Opened Mode: When the Start menu is opened, the taskbar automatically adopts the style defined for this mode.
- Search Opened Mode: This mode activates when the Search menu (formerly Cortana) is opened. It enables a different look for better contrast and user interaction during searches.
- Task View Opened Mode: This mode engages when the Task View (previously called Timeline) is in use, allowing the taskbar to blend in or stand out depending on user preference.
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Taskbar States and Modes in Taskbar+
The following taskbar states and modes can be configured under each Dynamic Mode in Taskbar+. These settings allow you to customize the taskbar’s appearance independently within each mode.
1. Enable or Disable the Translucent Taskbar
- Use the Toggle Switch button to enable or disable the translucent taskbar for the current Dynamic Mode.
- Desktop Mode Exception: In Desktop mode, the translucent taskbar remains enabled by default until the app is closed, and this cannot be toggled off.
2. Transparency Modes
You can control the taskbar’s level of transparency by selecting one of the following modes:
- Normal: Default Windows taskbar style, as if Taskbar+ is not running.
- Opaque: Solid-colored taskbar without any transparency.
- Clear: A transparent, tinted taskbar appearance.
- Blur: Adds a light blur effect to the taskbar’s background.
- Acrylic: Applies a translucent effect inspired by Microsoft’s Fluent Design.
3. Color Picker
Taskbar+ integrates the Windows color picker, allowing you to select colors with precise control. It supports alpha transparency, giving you a live preview of your selection to ensure it aligns perfectly with your desktop theme and personal preferences.
4. Top Border
- Use the Toggle Switch control to enable or disable a 1-pixel top border at the upper edge of the taskbar, adding subtle visual separation between the taskbar and open windows.
- Desktop Mode Limitation: This feature is not available in Desktop mode to maintain a seamless, uninterrupted appearance when no other dynamic states are active.
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Color Customization with Taskbar+
Taskbar+ provides a powerful way to customize the taskbar’s appearance through detailed color settings. This feature allows users to match the taskbar with their desktop theme or personal preferences by choosing specific colors for each Dynamic Mode and Taskbar State.
Key Features of Color Customization
- Color Picker Integration:
Taskbar+ integrates the Windows color picker, offering a straightforward way to select colors. Users can adjust hue, saturation, brightness, and alpha transparency. The live preview ensures your selection aligns perfectly with the taskbar’s current state and appearance. - Independent Colors for Each Mode:
Assign different colors to each Dynamic Mode (e.g., Start Opened, Maximized Window). This enables smooth transitions between taskbar appearances, creating a visually appealing and dynamic desktop. - Alpha Transparency Control:
Taskbar+ allows you to set the level of transparency through alpha values. For example, higher transparency can offer a minimalistic appearance, while lower transparency can make the taskbar stand out against the desktop background.
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Using the System Tray Icon
Taskbar+ runs in the background and can be accessed at any time through its system tray icon . This icon provides quick access to key settings and customization options.
How to Use the System Tray Icon
Access the Icon
- Locate the Taskbar+ icon
in the system tray, typically at the bottom-right corner of your screen. You may need to click the arrow to expand and view hidden icons.
- Locate the Taskbar+ icon
Right-Click Options
- Open Settings: Right-click the icon and select Open Taskbar+ to access the main Taskbar+ window, where you can adjust transparency, colors, and other customization options.
- Access Product Help: Select Tips and tricks to read the online product help file.
- Exit: Choose Exit to close Taskbar+ and disable all active customizations.
Real-Time Adjustments
- The system tray icon allows you to make real-time adjustments to taskbar settings without interrupting your workflow, giving you quick control over transparency, colors, and modes.
Managing Windows-Specific Features in Taskbar+
Taskbar+ integrates seamlessly with native Windows features, offering additional customization options tailored to each supported Windows version.
Key Features:
- Aero Peek Control (Windows 10):
Enable or disable the Aero Peek button at the right edge of the taskbar. Aero Peek allows users to preview the desktop by hovering over the button, making multitasking easier. This setting can be toggled on or off based on your workflow preferences. - Taskbar Line Control (Windows 11):
On Windows 11, Taskbar+ provides the option to show or hide the taskbar line that runs along the top edge of the taskbar. This feature enhances visual clarity by distinguishing the taskbar from open windows. - Version-Specific Settings:
Taskbar+ automatically detects the installed version of Windows and adapts the available settings accordingly. For instance, Acrylic mode works best on the latest builds of Windows 11, while Blur mode is optimized for earlier Windows versions.
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Troubleshooting and Known Issues in Taskbar+
Taskbar+ is designed to enhance your taskbar’s appearance smoothly, but occasional issues may arise. This section outlines common problems users might encounter and provides practical solutions to resolve them.
1. Taskbar Not Updating After Sleep or Hibernate
- Issue: The taskbar may not reflect the correct mode or color after the system resumes from sleep or hibernation.
- Solution: Restart Taskbar+ by right-clicking the system tray icon and selecting Restart App. Alternatively, ensure Taskbar+ is set to launch at startup.
2. Taskbar Line or Border Not Visible (Windows 11)
- Issue: The taskbar line might not display correctly when using the Task View or certain dynamic modes.
- Solution: Verify that the Taskbar Line setting is enabled for the specific mode in Taskbar+ settings.
3. Color Changes Not Applying Immediately
- Issue: Custom colors or transparency settings might not take effect right away.
- Solution: Ensure that the active Dynamic Mode matches the current system state (e.g., Start menu opened or window maximized). If the issue persists, try restarting the app.
4. Aero Peek Button Missing (Windows 10)
- Issue: Aero Peek may not appear on the right edge of the taskbar, even when enabled.
- Solution: Verify that Aero Peek is enabled in both Taskbar+ and Windows Taskbar Settings. If it remains hidden, try disabling and re-enabling Aero Peek through Taskbar+ settings.
5. Conflicts with Other Customization Tools
- Issue: Taskbar+ may conflict with other apps modifying taskbar appearance (e.g., RoundedTB, ExplorerPatcher).
- Solution: Ensure that only one customization tool controls taskbar appearance at a time. If conflicts persist, temporarily disable other tools to test compatibility.
6. High Contrast Mode Issues
- Issue: The taskbar colors may appear inconsistent or washed out in High Contrast mode.
- Solution: Adjust Taskbar+ color settings to ensure compatibility with your Windows accessibility settings. Restart Taskbar+ after making changes.
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