diff --git a/include/sway/commands.h b/include/sway/commands.h
index 9ff18823..dda286a2 100644
--- a/include/sway/commands.h
+++ b/include/sway/commands.h
@@ -74,6 +74,9 @@ void free_cmd_results(struct cmd_results *results);
  */
 const char *cmd_results_to_json(struct cmd_results *results);
 
+struct cmd_results *add_color(const char *name,
+		char *buffer, const char *color);
+
 typedef struct cmd_results *sway_cmd(int argc, char **argv);
 
 sway_cmd cmd_assign;
diff --git a/include/sway/ipc-server.h b/include/sway/ipc-server.h
index 6b7404e5..1f6fffff 100644
--- a/include/sway/ipc-server.h
+++ b/include/sway/ipc-server.h
@@ -12,5 +12,6 @@ struct sockaddr_un *ipc_user_sockaddr(void);
 
 void ipc_event_workspace(swayc_t *old, swayc_t *new, const char *change);
 void ipc_event_window(swayc_t *window, const char *change);
+void ipc_event_barconfig_update(struct bar_config *bar);
 
 #endif
diff --git a/sway/commands.c b/sway/commands.c
index b52eb200..8d8b643b 100644
--- a/sway/commands.c
+++ b/sway/commands.c
@@ -91,45 +91,9 @@ void apply_seat_config(struct seat_config *seat) {
 	sway_input_manager_apply_seat_config(input_manager, seat);
 }
 
-/**
- * Check and add color to buffer.
- *
- * return error object, or NULL if color is valid.
- */
-struct cmd_results *add_color(const char *name, char *buffer, const char *color) {
-	int len = strlen(color);
-	if (len != 7 && len != 9) {
-		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, name, "Invalid color definition %s", color);
-	}
-
-	if (color[0] != '#') {
-		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, name, "Invalid color definition %s", color);
-	}
-
-	int i;
-	for (i = 1; i < len; ++i) {
-		if (!isxdigit(color[i])) {
-			return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, name, "Invalid color definition %s", color);
-		}
-	}
-
-	// copy color to buffer
-	strncpy(buffer, color, len);
-	// add default alpha channel if color was defined without it
-	if (len == 7) {
-		buffer[7] = 'f';
-		buffer[8] = 'f';
-	}
-	buffer[9] = '\0';
-
-	return NULL;
-}
-
-/**
- * handlers that can run in either config or command context
- * Keep alphabetized
- */
+/* Keep alphabetized */
 static struct cmd_handler handlers[] = {
+	{ "bar", cmd_bar },
 	{ "bindcode", cmd_bindcode },
 	{ "bindsym", cmd_bindsym },
 	{ "exec", cmd_exec },
@@ -141,18 +105,53 @@ static struct cmd_handler handlers[] = {
 	{ "workspace", cmd_workspace },
 };
 
-/**
- * Commands that can *only* run in the config loading context
- * Keep alphabetized
- */
+static struct cmd_handler bar_handlers[] = {
+	{ "activate_button", bar_cmd_activate_button },
+	{ "binding_mode_indicator", bar_cmd_binding_mode_indicator },
+	{ "bindsym", bar_cmd_bindsym },
+	{ "colors", bar_cmd_colors },
+	{ "context_button", bar_cmd_context_button },
+	{ "font", bar_cmd_font },
+	{ "height", bar_cmd_height },
+	{ "hidden_state", bar_cmd_hidden_state },
+	{ "icon_theme", bar_cmd_icon_theme },
+	{ "id", bar_cmd_id },
+	{ "mode", bar_cmd_mode },
+	{ "modifier", bar_cmd_modifier },
+	{ "output", bar_cmd_output },
+	{ "pango_markup", bar_cmd_pango_markup },
+	{ "position", bar_cmd_position },
+	{ "secondary_button", bar_cmd_secondary_button },
+	{ "separator_symbol", bar_cmd_separator_symbol },
+	{ "status_command", bar_cmd_status_command },
+	{ "strip_workspace_numbers", bar_cmd_strip_workspace_numbers },
+	{ "swaybar_command", bar_cmd_swaybar_command },
+	{ "tray_output", bar_cmd_tray_output },
+	{ "tray_padding", bar_cmd_tray_padding },
+	{ "workspace_buttons", bar_cmd_workspace_buttons },
+	{ "wrap_scroll", bar_cmd_wrap_scroll },
+};
+
+static struct cmd_handler bar_colors_handlers[] = {
+	{ "active_workspace", bar_colors_cmd_active_workspace },
+	{ "background", bar_colors_cmd_background },
+	{ "binding_mode", bar_colors_cmd_binding_mode },
+	{ "focused_background", bar_colors_cmd_focused_background },
+	{ "focused_separator", bar_colors_cmd_focused_separator },
+	{ "focused_statusline", bar_colors_cmd_focused_statusline },
+	{ "focused_workspace", bar_colors_cmd_focused_workspace },
+	{ "inactive_workspace", bar_colors_cmd_inactive_workspace },
+	{ "separator", bar_colors_cmd_separator },
+	{ "statusline", bar_colors_cmd_statusline },
+	{ "urgent_workspace", bar_colors_cmd_urgent_workspace },
+};
+
+/* Config-time only commands. Keep alphabetized */
 static struct cmd_handler config_handlers[] = {
 	{ "set", cmd_set },
 };
 
-/**
- * Commands that can *not* run in the config loading context
- * Keep alphabetized
- */
+/* Runtime-only commands. Keep alphabetized */
 static struct cmd_handler command_handlers[] = {
 	{ "exit", cmd_exit },
 	{ "focus", cmd_focus },
@@ -200,13 +199,19 @@ static struct cmd_handler *find_handler(char *line, enum cmd_status block) {
 
 	bool config_loading = config->reading || !config->active;
 
-	if (block == CMD_BLOCK_INPUT) {
-		// input commands can run in either context
+	if (block == CMD_BLOCK_BAR) {
+		return bsearch(&d, bar_handlers,
+				sizeof(bar_handlers) / sizeof(struct cmd_handler),
+				sizeof(struct cmd_handler), handler_compare);
+	} else if (block == CMD_BLOCK_BAR_COLORS) {
+		return bsearch(&d, bar_colors_handlers,
+				sizeof(bar_colors_handlers) / sizeof(struct cmd_handler),
+				sizeof(struct cmd_handler), handler_compare);
+	} else if (block == CMD_BLOCK_INPUT) {
 		return bsearch(&d, input_handlers,
 				sizeof(input_handlers) / sizeof(struct cmd_handler),
 				sizeof(struct cmd_handler), handler_compare);
 	} else if (block == CMD_BLOCK_SEAT) {
-		// seat commands can run in either context
 		return bsearch(&d, seat_handlers,
 				sizeof(seat_handlers) / sizeof(struct cmd_handler),
 				sizeof(struct cmd_handler), handler_compare);
@@ -558,3 +563,35 @@ const char *cmd_results_to_json(struct cmd_results *results) {
 	free(root);
 	return json;
 }
+
+/**
+ * Check and add color to buffer.
+ *
+ * return error object, or NULL if color is valid.
+ */
+struct cmd_results *add_color(const char *name,
