TasksLeiste

TasksLeiste is a user interface element used in graphical operating systems to manage and access running applications and windows. The term, which translates from German as “task bar,” usually refers to a horizontal or vertical strip placed along the screen edge that displays icons for open programs, minimized windows, and system controls. In many desktop environments, the TasksLeiste also provides a quick-launch area for frequently used applications, a task switcher, and a notification area.

Functionality of the TasksLeiste centers on process management: clicking an icon activates the corresponding window, while context menus offer options such as maximize, minimize, close, or move. A live thumbnail preview is common in some environments. Additional features may include a clock, volume control, network status, and calendar. On multi-monitor setups, the TasksLeiste can be extended to other displays or configured to appear only on the primary screen.

Variants and implementations vary across operating systems and desktop environments. The underlying concept appears under different names, such as the Windows Taskbar, the macOS Dock, or Linux desktop panels in KDE Plasma and GNOME Shell. Each implementation provides similar core purposes—quick access to running tasks, window management, and system controls—with design differences in iconography, grouping, and behavior.

Design considerations for a TasksLeiste include accessibility, touch support, auto-hide behavior, and the ability to customize icons, order, and size. Internationalization and localization affect label use and context menus, while performance considerations influence how thumbnails, animations, and notifications are rendered.

See also: Taskbar, Dock, Panel (computer interface), System tray.