I started using XFCE4 around 4.0.5 time, where I could set an iconbox in the bottom-right corner, growing vertically upwards, which would sit above maximised applications. For example, see http://apebox.org/imglibrary.php?section=three&browse=//Desktops/&image=cedegahtml.png or http://apebox.org/imglibrary.php?section=three&browse=//Desktops/&image=kickstart.png Since the move to the new multi-panel setup, it seems XFCE 4.4 does not allow this. 1) If a panel with the iconbox in it has a fixed position, then maximised windows will not go over or under it. This cannot be overriden as far as I can tell 2) If a panel with the iconbox in it has a floating position, then whilst it behaves correctly (expanding upwards) when new applications are run, it uses the upper position as an anchor when those applications are closed, causing the panel to "ride up the screen" 3) If a panel with the iconbox in it has a fixed position and is set to autohide, then the behaviour is correct - except for the unwanted "hiding" part. Is it possible to add some option for those like me who actively want a fixed-position panel to intersect with maximised windows, or to choose the expansion direction of iconboxes for better use of floating-position windows?
... > 1) If a panel with the iconbox in it has a fixed position, then maximised > windows will not go over or under it. This cannot be overriden as far as I can > tell > 2) If a panel with the iconbox in it has a floating position, then whilst it > behaves correctly (expanding upwards) when new applications are run, it uses > the upper position as an anchor when those applications are closed, causing the > panel to "ride up the screen" > 3) If a panel with the iconbox in it has a fixed position and is set to > autohide, then the behaviour is correct - except for the unwanted "hiding" > part. > > Is it possible to add some option for those like me who actively want a > fixed-position panel to intersect with maximised windows, or to choose the > expansion direction of iconboxes for better use of floating-position windows? > Hmm, in theory this might be possible if the panel doesn't set the window manager hint about it's size. I'm not sure this will work, since the panel is also a special window type. I'm not really in favor of adding an option for the expansion direction of freely moveable panels, but maybe we can change it based on the handle position. It's a bit complicated with window manager hints and resizing/posisioning behavior, so I'm not sure how soon I will get around to this.
This is possible again in the new panel. You can snap the panel to every position on the screen edge and it also always remembers its base-point (center of the panel) and moves back to that position. There is also a hidden xfconf property to disable struts for a panel window, which allows window behind the panel. For even more bling you can enable the background transparency.
Devel branch has been merged in master. A 4.7.0 release will follow soon. If you think this bug is not fixed? Feel free to reopen the bug.