A window manager should be helpful if you dabble with multiple active windows on your system and want to make the most out of the available screen space.
Sure, you can re-size and reposition your windows to organize them to some extent. However, with a window manager, you can step up your multitasking potential by organizing the windows using keyboard shortcuts, mouse and even automating some of it.
With a window manager, you can improve not only the productivity but the look and feel of your desktop if you decide to put in the effort.
Here’s an example of a user’s customized desktop using a window manager to organize the active windows:
📋
Most of the options mentioned work for the Xorg display server, considering window managers on Wayland are called compositors. You can explore Arch’s documentation to learn more.
For multi-monitor setups, you might want to check for RandR and Xinerama protocol support with the window managers.
Is it Easy to Use a Window Manager?
Yes and no.
If you decide to use a window manager, you must be willing to research/read documentation to get things right. It may not be feasible to cover everything in this article.
There are some points to note that include:
- Some window managers provide you with room for endless customizability. If you do not know how to configure it to your liking, you may not be able to use it.
- Some window managers might need configuration even before using it. Unless you do not set it up, you cannot utilize the window manager.
- Most users prefer Arch Linux to use window managers. So, you can expect better community support for configurations/setup if you pick Arch Linux as your distro of choice. But, it is not mandatory, you can try other distributions.
- You might want to know how to switch between Xorg and Wayland to use the window manager or compositor you want.
Here, I provide the links to its documentation, and the installation commands to give you a head start.
To make things easy, you can also utilize other users’ dotfiles (configuration) to quickly modify the look and behavior of your desktop. However, you still need to know what you’re doing before you use them.
🚧
Some window managers/compositors for Wayland may not support proprietary graphics drivers, including NVIDIA. So, before installing and configuring any of the window managers, you might want to check what it supports.
1. bspwm
bspwm is a lightweight tiling window manager. The first screenshot you see in this article was made possible using bspwm.
You must install the window manager and a separate package to use the keyboard/pointer bindings. bspwm lets you manually choose how new windows get inserted or positioned or set it to automatic mode, where it follows a particular scheme to arrange the windows.
You need to configure it properly before you get to use it. Unfortunately, the documentation for it may not be easy to follow for new users trying a window manager. Arch Linux’s documentation page on bspwm should help you get started.
Install bspwm
You can easily find the package for it on the official repositories of Fedora, Ubuntu, and Arch.
For Ubuntu, type in the following command to get it installed:
sudo apt install bspwm sxhkd📋
The list is in no particular order of ranking.
2. Qtile
Qtile is a customizable tiling window manager that works on X11 and Wayland.
It packs in various features and yet a simple implementation. You get a command shell to inspect and manage all aspects of the window manager.
One of the highlights of Qtile is complete remote scriptability.
Install Qtlie
You can install Qtile using pip. Once you have pip installed on Ubuntu, run these commands:
pip install xcffib
pip install qtileRefer to the official documentation or its GitHub page for other Linux distributions.
3. herbstluftwm
herbstluftwm (I know, a mouthful) is a manual tiling window manager. Not as popular as other options, but a promising option for Linux users.
The key highlight of the window manager is that the configuration for the tool happens at runtime. So, you do not need to restart the window manager and yet manage to make changes live.
The documentation may not be beginner-friendly, but you can choose to explore parts of it to better understand its functioning.
Install herbstluftwm
You can find it in the official repository. To install it, run the following command:
sudo apt install herbstluftwmIn either case, feel free to explore its official website and GitHub page for more info.
4. awesome
awesome is a fast and configurable window manager. It does require a few dependencies along with the installation process to get things working, but it should not be a problem for most.
If you want to access a window manager without needing to configure much from the start, awesomewm should be a good option. It may not look pleasing if you just install and use it without configuration, but you can access most of its functions easily.
The documentation for awesome window manager is valuable enough to make the most out of it.
Install awesome
The package should be available in the repositories of all major distributions. For Ubuntu, you can type in the following command:
sudo apt install awesome5. IceWM
IceWM is one of the oldest tiling window managers out there. You can find it as the default window manager with some distributions like antiX (one of the best lightweight Linux distributions).
You may not get an extensive list of functionalities with IceWM, but it has a simple approach that lets you easily use it. By default, it features an app launcher and a taskbar to keep things familiar and accessible.
Head to its official website for documentation and get started.
