The Context View

The power of Amarok is in the Context pane (in the center of the default Amarok window), where you can install a range of options (applets) to help you enjoy and explore your music. Most of this additional information is obtained from the Internet, so a good connection is important to get the most out of your Context pane.

Default layout

The default Context pane searches for the lyrics of the song you are playing. If it finds the lyrics, it displays this in the bottom half of the Context pane, while the top banner of the Context pane displays the album cover and track information for the current music. Sometimes lyrics are not available, because they may not be stored in an appropriate resource on the Internet. In addition, the track information for the current track needs to be stored (tagged) correctly for lyrics to be found. Common problems are incorrect numbering system of the tracks within the album, and the mis-representation of unusual text, such as when the title of a track should contain characters with a circumflex, cedille or accent (ê,ç,à), but does not.

Customizing the Context pane

At the bottom of the context pane are three buttons. They allow you to display different types of information in the Context pane, in addition to the default lyrics applet. You can install individual favorites or remove them with a click on the wrench at the bottom right. You will see those you have installed all lined up with an X -- click the X to remove. Click the green + to add more display options (see image below). Drag the labeled buttons to re-order the applets you have, and click the wrench again to try out your selections. This makes the context pane extremely flexible, maximizing the possibility of a custom display that fits your preferences.