+		char *buffer, const char *color) {
+	int len = strlen(color);
+	if (len != 7 && len != 9) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, name,
+				"Invalid color definition %s", color);
+	}
+	if (color[0] != '#') {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, name,
+				"Invalid color definition %s", color);
+	}
+	for (int i = 1; i < len; ++i) {
+		if (!isxdigit(color[i])) {
+			return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, name,
+					"Invalid color definition %s", color);
+		}
+	}
+	strncpy(buffer, color, len);
+	// add default alpha channel if color was defined without it
+	if (len == 7) {
+		buffer[7] = 'f';
+		buffer[8] = 'f';
+	}
+	buffer[9] = '\0';
+	return NULL;
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar.c b/sway/commands/bar.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..548106b3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar.c
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include <strings.h>
+#include <wlr/util/log.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "sway/config.h"
+#include "util.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *cmd_bar(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "bar", EXPECTED_AT_LEAST, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (config->reading && strcmp("{", argv[0]) != 0) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "bar",
+				"Expected '{' at start of bar config definition.");
+	}
+
+	if (!config->reading) {
+		if (argc > 1) {
+			if (strcasecmp("mode", argv[0]) == 0) {
+				return bar_cmd_mode(argc-1, argv + 1);
+			}
+
+			if (strcasecmp("hidden_state", argv[0]) == 0) {
+				return bar_cmd_hidden_state(argc-1, argv + 1);
+			}
+		}
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "bar", "Can only be used in config file.");
+	}
+
+	// Create new bar with default values
+	struct bar_config *bar = default_bar_config();
+	if (!bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "bar", "Unable to allocate bar state");
+	}
+
+	// set bar id
+	int i;
+	for (i = 0; i < config->bars->length; ++i) {
+		if (bar == config->bars->items[i]) {
+			const int len = 5 + numlen(i); // "bar-" + i + \0
+			bar->id = malloc(len * sizeof(char));
+			if (bar->id) {
+				snprintf(bar->id, len, "bar-%d", i);
+			} else {
+				return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "bar", "Unable to allocate bar ID");
+			}
+			break;
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Set current bar
+	config->current_bar = bar;
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Configuring bar %s", bar->id);
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_BLOCK_BAR, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/activate_button.c b/sway/commands/bar/activate_button.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0665d2a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/activate_button.c
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_activate_button(int argc, char **argv) {
+	const char *cmd_name = "activate_button";
+	// TODO TRAY
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, cmd_name, "TODO TRAY");
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/binding_mode_indicator.c b/sway/commands/bar/binding_mode_indicator.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e11e1033
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/binding_mode_indicator.c
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include <strings.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_binding_mode_indicator(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "binding_mode_indicator", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "binding_mode_indicator", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	if (strcasecmp("yes", argv[0]) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->binding_mode_indicator = true;
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Enabling binding mode indicator on bar: %s", config->current_bar->id);
+	} else if (strcasecmp("no", argv[0]) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->binding_mode_indicator = false;
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Disabling binding mode indicator on bar: %s", config->current_bar->id);
+	} else {
+		error = cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "binding_mode_indicator", "Invalid value %s", argv[0]);
+		return error;
+	}
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/bindsym.c b/sway/commands/bar/bindsym.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ac09a03f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/bindsym.c
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "sway/config.h"
+#include "list.h"
+#include "log.h"
+#include "stringop.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_bindsym(int argc, char **argv) {
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "bindsym", "TODO"); // TODO
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/colors.c b/sway/commands/bar/colors.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..8b3b0aac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/colors.c
@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+
+static struct cmd_results *parse_single_color(char **color, const char *cmd_name, int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, cmd_name, EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!*color) {
+		*color = malloc(10);
+		if (!*color) {
+			return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, cmd_name, "Unable to allocate color");
+		}
+	}
+
+	error = add_color(cmd_name, *color, argv[0]);
+	if (error) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
+
+static struct cmd_results *parse_three_colors(char ***colors, const char *cmd_name, int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if (argc != 3) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, cmd_name, "Requires exactly three color values");
