Feature Request: Semi-transparent Peek (like AltTabby's overlay)

from Stardock Forums

 

Hi everyone,

I've been using Fences for several years now and honestly love it — it's become a core part of how I organize my desktop. One of the Fences features I use the most is Peek (Win+Space), which I really appreciate.

Recently I installed AltTabby (also from Stardock), and I noticed something nice: when it pops up on top of everything, it does so with a semi-transparent/blur effect, so you can still somewhat see what's behind it. Peek in Fences, on the other hand, currently shows a solid black/opaque background when it comes to the front, completely covering whatever windows were open.

I'd love it if Fences could bring that same kind of transparency to Peek — even as an optional toggle or opacity slider, separate from the regular desktop fence transparency setting.

I did some digging and found a previous thread where a Stardock dev explained that Peek currently treats the desktop as a single surface, which is why "part of it" can't stay transparent while windows remain behind it: https://forums.stardock.com/539284/fences-on-top-of-other-windows

I understand this might not be a simple change given that architecture, but since AltTabby already achieves this kind of overlay effect, I imagine there might be a path to bring something similar to Peek down the line. Just wanted to put the idea out there in case it's useful for a future update.

Thanks for reading, and keep up the great work — between Fences and Start11, my desktop feels exactly the way I want it!

 

Stardock Software Fences
1,414 views 2 replies +1 Loading…
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

From my understanding, Fences doesn’t create its own separate layer in Windows. It works directly at the desktop level, essentially the last layer before your wallpaper or background. This is why it can organize icons and folders right on the desktop surface. Other applications, such as AltTabby or ObjectDock, usually operate at a higher level, overlaying or extending the interface.

However, I’ve forwarded your request to the Stardock Support Team for further review and recommendations. We truly appreciate your feedback.

Thank you,

Basj,

Stardock Community  Assistant.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi Lysme, thanks for the suggestion. Yes team is still looking to see what improvements they might be able to make with newer versions of Windows 11, which still have the same limitations, but have created a little bit of opportunity in terms of Peek.

Wondering if you might show a little more of what you're looking for?

One gotcha is that Blur is an issue. Fences doesn't use the system's blur, for technical reasons. But it would have to [try to] use some form of this if bought to the top, if the user still wants blur. Which means, it would be a very different look. (I.e. mica/acrylic.) Either that or just semi transparent without blur on top. Challenges!

Let us know what you're thinking exactly.

Elemental: Reforged