Cairo-Dock

Free plan Linux

What Cairo-Dock is

Cairo-Dock is a Linux desktop interface arranged as docks, desklets and panels. The project presents it as a light, fast and customizable dock that works independently of a specific desktop environment. It is OpenGL-based and open source, with functions extended through plug-ins and applets.

Applets add features and controls; listed modules include Rendering, Logout and Clock. Developers can write applets in C or another language, while third-party applets can be installed by dragging a link or image into the dock. A DBus interface allows control from a terminal or another application, and most actions are available from the keyboard. A WebSearch applet can search services such as Google, Bing, Yahoo!, YouTube, Flickr and Wikipedia.

From Cairo-Dock 2.4.0 onward, the software can act as a GNOME session manager instead of GNOME Panel, GNOME Shell or Unity. The project provides installation directions using Ubuntu and Debian repositories and recommends installing its signed repository key for authentication. The home page lists version 3.4.0 as the latest stable release and says code hosting moved to GitHub. Cairo-Dock is free and open source, with Linux as its listed platform.

Who it suits

Cairo-Dock suits Linux users who want a customizable desktop dock with panels, desklets, applets and keyboard control. It also fits users who need terminal or application control through DBus or want to use it as a GNOME session manager.

What it does well

Free and open-source desktop interface
Supports docks, desklets and panels
Extensible through plug-ins and applets
DBus control works from terminals or applications
Third-party applets install by dragging links or images
Can replace GNOME desktop session components

What to know first

Linux is the only listed platform
No free trial is offered
Installation instructions focus on Ubuntu and Debian repositories

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Cairo-Dock	Open source desktop dock; latest stable release listed as 3.4.0	Free

As glx-dock.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open the Cairo-Dock website
Follow the Ubuntu or Debian repository installation instructions
Install the project's signed repository key for authentication
Launch Cairo-Dock on your Linux desktop
Add applets or plug-ins, including third-party applets by dragging links or images

Verdict

Pick Cairo-Dock for a free, open-source Linux interface that can be extensively customized with applets and plug-ins. Its DBus and keyboard controls add alternate ways to operate the dock. Look elsewhere if you need support for platforms outside Linux.

Questions

How much does Cairo-Dock cost?

Cairo-Dock is free and open source. Its listed plan is free.

Which platforms support Cairo-Dock?

Linux is the listed supported platform.

Is Cairo-Dock open source?

Yes. The project describes it as an OpenGL, open-source dock.

What is the latest listed release?

The home page lists 3.4.0 as the latest stable release.

Can I extend Cairo-Dock?

Yes. Plug-ins and applets add functionality, and applets can be written in C or another language.

Can Cairo-Dock manage a GNOME session?

From version 2.4.0 onward, it can serve as a GNOME session manager instead of GNOME Panel, GNOME Shell or Unity.

Facts from Cairo-Dock's own pages

Applets: Applets let users add functionality and customize the dock; the site lists modules including Rendering, Logout, and Clock. · glx-dock.org, 11 Oct 2026
Control: Cairo-Dock has a DBus interface for control from a terminal or another application, and most actions can be done from the keyboard. · glx-dock.org, 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. · glx-dock.org, 11 Oct 2026
Customization: Features can be added through plug-ins or applets, and applets can be written in C or another language. · glx-dock.org, 11 Oct 2026
Design: The project describes Cairo-Dock as light, fast, customizable, and desktop-agnostic. · glx-dock.org, 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. · glx-dock.org, 11 Oct 2026
Founded: 2007 · glx-dock.org, 28 Sept 2026
Installation: The site provides installation instructions for Ubuntu and Debian repositories and describes using packages for those systems. · glx-dock.org, 11 Oct 2026
OpenGL and open source: The site describes Cairo-Dock as an OpenGL and open-source dock. · glx-dock.org, 11 Oct 2026
Product: Cairo-Dock is a desktop interface that takes the form of docks, desklets, and panels. · glx-dock.org, 11 Oct 2026
Repository security: The project recommends installing its signed repository key for authentication. · glx-dock.org, 11 Oct 2026
Support: The project directs users with repository problems to its forum when the issue is not covered by its troubleshooting section. · glx-dock.org, 11 Oct 2026
Third-party applets: The site says third-party applets can be installed by dragging a link or image into the dock. · glx-dock.org, 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. · glx-dock.org, 11 Oct 2026