Support for Panel and Dock on Secondary Monitors

[pauloricardocsb]

Suggestion

Summary

Elementary OS currently restricts the display of the top panel and dock to the primary monitor. Secondary monitors only show the wallpaper, without access to system controls or application launchers. This limitation reduces usability in multi-monitor setups.
Problem Statement

In workflows that rely on multiple monitors, users often need to open applications or interact with system functions directly on a secondary display. Since the panel and dock are not available on non-primary monitors, users must first perform actions on the primary monitor and then drag windows to the secondary one. This process interrupts workflow and negatively impacts productivity.

Proposal

Enable the option to display both the top panel and the dock on secondary monitors, without requiring screen mirroring. This feature should allow:

• Direct application launching from any monitor.
• Access to system indicators and menus on all connected displays.
• A consistent and flexible user experience across multiple monitors.

Benefits

• Improved Productivity: Eliminates unnecessary steps when working across multiple screens.
• Enhanced Usability: Provides a more intuitive and seamless multi-monitor experience.
• Flexibility: Empowers users to choose where they interact with system elements.

Use Case Example

A user working with a dual-monitor setup wants to open an application directly on the secondary monitor. With the current design, they must open it on the primary monitor and then drag it across. Allowing the dock and panel on secondary monitors would streamline this process and reduce friction.

Prior Art (Optional)

How it works in Ubuntu (GNOME)

• Dock (Ubuntu Dock / Dash-to-Dock):

By default, the dock is shown only on the primary monitor. In the Appearance settings, there is an option called “Show dock on all displays”. Users can choose whether the dock appears only on the primary monitor or on all monitors, and also configure auto-hide behavior.

• Top Panel (GNOME Shell):

The top panel (status bar) is fixed to the primary monitor only. Community extensions, such as Multi Monitors Add-On, allow replicating the panel on secondary monitors.

Result: Applications can be launched directly from the dock on a secondary monitor, without dragging windows from the primary one.