Bug 502225 - Clicking on an empty area of the Panel takes away focus from Desktop items, but you can't do anything with focus on the panel
Summary: Clicking on an empty area of the Panel takes away focus from Desktop items, b...
Status: CONFIRMED
Alias: None
Product: plasmashell
Classification: Plasma
Component: Panel (other bugs)
Version First Reported In: 6.3.3
Platform: Arch Linux Linux
: NOR minor
Target Milestone: 1.0
Assignee: Plasma Bugs List
URL:
Keywords: accessibility, usability
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2025-03-31 02:49 UTC by Fernando M. Muniz
Modified: 2025-03-31 20:27 UTC (History)
2 users (show)

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Description Fernando M. Muniz 2025-03-31 02:49:35 UTC 
1- Have a file/folder selected on Desktop.
2- Click on an empty area of the Panel; an area that has no function by clicking.
3- Press Enter.

Result:
The file/folder doesn't open because Panel's empty area takes away focus from the Desktop.

Also there's no visual indication that the focus has been changed to the empty area of the panel, which can lead users to mistakenly assume it's a random Desktop glitch.
Comment 1 Fernando M. Muniz 2025-03-31 06:28:15 UTC 
The issue doesn't happen when pressing Enter on apps. It only happens with the Desktop.
Comment 2 Nate Graham 2025-03-31 20:27:39 UTC 
Well, yeah, you moved focus to the panel. :) On the other hand I do see your point; focusing the panel in this way is pointless.

Ultimately what I think would be really cool is if focus could be moved between the desktop and panel seamlessly using the arrow keys. This way desktop navigation with a D-Pad would be hugely simplified. I often wish for this while navigating my Plasma-based HTPC with a remote control, and it would probably be good for the Steam Deck and other handhelds too.