Ubuntu – How to make Panel always transparent like the Dock in GNOME 3

I'm another one who liked what I had in 10.04 and was unhappy at the change. I just wanted my old setup back! Today, I have it almost the same by doing:

1. install gnome-session-fallback. Its probably better to do this on a clean install.

2. restart and chose gnome classic before logging in.

3. press alt AND the windows buttons and then right click on a panel. (Don't ask my why it has to be so dang specific, it makes no sense actually) This will open the dialog.

4. Now, you can re-size, make transparent, use a picture, anything pretty much.

I like my panels both on top and colored but fairly transparent. That is easier on the eyes.

To force Ubuntu Dock to assume a fixed opacity, open Terminal and run

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock transparency-mode 'FIXED'

Also you can change max-alpha and min-alpha (0 is completely transparent, 1 is completely opaque) of Ubuntu Dock following this:
How to make Ubuntu Dock fully opaque (black, like the top bar) when apps are touching it/fullscreen?

Getting rid of top-bar transparency is a bit tricky. You may use "Dynamic Panel Transparency" extension from here.

Once installed reload the page, a settings icon should appear. Click on it, a dialogue should pop up. Go to Background tab, toggle on "Enable custom opacity" and set "Unmaximized opacity" to a very high value, say 100%.

Then log out and log in again.

Alternatively you may try a different shell theme without a transparent top bar.