On Debian GNOME how to make CopyQ working, but not present as minimized in the taskbar and not present as a tray icon, after reboot?
2/2
Feb 21, 11:47pm

To make CopyQ work on Debian with GNOME, but not appear as minimized in the taskbar and not show a tray icon after reboot, you need to configure both CopyQ and GNOME's startup behavior. Here’s how you can achieve this:


1. Install CopyQ

If not already installed:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install copyq

2. Disable Tray Icon in CopyQ

  • Open CopyQ.
  • Go to File > Preferences > Interface.
  • Uncheck "Show system tray icon".
  • Click OK and restart CopyQ.

3. Run CopyQ as a Background Service (No Taskbar Entry)

To prevent CopyQ from appearing in the taskbar (even when minimized), you can run it as a background process.

Option A: Use a Startup Script

  1. Create a script to launch CopyQ in the background:

    bash
    nano ~/.config/autostart/copyq.desktop
  2. Add the following content:

    ini
    [Desktop Entry]
    Type=Application
    Name=CopyQ (Hidden)
    Exec=copyq --start-server
    StartupNotify=false
    NoDisplay=true
    • --start-server ensures CopyQ runs in the background without a GUI window.
    • NoDisplay=true prevents it from appearing in the taskbar or launcher.
  3. Save and make it executable:

    bash
    chmod +x ~/.config/autostart/copyq.desktop

Option B: Use a Systemd User Service (More Robust)

  1. Create a systemd service file:
    bash
    mkdir -p ~/.config/systemd/user/
    nano ~/.config/systemd/user/copyq.service
  2. Add the following:
    ini
    [Unit]
    Description=CopyQ clipboard manager (hidden)
    
    [Service]
    ExecStart=/usr/bin/copyq --start-server
    Restart=always
    
    [Install]
    WantedBy=default.target
  3. Enable and start the service:
    bash
    systemctl --user enable --now copyq.service

4. Disable Taskbar Entry for CopyQ

If CopyQ still appears in the taskbar:

  • Use a tool like wmctrl to force it to run as a background process:
    bash
    sudo apt install wmctrl
  • Add this to your startup script (e.g., in ~/.config/autostart/copyq.desktop):
    bash
    Exec=sh -c 'copyq --start-server && sleep 2 && wmctrl -r "CopyQ" -b add,skip_taskbar'

5. Verify After Reboot

  • Reboot your system.
  • CopyQ should now be running (check with ps aux | grep copyq), but not visible in the taskbar or tray.

Summary Table

CopyQ Configuration
Install CopyQ
sudo apt install copyq
Disable Tray Icon
Uncheck in CopyQ Preferences > Interface
Run as Background
Use .desktop file or systemd service with --start-server
Hide from Taskbar
Use wmctrl or NoDisplay=true in .desktop file

Feb 21, 11:47pm

This is a shared conversation and may include unverified content that doesn't reflect Mistral AI's views. Login to resume chatting.