If you’re a Linux user who relies heavily on a graphical user interface, you’re probably familiar with the concept of docks. Docks are an essential part of the GUI that provide quick access to frequently used applications and files, as well as a way to switch between open windows. While there are plenty of proprietary dock options available for Linux users, there are also a number of free and open source docks that offer the same functionality without the cost.

In this article, we’ll take a look at 11 of the best free and open source Linux docks that are available for users to download and use.

1. Plank
Plank is a lightweight dock that is designed to be simple and easy to use. It features a sleek, minimalist design and provides quick access to your favorite applications. Plank is highly customizable, allowing you to tweak its appearance and behavior to suit your preferences.

2. Cairo-Dock
Cairo-Dock is a highly customizable dock that offers a wide range of features and options. It supports a variety of applets, plugins, and themes, allowing you to personalize your dock to your liking. Cairo-Dock is also highly configurable, making it a versatile option for Linux users.

3. Docky
Docky is a popular dock for Linux users that provides a simple and intuitive way to organize and access your applications. It features a clean and elegant design, with the ability to add custom launchers, widgets, and themes. Docky is easy to use and offers a range of customization options.

4. Latte Dock
Latte Dock is a modern and feature-rich dock that is designed to be highly customizable. It offers a variety of settings and options, allowing you to tweak its appearance and behavior to suit your needs. Latte Dock is compatible with KDE Plasma and offers a sleek and polished user interface.

5. Avant Window Navigator (AWN)
AWN is a versatile dock that offers a range of features and customization options. It supports a variety of applets, themes, and plugins, allowing you to customize your dock to your liking. AWN is lightweight and easy to use, making it a popular choice among Linux users.

6. Xfce Panel
Xfce Panel is a lightweight and user-friendly dock that is designed to be simple and easy to use. It provides quick access to your favorite applications and files, as well as a way to switch between open windows. Xfce Panel is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor its appearance and behavior to your preferences.

7. Plank Dock
Plank Dock is a simple and lightweight dock that offers quick access to your favorite applications. It features a clean and minimalist design, with the ability to add custom launchers and themes. Plank Dock is easy to use and offers a range of customization options.

8. DockBarX
DockBarX is a feature-rich dock that offers a range of settings and customization options. It supports a variety of applets, themes, and plugins, allowing you to personalize your dock to your liking. DockBarX is highly configurable and easy to use, making it a versatile option for Linux users.

9. DockBarX Unity
DockBarX Unity is a dock that is designed to mimic the functionality of the Unity dock in Ubuntu. It provides quick access to your favorite applications and files, as well as a way to switch between open windows. DockBarX Unity is easy to use and offers a range of customization options.

10. Polybar
Polybar is a highly customizable dock that offers a range of features and options. It supports a variety of applets, themes, and plugins, allowing you to personalize your dock to your liking. Polybar is compatible with a wide range of desktop environments and offers a sleek and polished user interface.

11. Dash to Dock
Dash to Dock is a popular dock for GNOME Desktop Environment that offers a range of customization options. It provides quick access to your favorite applications and files, as well as a way to switch between open windows. Dash to Dock is easy to use and offers a range of features and settings.

In conclusion, there are plenty of free and open source Linux docks available for users to download and use. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight and simple dock or a feature-rich and customizable option, there is a dock out there that will suit your needs. Give one of these 11 docks a try and see which one works best for you.