> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/niri-wm/niri/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Layer Shell Components

> Important considerations for bars, launchers, and other layer-shell components in niri

When working with layer-shell components (bars, launchers, etc.) in niri, there are several important behaviors to keep in mind.

## Full-Screen Window Behavior

<Warning>
  When a [full-screen](/concepts/fullscreen-and-maximize) window is active and covers the entire screen, it will render **above the top layer**, and it will be prioritized for keyboard focus.
</Warning>

If your launcher uses the top layer, and you try to run it while looking at a full-screen window, it won't show up.

<Tip>
  Only the **overlay layer** will show up on top of full-screen windows.
</Tip>

### Example Scenario

<Steps>
  <Step title="Full-screen window is active">
    A video player or game is running in full-screen mode.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch a top-layer component">
    You try to open a launcher that uses the top layer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Component doesn't appear">
    The launcher won't be visible because the full-screen window renders above it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Solution">
    Use the overlay layer for components that need to appear over full-screen windows.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Keyboard Focus Behavior

### On-Demand Focus

<Info>
  Components on the **bottom** and **background** layers will receive on-demand keyboard focus as expected.
</Info>

This means they can receive focus when you interact with them directly.

### Exclusive Focus

<Note>
  Components on the bottom and background layers will only receive **exclusive** keyboard focus when there are no windows on the workspace.
</Note>

This ensures that regular windows take priority for keyboard input when they're present.

## Overview Behavior

<Info>
  When opening the [Overview](/concepts/overview), components behave differently based on their layer.
</Info>

### Layer Behavior in Overview

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Bottom & Background Layers">
    Components on these layers will:

    * Zoom out together with the workspaces
    * Remain attached to their respective workspaces
    * Move with the workspace during transitions
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Top & Overlay Layers">
    Components on these layers will:

    * Remain on top of the Overview
    * Stay in place without zooming
    * Be visible across all workspaces in the Overview
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Bar Placement Recommendation

<Tip>
  If you want the bar to remain on top during Overview, put it on the **top** layer.
</Tip>

## Layer Selection Guide

Choose the appropriate layer based on your component's needs:

| Component Type | Recommended Layer | Reason                                 |
| -------------- | ----------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Status bar     | Top               | Stays visible during Overview          |
| Launcher       | Overlay           | Can appear over full-screen windows    |
| Desktop icons  | Background        | Zooms with workspace in Overview       |
| Dock           | Bottom            | Receives focus when no windows present |
| Notifications  | Overlay           | Appears above all content              |

<Note>
  These are recommendations based on typical use cases. Your specific needs may vary.
</Note>