IPC

IPC commands let you control Noctalia from a terminal, a compositor keybind, a script, or a hook.

All commands use this shape:

noctalia msg <command>

For example:

noctalia msg dock-toggle
noctalia msg volume-up
noctalia msg panel-toggle launcher

Note

These pages list the command exactly as you run it. If you use the same command inside an idle behavior or hook with the noctalia: prefix, remove noctalia msg and keep the rest. For example, noctalia msg screen-lock becomes noctalia:screen-lock.

Command lists

Shell & UI Status, config reload, bar, panels, dock, desktop widgets, notifications, media controls, theme mode, and lock.

System Controls Volume, microphone, brightness, night light, and caffeine commands.

Using IPC in config

Some config fields accept normal shell commands. Idle behaviors and hooks also accept the noctalia: shorthand:

[idle.behavior.lock]
timeout = 660
command = "noctalia:screen-lock"

[hooks]
started = "noctalia msg panel-toggle launcher"

Both styles call the same command registry. Use noctalia msg ... in a terminal or compositor keybind, and noctalia:... where a Noctalia config field documents that shorthand.