Install IceWM
IceWM is available in official repositories of all major distros. You can install it on Ubuntu using the following command:
sudo apt install icewm6. i3
i3 is the most popular option if you are in for an insane amount of customization. Yes, it is aimed at advanced users and developers, but with its well-documented instructions, anyone can try to use it.
You can expect numerous abilities with i3 as long as you can configure them. Whether you have dual-monitor setup, or a multi-monitor setup with horizontal displays, configuration is the key here.
Install i3
i3 is available in repositories for every major distribution. For Ubuntu, you can use the command below to get it installed:
sudo apt install i3To explore technical details, head to its GitHub page.
7. Sway
Sway is designed for Wayland sessions while offering compatibility with i3. In other words, the same commands are supported with Sway.
If you are using i3 and want to move to Sway on a Wayland desktop, the transition should be easy by copying the configuration to the correct file.
You should have the essential features here to organize app windows and make efficient use of desktop space.
Install Sway
Most of the popular distributions should already have the package available. For Debian-based systems, you can use the terminal to get it installed:
sudo apt install swayTo explore more, check out its GitHub page.
Suggested Read 📖
How to Properly Theme KDE Plasma [An in-depth Guide]
If you have been using Linux for some time, you know about KDE Plasma, the desktop environment. Many distributions ship KDE Plasma as the default (or flagship) desktop environment. Hence, it is not surprising to find it among the best desktop environments. KDE Plasma desktop is famous…
It’s FOSSSreenath
8. xmonad
xmonad is a tiling window manager for X11 written and configured in Haskell language.
It aims to provide all kinds of functionalities while making it easier to automate things all the way.
You get a decent documentation to get started and start taking charge of your windows.
Install xmonad
Unlike others, it is not as simple as installing a single package (especially for Debian/Ubuntu users).
So, you may want to follow the official installation instructions and its GitHub page to proceed.
Honorable Mentions
There are various other compositors (Wayland) and window managers like ratpoison that may not be feature-rich or popular enough but can be interesting to try.
Some of those options are:
- Cagebreak (Wayland)
- river (Wayland)
- JWM
- Spectrwm
- dwl (Wayland)
💬 What are your favorite window managers for Linux? Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments section below.
As the name suggests, Linux Window Managers are responsible for coordinating how application windows work. They run quietly in the background of your operating system, handling the look and arrangement of open programs.
You might also like:
- Best Terminal Emulators for Linux Desktop
- Best Partition Managers (CLI + GUI) for Linux
- Best Command Line Tools to Monitor Linux Performance
- Best Linux File and Disk Encryption Tools
- Best Linux Console File Managers
There are several Window Managers that you can use on Linux but just as you would expect, here is an article that lists the best tiling window managers for you to choose from.
1. i3 – Improved Tiling WM
i3 is a free, open-source, and completely configurable window manager app targeted at advanced Linux and BSD users and developers. It features a tree data structure that allows for more flexible layouts than its alternatives and it does not require Haskell or LUA.
i3 is among the most loved manual window tiling manager apps because of its vast features which include settings in plain text, custom keyboard shortcuts, and configuration without the need to restart the underlying system.
The package ‘i3‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install i3 [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install i3 [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge x11-wm/i3 [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add i3 [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S i3 [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install i3 [On OpenSUSE]
2. bspwm
bspwm is a free, lightweight, and open-source tiling manager known for adhering to the Linux philosophy by concentrating on doing one thing and getting it done properly.
It is based on binary space partitioning which represents windows as the leaves of a complete binary tree and it handles key binding with a separate utility sxhkd, which allows for smoother performance and support for other input devices.
bspwm’s features include support for multiple windows, partial support for EWMH, automatic mode for automatically setting the position of app tiles, and it is configured and controlled through messages, among others.
The package ‘bspwm‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install bspwm [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install bspwm [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/bspwm [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add bspwm [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S bspwm [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install bspwm [On OpenSUSE]
3. herbstluftwm
herbstluftwm is a free and open-source configurable manual tiling window manager for x11 using Glib and Xlib. Basically, it works using a layout based on splitting frames into sub-frames which can be further split and filled with windows.
herbstluftwm’s main features include tags (i.e. workspaces or virtual desktops), a configuration script that runs at startup, exactly one tag per monitor, etc.
