This is the use case for an Icons-Only Task Manager. I gather that you're using a traditional Task Manager, right? Why not use an Icons-Only Task Manager?

(In reply to Nate Graham from comment #1)
> This is the use case for an Icons-Only Task Manager. I gather that you're
> using a traditional Task Manager, right? Why not use an Icons-Only Task
> Manager?

Sry I should have clarified that I (think I) removed the regular icons task manager that was activated by default and replaced it with:
- drag&drop of icons from the main menu to the panel
- a window list (that is at least the name in german)

These icons work as expected (I can start programs with them), but once I start a program these icons disappear on the workspace in use for the time being (until the program is closed). On other workspaces the icons are still visible.

I would like the icons to be always visible.

Regarding why I don't use the icons-only task manager:
It is simply a matter of taste.
I like a regular window list, where I also see text and a seperate area of favorite  programs, not a mix of both, not only-icons etc.

So your launchers are in fact Icon widgets on the panel? Can you confirm that? Or am I confused?

(In reply to Nate Graham from comment #3)
> So your launchers are in fact Icon widgets on the panel? Can you confirm
> that? Or am I confused?

Well I can't really verify the exact term, but I guess thats true yes.

I simply dragged them from the main menu (called "application starter" in german) to the panel.

Then I am confused, because these launcher applets do not have the ability to hide themselves when launched. :) Can you attach a screen recording that shows the problem? Also, in that screen recording, can you right-click on one of these icons at least once so I can see the contents of the context menu?

(In reply to Nate Graham from comment #5)
> Then I am confused, because these launcher applets do not have the ability
> to hide themselves when launched. :) Can you attach a screen recording that
> shows the problem? Also, in that screen recording, can you right-click on
> one of these icons at least once so I can see the contents of the context
> menu?

Ok, because of the file size I uploaded them to Github:
1. Short video of icons disappearing: https://github.com/toby63/stuff/blob/master/icon-hide.webm
2. Short video of right-clicking on icons: https://github.com/toby63/stuff/blob/master/icon-rightclick.webm

Okay, so these are actually not iIon applets. They are pinned apps in a traditional task manager. Duplicate of Bug 391572.

In the meantime, you can un-pin these icons from your Task Manager and instead add them as Icon applets on the panel.

*** This bug has been marked as a duplicate of bug 391572 ***

(In reply to Nate Graham from comment #7)
> Okay, so these are actually not Icon applets. They are pinned apps in a
> traditional task manager. Duplicate of Bug 391572.
> 
> In the meantime, you can un-pin these icons from your Task Manager and
> instead add them as Icon applets on the panel.
> 
> *** This bug has been marked as a duplicate of bug 391572 ***

Ok, thx and sry for the confusion, but the naming and functionality is a bit complicated and opaque.
On other DEs drag and drop of icons would create icon applets and not icons in a task manager.

Indeed. See Bug 390817.