+	}
+
+	int i;
+	for (i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
+		if (!*colors[i]) {
+			*(colors[i]) = malloc(10);
+			if (!*(colors[i])) {
+				return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, cmd_name, "Unable to allocate color");
+			}
+		}
+		error = add_color(cmd_name, *(colors[i]), argv[i]);
+		if (error) {
+			return error;
+		}
+	}
+
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_colors(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "colors", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (strcmp("{", argv[0]) != 0) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "colors",
+				"Expected '{' at the start of colors config definition.");
+	}
+
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_BLOCK_BAR_COLORS, NULL, NULL);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_active_workspace(int argc, char **argv) {
+	char **colors[3] = {
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.active_workspace_border),
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.active_workspace_bg),
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.active_workspace_text)
+	};
+	return parse_three_colors(colors, "active_workspace", argc, argv);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_background(int argc, char **argv) {
+	return parse_single_color(&(config->current_bar->colors.background), "background", argc, argv);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_focused_background(int argc, char **argv) {
+	return parse_single_color(&(config->current_bar->colors.focused_background), "focused_background", argc, argv);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_binding_mode(int argc, char **argv) {
+	char **colors[3] = {
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.binding_mode_border),
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.binding_mode_bg),
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.binding_mode_text)
+	};
+	return parse_three_colors(colors, "binding_mode", argc, argv);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_focused_workspace(int argc, char **argv) {
+	char **colors[3] = {
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.focused_workspace_border),
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.focused_workspace_bg),
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.focused_workspace_text)
+	};
+	return parse_three_colors(colors, "focused_workspace", argc, argv);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_inactive_workspace(int argc, char **argv) {
+	char **colors[3] = {
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.inactive_workspace_border),
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.inactive_workspace_bg),
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.inactive_workspace_text)
+	};
+	return parse_three_colors(colors, "inactive_workspace", argc, argv);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_separator(int argc, char **argv) {
+	return parse_single_color(&(config->current_bar->colors.separator), "separator", argc, argv);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_focused_separator(int argc, char **argv) {
+	return parse_single_color(&(config->current_bar->colors.focused_separator), "focused_separator", argc, argv);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_statusline(int argc, char **argv) {
+	return parse_single_color(&(config->current_bar->colors.statusline), "statusline", argc, argv);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_focused_statusline(int argc, char **argv) {
+	return parse_single_color(&(config->current_bar->colors.focused_separator), "focused_separator", argc, argv);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_colors_cmd_urgent_workspace(int argc, char **argv) {
+	char **colors[3] = {
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.urgent_workspace_border),
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.urgent_workspace_bg),
+		&(config->current_bar->colors.urgent_workspace_text)
+	};
+	return parse_three_colors(colors, "urgent_workspace", argc, argv);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/context_button.c b/sway/commands/bar/context_button.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e6d17f10
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/context_button.c
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_context_button(int argc, char **argv) {
+	const char *cmd_name = "context_button";
+	// TODO TRAY
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, cmd_name, "TODO TRAY");
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/font.c b/sway/commands/bar/font.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6d7c533a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/font.c
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+#include "stringop.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_font(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "font", EXPECTED_AT_LEAST, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "font", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	char *font = join_args(argv, argc);
+	free(config->current_bar->font);
+	if (strlen(font) > 6 && strncmp("pango:", font, 6) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->font = font;
+	} else {
+		config->current_bar->font = font;
+	}
+
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Settings font '%s' for bar: %s", config->current_bar->font, config->current_bar->id);
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/height.c b/sway/commands/bar/height.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ae0c7834
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/height.c
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_height(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "height", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	int height = atoi(argv[0]);
+	if (height < 0) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "height",
