{
  "id": 7084602,
  "title": "How to make Xfce look like almost any desktop you want",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/how-to-make-xfce-look-like-almost-any-desktop-you-want",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-13T09:09:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register",
    "slug": "the-register",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/software/2026/09/13/how-to-make-xfce-look-like-almost-any-desktop-you-want/5295775"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Xfce is an old and lightweight Linux desktop environment that can be customized to resemble various other operating systems. An optional tool called Panel Profiles automates most of the configuration process. This tool allows users to switch between predefined desktop layouts in just two clicks, without needing to log out. Panel Profiles works across multiple desktop environments, including Xfce, Windows, Xubuntu, MATE, GNOME 2, Mac OS X, and Ubuntu Unity.\n\nIn this two-part article, we will guide you through installing Panel Profiles and adapting your Xfce desktop to various unconventional layouts. For advanced customization, Part 2 will cover making the necessary changes to plain-text files and manual panel tweaks. Although KDE Plasma can also offer similar features, it requires more manual configuration and knowledge of KDE's extensive settings.\n\nPanel Profiles is a valuable tool for those who appreciate the simplicity and speed of Xfce. By using this tool, users can have a more efficient experience on Linux distributions and BSDs, making Xfce a versatile choice for various desktop environments.",
  "summary": "Panel Profiles handles the heavy lifting, once you've installed the plugins it expects",
  "key_points": [
    "Panel Profiles automates Xfce desktop customization",
    "Switch between layouts in two clicks without logout",
    "Works across multiple desktop environments"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The introduction of Panel Profiles makes customizing Xfce to mimic other desktops much simpler, allowing users to switch between layouts quickly and efficiently within the lightweight Linux environment.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Register Science",
        "title": "How to make Xfce look like almost any desktop you want",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/how-to-make-xfce-look-like-almost-any-desktop-you-want-7088709",
        "published": "2026-09-13T09:09:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}