Lock Plugin

The Lock plugin provides lockscreen functionality for Waxed-based systems. Technically similar to the Greeter, but with key differences: it enables more plugins for continued functionality while locked, such as music playback controls.

Authentication

Provides the UI for unlocking via password through PAM. Displays an animated or static background. Works with the Transitioner for smooth state changes when locking and unlocking.

Media Controls

Unlike the Greeter, the Lock plugin can expose controlled media functionality: play/pause/skip for currently playing media, volume adjustment, and media metadata display (track, artist, album art). These controls interact with media plugins running in the background, which continue operating even while the screen is locked.

Session Preservation

When locking, the desktop state is preserved. All windows stay where they were. Applications keep running. The Lock plugin simply becomes the visible layer. On unlock, the Transitioner switches back to the desktop plugin, and everything is exactly as you left it.

Difference from Greeter

The Greeter strips everything down to bare minimum. The Lock plugin is more permissive. Music playback might still be controllable. Maybe a clock widget. Perhaps notification summaries. The exact feature set is configurable, but the principle is: useful information and controls that don’t compromise security.