+				"Invalid height value: %s", argv[0]);
+	}
+
+	config->current_bar->height = height;
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Setting bar height to %d on bar: %s", height, config->current_bar->id);
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/hidden_state.c b/sway/commands/bar/hidden_state.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..245d0858
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/hidden_state.c
@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+#define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500
+#include <string.h>
+#include <strings.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "sway/config.h"
+#include "sway/ipc-server.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+static struct cmd_results *bar_set_hidden_state(struct bar_config *bar,
+		const char *hidden_state) {
+	char *old_state = bar->hidden_state;
+	if (strcasecmp("toggle", hidden_state) == 0 && !config->reading) {
+		if (strcasecmp("hide", bar->hidden_state) == 0) {
+			bar->hidden_state = strdup("show");
+		} else if (strcasecmp("show", bar->hidden_state) == 0) {
+			bar->hidden_state = strdup("hide");
+		}
+	} else if (strcasecmp("hide", hidden_state) == 0) {
+		bar->hidden_state = strdup("hide");
+	} else if (strcasecmp("show", hidden_state) == 0) {
+		bar->hidden_state = strdup("show");
+	} else {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "hidden_state",
+				"Invalid value %s", hidden_state);
+	}
+
+	if (strcmp(old_state, bar->hidden_state) != 0) {
+		if (!config->reading) {
+			ipc_event_barconfig_update(bar);
+		}
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Setting hidden_state: '%s' for bar: %s",
+				bar->hidden_state, bar->id);
+	}
+
+	// free old mode
+	free(old_state);
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_hidden_state(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "hidden_state", EXPECTED_AT_LEAST, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "hidden_state", EXPECTED_LESS_THAN, 3))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (config->reading && argc > 1) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "hidden_state",
+				"Unexpected value %s in config mode", argv[1]);
+	}
+
+	const char *state = argv[0];
+
+	if (config->reading) {
+		return bar_set_hidden_state(config->current_bar, state);
+	}
+
+	const char *id = NULL;
+	if (argc == 2) {
+		id = argv[1];
+	}
+
+	struct bar_config *bar;
+	for (int i = 0; i < config->bars->length; ++i) {
+		bar = config->bars->items[i];
+		if (id && strcmp(id, bar->id) == 0) {
+			return bar_set_hidden_state(bar, state);
+		}
+
+		error = bar_set_hidden_state(bar, state);
+		if (error) {
+			return error;
+		}
+	}
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/icon_theme.c b/sway/commands/bar/icon_theme.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c6090b81
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/icon_theme.c
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+#define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_icon_theme(int argc, char **argv) {
+	const char *cmd_name = "tray_output";
+	// TODO TRAY
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, cmd_name, "TODO TRAY");
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/id.c b/sway/commands/bar/id.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d9e7f8df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/id.c
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+#define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_id(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "id", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	const char *name = argv[0];
+	const char *oldname = config->current_bar->id;
+
+	// check if id is used by a previously defined bar
+	int i;
+	for (i = 0; i < config->bars->length; ++i) {
+		struct bar_config *find = config->bars->items[i];
+		if (strcmp(name, find->id) == 0 && config->current_bar != find) {
+			return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "id",
+					"Id '%s' already defined for another bar. Id unchanged (%s).",
+					name, oldname);
+		}
+	}
+
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Renaming bar: '%s' to '%s'", oldname, name);
+
+	// free old bar id
+	free(config->current_bar->id);
+
+	config->current_bar->id = strdup(name);
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/mode.c b/sway/commands/bar/mode.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7d346956
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/mode.c
@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+#define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500
+#include <string.h>
+#include <strings.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "sway/config.h"
+#include "sway/ipc-server.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+static struct cmd_results *bar_set_mode(struct bar_config *bar, const char *mode) {
+	char *old_mode = bar->mode;
+	if (strcasecmp("toggle", mode) == 0 && !config->reading) {
+		if (strcasecmp("dock", bar->mode) == 0) {
+			bar->mode = strdup("hide");
+		} else if (strcasecmp("hide", bar->mode) == 0) {
+			bar->mode = strdup("dock");
+		}
+	} else if (strcasecmp("dock", mode) == 0) {
+		bar->mode = strdup("dock");
+	} else if (strcasecmp("hide", mode) == 0) {
+		bar->mode = strdup("hide");
+	} else if (strcasecmp("invisible", mode) == 0) {
+		bar->mode = strdup("invisible");
+	} else {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "mode", "Invalid value %s", mode);
+	}
+
+	if (strcmp(old_mode, bar->mode) != 0) {
+		if (!config->reading) {
+			ipc_event_barconfig_update(bar);
+		}
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Setting mode: '%s' for bar: %s", bar->mode, bar->id);
+	}
+
+	// free old mode
+	free(old_mode);