The package ‘herbstluftwm‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install herbstluftwm [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install herbstluftwm [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/herbstluftwm [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add herbstluftwm [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S herbstluftwm [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install herbstluftwm [On OpenSUSE]
4. awesome
awesome is a free and open-source next-generation tiling manager for X built to be fast and extensible and it is primarily aimed at developers, power users, and anyone who would like to control their graphical environment.
Its features include well-documented source code and API, real multi-head support with per-screen desktops, support for D-Bus, support for Lua extensions, no floating or tiled layers, etc.
The package ‘awesome‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install awesome [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install awesome [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/awesome [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add awesome [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S awesome [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install awesome [On OpenSUSE]
5. Tilix
Tilix is an advanced GTK3 tiling terminal emulator and manager that uses the Gnome Human Interface Guidelines. It enables users to organize app windows horizontally and vertically using drag and drop.
Tilix offers its users a lot of features including working with custom titles and custom hyperlinks, support for transparent background images, notifications in the background, multiple panes, and persistent layouts.
The package ‘Tilix‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install tilix [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install tilix [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/tilix [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add tilix [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S tilix [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install tilix [On OpenSUSE]
6. XMonad
XMonad is a free and open-source dynamic tiling X11 window manager that exists to automate window searching and alignment. It is extensible using its very own extension library which gives it options for status bars and window decorations. It is also minimal, stable, and easy to configure.
The package ‘XMonad‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install xmonad [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install xmonad [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/xmonad [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add xmonad [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S xmonad [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install xmonad [On OpenSUSE]
7. Sway
Sway is a free, open-source, and lightweight tiling Wayland i3-compatible window manager that automatically arranges app windows to logically maximize desktop space. It arranges windows into a grid by default and supports almost all the commands included in i3.
Its features include support for keyboard shortcuts, its usage of Wayland instead of Xorg, and gaps.
The package ‘Sway‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install sway [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install sway [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/sway [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add sway [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S sway [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install sway [On OpenSUSE]
8. tmux
tmux is an open-source terminal multiplexer that enables users to create multiple terminal sessions that they can access and control from a single screen which makes it perfect for running several command-line programs at the same time.
tmux makes use of all the space available to it and it is easily usable thanks to its support for keybindings which you can use to split windows and create more panes. You can also share individual shell instances between distinct sessions to be used for different purposes by different users.
The package ‘tmux‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install tmux [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install tmux [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/tmux [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add tmux [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S tmux [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install tmux [On OpenSUSE]
9. spectrwm
spectrwm is a small, dynamic, xmonad, and dwm-inspired reparenting and tiling window manager built for X11 to be fast, compact, and concise. It was created with the aim of solving the issues of xmonad and dwm face.
spectrwm uses a plain text configuration file, boasts defaults similar to those in xmonad and dwm, and features built-in keyboard shortcuts. Its other features include customizable colors and border width, drag-to-float, quick launch menu, customizable status bar, dynamic RandR support, etc.
The package ‘spectrwm‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install spectrwm [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install spectrwm [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/spectrwm [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add spectrwm [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S spectrwm [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install spectrwm [On OpenSUSE]
10. JWM
JWM (Joe’s Window Manager) is an open-source C-based lightweight window manager for the X11 Window System optimized to work smoothly on older, less powerful computer systems.
It requires only the Xlib library to run but is capable of working with a host of other libraries including libXext for shape extension, Cairo and libRSVG for icons and backgrounds, libjpeg and libpng for JPEG and PNG backgrounds and icons respectively, etc.
JWM is included in a couple of Linux distros e.g. Damn Small Linux and Puppy Linux and has found most of its use on portable PCs like the Raspberry Pi.
$ sudo apt install jwm [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install jwm [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/jwm [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add jwm [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S jwm [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install jwm [On OpenSUSE]
11. Qtile
Qtile is a small but full-featured and completely configurable open-source tiling window manager developed in Python. It is designed with a focus on simplicity, extensibility using extensions, and customization.
Qtile features easy-to-write custom layouts, commands, and widgets. It can also be scripted remotely in order to set up workspaces, update status bar widgets, manipulate windows, etc. It has comprehensive documentation in case you need clarification along the way.
On newer Ubuntu (18.04 or greater), Debian (10 or greater), and Fedora versions, there are Qtile packages available to install via.
