Waybar is a modular status bar for Wayland compositors that provides a configuration-driven interface for system monitoring and desktop management. It functions as a shell component that integrates directly with Wayland protocols to track window manager states, manage system tray icons, and display real-time hardware, network, and power metrics.
The project distinguishes itself through a highly flexible architecture that allows for independent or synchronized interface bars across multiple monitors, each with unique layout and styling rules. Users can extend the bar's functionality by creating custom modules or triggering external shell scripts and system binaries in response to mouse interactions, such as clicks and scrolls.
The interface is built upon a widget hierarchy that supports extensive visual customization through a style engine based on standard style sheets. This allows for precise control over fonts, colors, borders, and element orientation, including support for vertical layouts and system-wide theme integration. The system also provides tools for inspecting the internal widget tree to facilitate troubleshooting and precise styling.