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_mode(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "mode", EXPECTED_AT_LEAST, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "mode", EXPECTED_LESS_THAN, 3))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (config->reading && argc > 1) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "mode", "Unexpected value %s in config mode", argv[1]);
+	}
+
+	const char *mode = argv[0];
+
+	if (config->reading) {
+		return bar_set_mode(config->current_bar, mode);
+	}
+
+	const char *id = NULL;
+	if (argc == 2) {
+		id = argv[1];
+	}
+
+	int i;
+	struct bar_config *bar;
+	for (i = 0; i < config->bars->length; ++i) {
+		bar = config->bars->items[i];
+		if (id && strcmp(id, bar->id) == 0) {
+			return bar_set_mode(bar, mode);
+		}
+
+		error = bar_set_mode(bar, mode);
+		if (error) {
+			return error;
+		}
+	}
+
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/modifier.c b/sway/commands/bar/modifier.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..9a1f8b01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/modifier.c
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+#include "stringop.h"
+#include "util.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_modifier(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "modifier", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "modifier", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	uint32_t mod = 0;
+
+	list_t *split = split_string(argv[0], "+");
+	for (int i = 0; i < split->length; ++i) {
+		uint32_t tmp_mod;
+		if ((tmp_mod = get_modifier_mask_by_name(split->items[i])) > 0) {
+			mod |= tmp_mod;
+			continue;
+		} else {
+			free_flat_list(split);
+			return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "modifier", "Unknown modifier '%s'", split->items[i]);
+		}
+	}
+	free_flat_list(split);
+
+	config->current_bar->modifier = mod;
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Show/Hide the bar when pressing '%s' in hide mode.", argv[0]);
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/output.c b/sway/commands/bar/output.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..034d9ca4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/output.c
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+#define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "list.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_output(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "output", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "output", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	const char *output = argv[0];
+	list_t *outputs = config->current_bar->outputs;
+	if (!outputs) {
+		outputs = create_list();
+		config->current_bar->outputs = outputs;
+	}
+
+	int i;
+	int add_output = 1;
+	if (strcmp("*", output) == 0) {
+		// remove all previous defined outputs and replace with '*'
+		for (i = 0; i < outputs->length; ++i) {
+			free(outputs->items[i]);
+			list_del(outputs, i);
+		}
+	} else {
+		// only add output if not already defined with either the same
+		// name or as '*'
+		for (i = 0; i < outputs->length; ++i) {
+			const char *find = outputs->items[i];
+			if (strcmp("*", find) == 0 || strcmp(output, find) == 0) {
+				add_output = 0;
+				break;
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	if (add_output) {
+		list_add(outputs, strdup(output));
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Adding bar: '%s' to output '%s'", config->current_bar->id, output);
+	}
+
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/pango_markup.c b/sway/commands/bar/pango_markup.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..34b85e98
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/pango_markup.c
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include <strings.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_pango_markup(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "pango_markup", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "pango_markup", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	if (strcasecmp("enabled", argv[0]) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->pango_markup = true;
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Enabling pango markup for bar: %s", config->current_bar->id);
+	} else if (strcasecmp("disabled", argv[0]) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->pango_markup = false;
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Disabling pango markup for bar: %s", config->current_bar->id);
+	} else {
+		error = cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "pango_markup", "Invalid value %s", argv[0]);
+		return error;
+	}
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/position.c b/sway/commands/bar/position.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..efa8c0bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/position.c
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+#define _POSIX_C_SOURCE 200809L
+#include <string.h>
+#include <strings.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_position(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "position", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "position", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	char *valid[] = { "top", "bottom", "left", "right" };
+	for (size_t i = 0; i < sizeof(valid) / sizeof(valid[0]); ++i) {
+		if (strcasecmp(valid[i], argv[0]) == 0) {
+			wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Setting bar position '%s' for bar: %s",
+					argv[0], config->current_bar->id);
+			config->current_bar->position = strdup(argv[0]);
+			return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+		}
+	}
+
+	error = cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "position", "Invalid value %s", argv[0]);
+	return error;
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/secondary_button.c b/sway/commands/bar/secondary_button.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..46d53e3f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/secondary_button.c
