5 Free Rainmeter Skins to Change Up your Windows Taskbar

on 26th Oct 2012

Despite Windows 8 approaching, with its dynamic new design, Windows 7 is still a solid operating system. If its interface is starting to grow old, consider changing things up with one of these five free Rainmeter skins. Changing the design of the taskbar is an easy way to reimagine the layout of your computer without an entire system design overhaul.

Rainmeter is one of several free tools for Windows customization, and can be used to completely replace your interface or just tweak a few features. Hundreds of skins are available to download, designed by its active user base.

Before you can install these skins, you’ll have to download Rainmeter at www.rainmeter.net.

The Deep7 taskbar is one of several options to replace the stock Windows 7 taskbar. (Image: NgDucTung / DeviantArt)

1. DEEP7 Taskbar

The DEEP7 taskbar is a minimalistic, text-based design that replaces icons with folders. It’s available in a light and dark theme, and can be placed at either the top or bottom of the screen.

2. Razor

Razor is reminiscent of OS X with its centralized bar and isolated icons. Programs can be sorted into folders to reduce clutter.

3. Omnimo WP7

If you’re excited about Windows 8, the Omnimo skin will provide a good test run. Do away with a typical task bar altogether and arrange Omnimo’s large program buttons on your screen instead. Change colors or make them transparent. Omnimo provides buttons for most common Windows programs.

4. i2 Bar

i2 bar has a unique design, with its swooping angles and high contrast color scheme. This bar doesn’t provide the same program icon storing feature of a normal taskbar, but it offers clocks, weather indicators and more.

5. Enigma

Enigma is a popular Rainmeter skin, known for its many widgets. Enigma’s taskbar replaces the large, colorful icons with a sleek black bar and white buttons. You can also add features like power and wifi buttons if you’re using a laptop.

About Ashley Hennefer

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Ashley Hennefer is a writer and researcher in Northern Nevada. She's the founder of TRIBE: The Research Institute for Better Environments, and Tribemind, a platform for open access and crowdsource research. She researches information literacy, the hackerspace movement, and video...

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