Zebar

Zebar is an open-source tool for creating customizable taskbars, desktop widgets, and popups. It serves as a cross-platform alternative to system-specific status bars, docks, and panel managers, allowing users to design their own desktop interface elements using standard web technologies. The software is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, providing a unified way to manage desktop aesthetics across different operating systems.

Users manage their environment through a GUI interface accessible via the system tray. This interface allows for the installation of pre-made widget packs from a built-in marketplace or the creation of original designs. Widgets are powered by native webviews, which provide a more lightweight alternative to Electron while still allowing for the use of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for layout and styling.

Key features

• Creation of custom taskbars and desktop widgets using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Integrated marketplace for browsing and installing community widget packs
• Native webview architecture for lightweight rendering of interface elements
• System information providers for tracking CPU usage and battery status
• Audio device management including volume control and device tracking
• Support for auto-starting specific widgets on system boot via the tray menu
• Scaffold generation for new widget packs directly through the GUI
• Support for multiple frontend templates including a buildless React option

Zebar utilizes a directory-based configuration system where widget packs are defined by a zpack.json file located in the user directory. It exposes various system providers through an NPM package, enabling widgets to react to real-time hardware and OS data, such as window manager integrations and audio playback device changes. While the software provides basic templates for quick starts, advanced customization typically requires Node.js and a package manager like npm or pnpm to build source code changes.

This tool is designed for users interested in desktop ricing and the creation of highly personalized, data-driven workspace environments.