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_secondary_button(int argc, char **argv) {
+	const char *cmd_name = "secondary_button";
+	// TODO TRAY
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, cmd_name, "TODO TRAY");
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/separator_symbol.c b/sway/commands/bar/separator_symbol.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7dc0956b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/separator_symbol.c
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+#define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_separator_symbol(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "separator_symbol", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "separator_symbol", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	free(config->current_bar->separator_symbol);
+	config->current_bar->separator_symbol = strdup(argv[0]);
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Settings separator_symbol '%s' for bar: %s", config->current_bar->separator_symbol, config->current_bar->id);
+
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/status_command.c b/sway/commands/bar/status_command.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..05377fcc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/status_command.c
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+#include "stringop.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_status_command(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "status_command", EXPECTED_AT_LEAST, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "status_command", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	free(config->current_bar->status_command);
+	config->current_bar->status_command = join_args(argv, argc);
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Feeding bar with status command: %s", config->current_bar->status_command);
+
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/strip_workspace_numbers.c b/sway/commands/bar/strip_workspace_numbers.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0558db8f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/strip_workspace_numbers.c
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include <strings.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_strip_workspace_numbers(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "strip_workspace_numbers", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "strip_workspace_numbers", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	if (strcasecmp("yes", argv[0]) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->strip_workspace_numbers = true;
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Stripping workspace numbers on bar: %s", config->current_bar->id);
+	} else if (strcasecmp("no", argv[0]) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->strip_workspace_numbers = false;
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Enabling workspace numbers on bar: %s", config->current_bar->id);
+	} else {
+		error = cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "strip_workspace_numbers", "Invalid value %s", argv[0]);
+		return error;
+	}
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/swaybar_command.c b/sway/commands/bar/swaybar_command.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..63d4f29a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/swaybar_command.c
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+#include "stringop.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_swaybar_command(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "swaybar_command", EXPECTED_AT_LEAST, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "swaybar_command", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	free(config->current_bar->swaybar_command);
+	config->current_bar->swaybar_command = join_args(argv, argc);
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Using custom swaybar command: %s", config->current_bar->swaybar_command);
+
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/tray_output.c b/sway/commands/bar/tray_output.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..2d822146
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/tray_output.c
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+#define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500
+#include <string.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_tray_output(int argc, char **argv) {
+	const char *cmd_name = "tray_output";
+	// TODO TRAY
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, cmd_name, "TODO TRAY");
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/tray_padding.c b/sway/commands/bar/tray_padding.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..95b8ad3b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/tray_padding.c
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include <strings.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_tray_padding(int argc, char **argv) {
+	const char *cmd_name = "tray_padding";
+	// TODO TRAY
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, cmd_name, "TODO TRAY");
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/workspace_buttons.c b/sway/commands/bar/workspace_buttons.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1a617eb8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/workspace_buttons.c
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include <strings.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_workspace_buttons(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "workspace_buttons", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "workspace_buttons", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	if (strcasecmp("yes", argv[0]) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->workspace_buttons = true;
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Enabling workspace buttons on bar: %s", config->current_bar->id);
