Unity's panel does not respect right-aligned window control settings (maximized windows)

[Lee Hyde]

I realise that this is an issue that has likely been raised time and again since the decision to switch window controls to the left-hand side by default. However, given the cementing of the user interface represented by Unity (and the inclusion of window controls within the Unity panel) I felt that it was worth a revisit.

I can only speak to my own experiences, but as someone who is forced through circumstance to dual-boot both Ubuntu and Windows. I work within an academic research environment, wherein the vast majority of laboratory equipment and scientific software relies upon Windows. The down shot of this is that I have little choice but to dual-boot or VM into Windows when manipulating or translating data, and the transition from a right-handed to a left-handed (for want of better phraseology) is a little jarring to say the least (it definitely impacts on my efficiency). I'm sure I'm not alone in this, as many workplaces and IT departments tend to provision workspaces on a Windows only basis.

Surely providing an optional right-handed UI mode is not beyond the wit of the Unity developers.

[Eylem (eylemkoca)]

There is an indirect but easy solution for that:

1) Open Appearance Settings and select one of the themes that enforce right-side controls by default. These include "Clearlooks", "Dust Sand", "High Contrast" and "New Wave".
2) Click on "Customize".
3) Under both "Controls" and "Window Border", select your favorite theme which was left-sided by default. You'll see that the colors are correctly set automatically.

[Lee Hyde (anubeon)]

> 3) Under both "Controls" and "Window Border", select
> your favorite theme which was left-sided by default.
> You'll see that the colors are correctly set automatically

This bug has nothing to do with *colour*; it regards the alignment (left or right) of the window controls. My understanding is that the Unity panel will only respect left-aligned window controls, and not right-aligned window controls. Is this not the case?

[Eylem (eylemkoca)]

I did not say it has anything to do with "color". My final comment was just a side comment. You can use the steps I outlined to get your favorite theme to have right-aligned window controls. As to the top panel, you're right, it is only left-aligned at the time being. Your bug description did not mention the top panel though...

[Lee Hyde (anubeon)]

> I did not say it has anything to do with "color". My final comment was
> just a side comment.

Apologies, I didn't realise that it was a side comment, your phraseology did not make that clear (Why even mention colour?).

> You can use the steps I outlined to get your favorite theme to have
> right-aligned window controls. As to the top panel, you're right,
> it is only left-aligned at the time being. Your bug description did
> not mention the top panel though...

It is the lack of options for customising window control alignment in a consistent fashion within Unity that concerns me, whether they reside within the title-bar or the panel. I did briefly mention the Unity panel in the original description, and I though it was rather clear what my concerns were. Never the less I've reworded the bug title and I may reword the description when I find the time.

Kind Regards,

Lee.