$ sudo apt install qtile [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install qtile [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux]
12. Ratpoison
Ratpoison is a lightweight Window Manager designed to be simple and without fancy graphics, window decorations, or dependence on any other projects. It is modeled after the GNU Screen which is very popular in the virtual terminal community.
Ratpoison’s main features include the ability to split windows into non-overlapping frames with all windows maximized within their frames. It is solely operated using keyboard commands.
The package ‘Ratpoison‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install ratpoison [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install ratpoison [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/ratpoison [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add ratpoison [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S ratpoison [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install ratpoison [On OpenSUSE]
13. dwm
dwm is a lightweight and dynamic tiling window manager for the X Windows system that has guided the development of various other X window managers, including awesome and xmonad window manager.
dwm controls windows in tiled, monocle, and floating layouts, and all of these layouts can be added dynamically, enhancing the environment for the application in use, and the task executed.
The package ‘dwm‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install dwm [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install dwm [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/dwm [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add dwm [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S dwm [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install dwm [On OpenSUSE]
14. Notion
Notion is a unique window manager designed for the X window system that offers a tiling feature, where the screen is divided into non-overlapping tiles, each holding one window, maximizing its use.
Additionally, Notion supports tabbing, allowing multiple windows to be organized within a single tile. Notably, it’s a static manager, unlike many dynamic ones that automatically adjust tile sizes.
The package ‘notion‘ is available in the distribution you’re using, simply use your package manager to install it, as demonstrated below.
$ sudo apt install notion [On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint] $ sudo yum install notion [On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux] $ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/notion [On Gentoo Linux] $ sudo apk add notion [On Alpine Linux] $ sudo pacman -S notion [On Arch Linux] $ sudo zypper install notion [On OpenSUSE]
15. Hyprland
Hyprland is a dynamic and modern Wayland compositor for Linux, designed to offer a highly customizable and efficient desktop environment. Built with performance and flexibility in mind, it supports advanced features like dynamic tiling, window animations, and per-monitor configurations.
Hyprland leverages the power of Wayland to deliver a smoother and more secure experience compared to traditional X11-based setups. It is particularly appealing to power users and enthusiasts who want to tailor their workflow with scripting and configuration files.
With its sleek design, active development, and support for cutting-edge technologies, Hyprland is becoming a popular choice for Linux users seeking a lightweight yet feature-rich environment.
Conclusion
There are more tiling managers in the community that you can choose from but not many of them offer nearly a complete feature list as the apps listed above.
Do you know any commendable apps that are worthy of mention? Or have you had experiences with any that influenced your choice of one over the other? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Linux Window managers manage the system windows, which bring up the application. Let us clear it up with an example; when you usually start one application, you will get a manager for your Window, which usually runs in the background. For the appearance and placement, these are responsible. In this piece of writing, we are going to get the basic ideas of the Top 20 Linux Window Managers that are easy to use yet quite powerful in their work.
Best Linux Window Managers
Do not confuse your Linux window managers with your desktop environment because the desktop manager is something that contains Windows toolbars, wallpapers, desktop widgets, folders, and icons, and these usually afford you a collection of applications and some libraries so that you can cohesively operate your computer.
The desktop environment has its manager, where the compositing window manager will let the Window be drawn and created separately. Let us know the best Linux Window Managers and their basic features.
1. i3
The thoroughly documented Linux Window Manager – i3 is entirely configurable. This manager can be configured in any way its user wants, from the placement of opened applications to the custom keyboard shortcuts; it is configurable in every way. The plain-text configurations are effortlessly readable, and it does not need any Haskell or LUA.
The switching and managing of floating windows are also easy, as they can be toggled with the help of $mod+shift+space. No gad is in the Window, and the development process is sane where bugs are prevented. The user can also use the terminal to get notifications of the completed actions.
2. Awesome WM
Awesome WM is one of the best Linux window managers that allow you to port the asynchronous XCB library instead of the XLib. Multiple tags are allowed to keep the workspace organized with the Awesome WM, which is entirely extensible with the LUA. This can be configured, skinned, and keyboard-friendly, along with the feature of using shortcuts.
The default configuration of this is developed, and it supports multi-workspace. Rearranging and re-sizing panels are also available via the mouse. The user can easily change anything while configuring it.