+	} else if (strcasecmp("no", argv[0]) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->workspace_buttons = false;
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Disabling workspace buttons on bar: %s", config->current_bar->id);
+	} else {
+		error = cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "workspace_buttons", "Invalid value %s", argv[0]);
+		return error;
+	}
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/commands/bar/wrap_scroll.c b/sway/commands/bar/wrap_scroll.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c89dff5f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sway/commands/bar/wrap_scroll.c
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+#include <string.h>
+#include <strings.h>
+#include "sway/commands.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+struct cmd_results *bar_cmd_wrap_scroll(int argc, char **argv) {
+	struct cmd_results *error = NULL;
+	if ((error = checkarg(argc, "wrap_scroll", EXPECTED_EQUAL_TO, 1))) {
+		return error;
+	}
+
+	if (!config->current_bar) {
+		return cmd_results_new(CMD_FAILURE, "wrap_scroll", "No bar defined.");
+	}
+
+	if (strcasecmp("yes", argv[0]) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->wrap_scroll = true;
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Enabling wrap scroll on bar: %s", config->current_bar->id);
+	} else if (strcasecmp("no", argv[0]) == 0) {
+		config->current_bar->wrap_scroll = false;
+		wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Disabling wrap scroll on bar: %s", config->current_bar->id);
+	} else {
+		error = cmd_results_new(CMD_INVALID, "wrap_scroll", "Invalid value %s", argv[0]);
+		return error;
+	}
+	return cmd_results_new(CMD_SUCCESS, NULL, NULL);
+}
diff --git a/sway/config.c b/sway/config.c
index 0422fdd9..a0e408de 100644
--- a/sway/config.c
+++ b/sway/config.c
@@ -110,6 +110,48 @@ void free_config(struct sway_config *config) {
 	free(config);
 }
 
+static void free_bar(struct bar_config *bar) {
+	if (!bar) {
+		return;
+	}
+	free(bar->mode);
+	free(bar->position);
+	free(bar->hidden_state);
+	free(bar->status_command);
+	free(bar->font);
+	free(bar->separator_symbol);
+	// TODO: Free mouse bindings
+	list_free(bar->bindings);
+	if (bar->outputs) {
+		free_flat_list(bar->outputs);
+	}
+	if (bar->pid != 0) {
+		// TODO terminate_swaybar(bar->pid);
+	}
+	free(bar->colors.background);
+	free(bar->colors.statusline);
+	free(bar->colors.separator);
+	free(bar->colors.focused_background);
+	free(bar->colors.focused_statusline);
+	free(bar->colors.focused_separator);
+	free(bar->colors.focused_workspace_border);
+	free(bar->colors.focused_workspace_bg);
+	free(bar->colors.focused_workspace_text);
+	free(bar->colors.active_workspace_border);
+	free(bar->colors.active_workspace_bg);
+	free(bar->colors.active_workspace_text);
+	free(bar->colors.inactive_workspace_border);
+	free(bar->colors.inactive_workspace_bg);
+	free(bar->colors.inactive_workspace_text);
+	free(bar->colors.urgent_workspace_border);
+	free(bar->colors.urgent_workspace_bg);
+	free(bar->colors.urgent_workspace_text);
+	free(bar->colors.binding_mode_border);
+	free(bar->colors.binding_mode_bg);
+	free(bar->colors.binding_mode_text);
+	free(bar);
+}
+
 static void destroy_removed_seats(struct sway_config *old_config,
 		struct sway_config *new_config) {
 	struct seat_config *seat_config;
@@ -239,6 +281,91 @@ cleanup:
 	sway_abort("Unable to allocate config structures");
 }
 
+struct bar_config *default_bar_config(void) {
+	struct bar_config *bar = NULL;
+	bar = malloc(sizeof(struct bar_config));
+	if (!bar) {
+		return NULL;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->mode = strdup("dock"))) goto cleanup;
+	if (!(bar->hidden_state = strdup("hide"))) goto cleanup;
+	bar->outputs = NULL;
+	bar->position = strdup("bottom");
+	if (!(bar->bindings = create_list())) goto cleanup;
+	if (!(bar->status_command = strdup("while :; do date +'%Y-%m-%d %l:%M:%S %p'; sleep 1; done"))) goto cleanup;
+	bar->pango_markup = false;
+	bar->swaybar_command = NULL;
+	bar->font = NULL;
+	bar->height = -1;
+	bar->workspace_buttons = true;
+	bar->wrap_scroll = false;
+	bar->separator_symbol = NULL;
+	bar->strip_workspace_numbers = false;
+	bar->binding_mode_indicator = true;
+	bar->verbose = false;
+	bar->pid = 0;
+	// set default colors
+	if (!(bar->colors.background = strndup("#000000ff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.statusline = strndup("#ffffffff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.separator = strndup("#666666ff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.focused_workspace_border = strndup("#4c7899ff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.focused_workspace_bg = strndup("#285577ff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.focused_workspace_text = strndup("#ffffffff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.active_workspace_border = strndup("#333333ff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.active_workspace_bg = strndup("#5f676aff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.active_workspace_text = strndup("#ffffffff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.inactive_workspace_border = strndup("#333333ff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.inactive_workspace_bg = strndup("#222222ff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.inactive_workspace_text = strndup("#888888ff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.urgent_workspace_border = strndup("#2f343aff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.urgent_workspace_bg = strndup("#900000ff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	if (!(bar->colors.urgent_workspace_text = strndup("#ffffffff", 9))) {
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+	// if the following colors stay undefined, they fall back to background,
+	// statusline, separator and urgent_workspace_*.
