Change shape of gnome panel?

[Linkinxp]

I wonder if this can be done?

[Joeb454]

You can't change the actual shape of it, but you can right click it, choose properties and disable "Expand" if you don't want it to take up you're whole screen width

[DeadSuperHero]

You can also make a .png image in whatever shape you want, and use transparency areas for the parts you don't want the user to see, and set it as the panel background...

[Sand & Mercury]

Is there any way to get rid of those handles on either side of the panel when 'Expand' is turned off?

[oedipuss]

yep, right click on an empty area of the panel, select properties, and uncheck "Show hide buttons"

[Sand & Mercury]

Having that unchecked still leaves handles for moving the panel around in place of the buttons for hiding it... is there any way to get rid of them?