3. XMonad
XMonad is ideal for you if you want to be extensible in Haskell. You will not be limited in any pre-programmed action or layout; you will be allowed to program anything into the configuration. The basic settings are easy to modify, and the codes are clean and safe. This is also light and fast; you can go with this in any slow system.
This minimal manager will lead you to crash-free experiences. This manager can also handle multi-monitor setups. This is a desktop-perfect window manager; you will get anything from the Contrib. modules.
4. Openbox
Openbox is very lightweight yet one of your system’s well-known Linux Window Managers. This will only use more or less 100MB of your RAM upon the boot. This is comparably stable, and it affords more bug-fixing and testing behavior.
It is highly configurable and easy to carry out. You can easily edit a few configuration files of this manager, which will also go perfectly with the traditional desktop elements such as the bars, menu buttons, etc.
5. dwm
This Linux window manager is a sector of the suckles suite, and it usually can encourage the user to configure and extend it with the help of modifying the code. This window manager is kept under 2000 SLOC, and this is an example of code that is highly readable and clean. dwm is also very lightweight for your system, and the user properly knows the ways of its working. This is simple in design and is a manager of low-resource.
The straightforward configuration of dwm, functionality, and key binding is incredibly well-thought-out, making it one of the best Linux window managers. There are shortcuts available such as the ALT+TAB.
You can use the paradigm design to help you group the clients or applications that can be pulled into the workspace. It will allow you to get multiple clients and help you assign and reassign the tags. The status bar of dwm is informative, which shows you the WiFi signal, WiFi strength, volume level, and battery notification.
6. Gala
This Linux window manager works with the client-side decoration of Gtk. This is a uniformly designed manager and is sleek. Gala usually maintains a highly consistent tool as if it follows the design guidelines of the elementary OS.
This is very easy for beginners of Linux who have converted from the OS legacy. Being incredibly configurable, Gala has shortcuts for ease of use. The hot corners of this are helpful for multitasking or any custom commands. The four shortcuts that are super-easy are added with this too.
Animations and fancy effects are also allowed with this Gala. You will benefit from dynamic workspace management by adding or removing as per your requirement. Gala is extremely fast and usually works on some limited-resource hardware such as Chromebooks or older netbooks. The stability is also excellent. It’s considered one of the mentionable Linux window managers of all time.
7. KWin
The impeccably configurable window manager – KWin, can get adjusted to your requirements easily. The compositing manager is integrated, and you can change how it performs by doing some easy work in the settings.
People are moving towards touch interfaces; this is still of the same DE that can be ideal for desktop users. The interface is excellent and includes an attractive effect for the desktop. The KWin also offers window shadows/glow or wobbly windows.
8. Fluxbox
If you are searching for some best Linux window managers that are ultra-lightweight, then Fluxbox will be one of the best bets for you. On any system, it will work fast. This is easy to operate for the users, and configuration is easier.
It has a panel and a set of wallpaper to make it the best window manager. The menu is simple and mouse-driven. Right-clicking will help you in pulling up the root menu.
With this Fluxbox, you do not need to know any programming language, making editing and managing the Window straightforward. Including different themes and options for configuration, it also has options for automated tiling.
9. musca
The interface of musca is intuitive. The defaults of this window manager are considered to be simple and easy to understand. This is also very space-efficient. It has zero panels as the window decorations, such as the tabs and icons, can take up huge screen space; musca avoids this item (installing separate apps can also add these.) The grouping system of this manager is close to the virtual desktops.
The windows are placed in different named groups, and these can be very efficient if they are used identically to the virtual desktops. The user can add or remove the groups on the fly, as every group will contain its frame layout. It supports multi-screen and can create groups automatically. It can handle floating windows and has bordered or highlighted frames.
10. spectrwm
This Linux window manager has incredible similarities with Xmonad. It includes the configuration of plain text, which can get reloaded during running. This will allow the users to see the outcome of their configuration editing without logging out. The defaults are the same, and any user can enjoy the simplicity of this Linux window manager.
It is very straightforward as it includes a basic set of options and does not require any language during the configuration. Ideal for beginners and offered with built-in keyboard shortcuts, spectrwm will be the best bet if you are unfamiliar with Haskell.
11. herbstluftwm
It is very easy to understand and can be reconfigured while running from the command line. We mean to say that if you want to configure herbstluftwm, you can do it live; you will not be required to boot in and out of your desktop.