+	bar->colors.focused_background = NULL;
+	bar->colors.focused_statusline = NULL;
+	bar->colors.focused_separator = NULL;
+	bar->colors.binding_mode_border = NULL;
+	bar->colors.binding_mode_bg = NULL;
+	bar->colors.binding_mode_text = NULL;
+
+	list_add(config->bars, bar);
+	return bar;
+cleanup:
+	free_bar(bar);
+	return NULL;
+}
+
 static bool file_exists(const char *path) {
 	return path && access(path, R_OK) != -1;
 }
diff --git a/sway/ipc-server.c b/sway/ipc-server.c
index 408ed432..59fc05f9 100644
--- a/sway/ipc-server.c
+++ b/sway/ipc-server.c
@@ -313,10 +313,18 @@ void ipc_event_window(swayc_t *window, const char *change) {
 
 	const char *json_string = json_object_to_json_string(obj);
 	ipc_send_event(json_string, IPC_EVENT_WINDOW);
-
 	json_object_put(obj); // free
 }
 
+void ipc_event_barconfig_update(struct bar_config *bar) {
+	wlr_log(L_DEBUG, "Sending barconfig_update event");
+	json_object *json = ipc_json_describe_bar_config(bar);
+
+	const char *json_string = json_object_to_json_string(json);
+	ipc_send_event(json_string, IPC_EVENT_BARCONFIG_UPDATE);
+	json_object_put(json); // free
+}
+
 int ipc_client_handle_writable(int client_fd, uint32_t mask, void *data) {
 	struct ipc_client *client = data;
 
diff --git a/sway/meson.build b/sway/meson.build
index 8bddb11b..8fcb0dbf 100644
--- a/sway/meson.build
+++ b/sway/meson.build
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ sway_sources = files(
 	'input/seat.c',
 	'input/cursor.c',
 	'input/keyboard.c',
+	'commands/bar.c',
 	'commands/bind.c',
 	'commands/exit.c',
 	'commands/exec.c',
@@ -19,6 +20,30 @@ sway_sources = files(
 	'commands/seat/attach.c',
 	'commands/seat/fallback.c',
 	'commands/set.c',
+	'commands/bar/activate_button.c',
+	'commands/bar/binding_mode_indicator.c',
+	'commands/bar/bindsym.c',
+	'commands/bar/colors.c',
+	'commands/bar/context_button.c',
+	'commands/bar/font.c',
+	'commands/bar/height.c',
+	'commands/bar/hidden_state.c',
+	'commands/bar/icon_theme.c',
+	'commands/bar/id.c',
+	'commands/bar/mode.c',
+	'commands/bar/modifier.c',
+	'commands/bar/output.c',
+	'commands/bar/pango_markup.c',
+	'commands/bar/position.c',
+	'commands/bar/secondary_button.c',
+	'commands/bar/separator_symbol.c',
+	'commands/bar/status_command.c',
+	'commands/bar/strip_workspace_numbers.c',
+	'commands/bar/swaybar_command.c',
+	'commands/bar/tray_output.c',
+	'commands/bar/tray_padding.c',
+	'commands/bar/workspace_buttons.c',
+	'commands/bar/wrap_scroll.c',
 	'commands/input/accel_profile.c',
 	'commands/input/click_method.c',
 	'commands/input/drag_lock.c',