The best part of this Linux window manager is that it offers an amazing combination of automatic and manual tiling. Any user can set up auto tiling for each app or change any automated tiling application into manual tiling.
The herbstluftwm uses a bash script for configuration, which is straightforward. In different frames, the user can use different layouts and customize the layouts on the fly according to their liking. It also supports multi-monitor, so you are not usually forced to use one monitor. All these features and simplicity makes it one of the best Linux window managers.
12. Enlightenment
Are you a newbie? If you are, then this is the best Linux window manager for use as it does not require any programming experience from you to configure the environment. With this, the configuration is done through a User Interface, and so if you do not have any coding knowledge or editing experience, even then, you can go for this.
You can get it themed effortlessly according to your liking, and you also get the opportunity to include one optional compositor. Enlightenment allows virtual desktop previews, which will be within the desktop widget, and can switch the desktop within its thumbnails. Mouse-driven menus are quick, and Enlightenment is fast and ideal for laptops’ battery life.
13. JWM
JWM is extremely lightweight and can be used as the default manager in Puppy Linux. This is ideal for any older machine also. Menus usually get loaded faster than any other Linux window manager. This is easy to customize and configure. You will not require knowing a programming language to operate this.
14. Window Maker
The design of Window Maker is similar to NeXT’s GUI, and the user will find it fun to work with it. This is very lightweight and elegant. This window manager is extensible with the dock apps, also. Bugs will be bashed easily if you are using WindowMaker.
15. IceWM
IceWM is one of the lightweight Linux window managers and is very small for the system to bear. This app is extremely fast and can be easily operated with the keyboard. You will get keyboard shortcuts for ease of use. This highly configurable manager has so many options for configuration. Incredible themes are afforded with it. It supports multi-monitor and also uses less of your memory.
16. Pantheon
Beginners in Linux can settle on this manager as it is made for people with experience in macOS. Pantheon has a modern look with a sleek design. It shows you the dock area that is used and opened most. The application list can easily be restored categorically or alphabetically with it.
17. XFWM
The compositing manager of XFWM is integrated, and you can tear the screen easily. This manager has got built-in options so that you can snap the Window. It includes incredible theme support, and creating themes is very easy with this manager. You can also select to open windows exactly at the edge or center of your screen. It is desktop-independent and also very lightweight.
18. Ratpoison
Ratpoisom is simple in terms of configuration. It will require you less configuration as it has a straightforward structure. The mouse interaction will be very little if you use this window manager, which supports keyboards. You will also get the opportunity to use multiple desktops as it supports it. Online documentation is considered to be amazing with Ratpoison.
19. Compiz
The cube desktop will deem appealing to the users with this Compiz Manager for your Window. The other options, along with the visual effects of Compiz, are highly interesting. This manager is extensible. It has plug-ins with which you can alter its behavior by enabling and disabling it. The configuration is easy. The customizing process is also very straightforward.
20. Wayland
This window manager has no drawing APIs. The users of Wayland usually get a DRM buffer handle that works as a pointer to the graphics memory. It copies the buffers of the client on the screen. Wayland will remove a lot of complex facts and will make the work easy. It works by simplifying the graphics stack. This manager will manage the compositing work by itself.
Final Words
The basic types of Linux window managers consist of stacking, tiling, and compositing. Compositing takes care of the 2D and 3D environments, and the Stacking will let the windows overlap with the drawing background windows. Here, tiling makes sure that another window will cover no window.
We have discussed all the details of the best Linux window managers these days; it is up to you to choose one. Before choosing, know your requirements. And do not forget to share your experiences with us. Do share our reviews with your friends to let them know.
A window manager is a software responsible for the placement and appearance of windows of various applications. It allows you to use any number of displays and utilize the screen to its full potential. The advantage is that it increases your productivity and improves your multitasking experience. But what exactly can one do with a window manager?
The article describes some of the best floating and tiling window managers available for Linux.
Window Manager vs. Desktop Environment
Each Linux distribution comes with its desktop environment. By default, Fedora comes with the GNOME desktop environment but provides KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXQT, Cinnamon, or MATE. A desktop environment includes a window, icons, toolbars, directories, screen widgets, and wallpapers. A window manager is a component of a desktop environment, and together with other libraries & applications, it gives users better human-computer interaction.
Linux uses the X Window system (or X11) as its default windowing system. It provides the basic framework for a GUI environment required by various GUI-based apps to function on the display device and interact with a mouse and keyboard. However, the X11 system does not offer much in organizing and managing the app windows on your desktop. This is because X 11 does not mandate the user interface. As a result, the visual styling of X-based environments varies greatly, and different apps may present other interfaces.
This is where a window manager steps in. It can allow you to manage the appearance and behavior of app windows on your computer’s screen or external displays. In essence, you can control its placement and, by extension, its appearance.
Top 15 Window Managers for Linux
Without further ado, let’s get into our list of some excellent window managers for Linux.
1. Awesome WM
Awesome WM
Awesome WM is an open-source windows manager written in Lua programming language. The project started as a fork of DWM (Dynamic Window Manager) and evolved into a full-fledged Linux window manager. It features simple window management and is relatively fast.
The language of choice for its development is Lua which offers extensive customization options for developers and users. Moreover, its advanced features can give users complete control over the GUI and window management. You can learn all customization options and advanced features from its well-documented API. Moreover, it uses the asynchronous XCM library instead of the Xlib library, ensuring your actions aren’t subject to as much latency.
Installing awesome
$ sudo dnf install awesome [Fedora/CentOS/RHEL] $ sudo apt install awesome [Debian/Ubuntu] $ sudo pacman -S awesome [Arch Linux]
2. DWM
DWM
Dynamic-Window Manager [DWM ] is a minimal, simplistic windows manager that works well. It is one of the older open-source window manager projects. It is an inspiration to other dynamic tiling window managers such as xmonad and awesome.
One caveat, however, is the lack of a configuration file, which makes customizing the program’s a little complicated for some users. If you want to make any changes, you have to modify its source code and build it again. To other power users and developers, this might be intriguing and interesting.
DWM is usually the preferred window manager for users who need a no-fuss window manager that does one job—window management. However, sometimes a lot of extra elements and features could add complexity to the user experience and beat the purpose of a program.
Installing DWM
$ sudo dnf install dwm [ Fedora/CentOS/RHEL] $ sudo apt install dwm [Ubuntu/Debian] $ sudo pacman -S dwm [Arch Linux]
3. i3 Window Manager
i3 Window Manager
The i3 window manager is a manual window tiler written in the C programming language. It features different window organization settings to modify elements to suit your style. Users will like the fact that it can be straightforward to configure it via a plain text file.
The project team desires to create a fast and minimal window manager that is appealing to advanced users. It features essential functionality such as manual window placement, themes, multiple focus modes. Its advanced options include a taskbar, configurable keybindings, and many more. You can also still customize it further with custom scripts that can be appealing to advanced Linux users.
On the whole, i3’s approach puts you in control of how you’d like to use it on your system, making it ideal for different kinds of users. You can either use it as is or modify it all together as per your productivity needs. Moreover, it is suitable for low-powered computers.
Installing i3
$ sudo dnf install i3 [Fedora/CentOS/RHEL] $ sudo apt install i3 [Ubuntu/Debian] $ sudo pacman -S i3 [Arch Linux]
4. Xmonad
Xmonad Window Manager
Xmonad is a free, open-source dynamic tiling window manager for Linux written in the Haskell programming language. You can configure it easily through a configuration file that helps you personalize its behavior to suit your needs.
Users with no prior experience with Haskell can experience challenges in configuring xmonad. However, if you have a prior understanding of the language, it can be very customizable. You can take advantage of this to create a robust and advanced program than most others window managers. It also features an extensive extensions library, Xinerama support (for multi-display setups), and on-the-fly reconfiguration, and many more.
Xmonad automates most of the window arrangements for you so you can focus solely on productivity. It makes it a suitable option for novice and experienced Linux users.
Installing xmonad
$ sudo dnf install xmonad [Fedora/CentOS/RHEL] $ sudo apt install xmonad [Ubuntu/Debian] $ sudo pacman -S xmonad [Arch Linux]
5. IceWM
IceWM
IceWM is a free stacking window manager written in the C++ programming language. Its project team aims to create a fast and smooth window management experience suitable for underpowered Linux machines. However, despite being minimalistic, it doesn’t compromise on essential features, usability, and customizability.
It uses a plain text file to make customizations making it relatively easy to configure. And if you are stuck, you can refer to its well-structured documentation guides to assist you along the way. Moreover, you get some random helpful tooltips to get you acquainted with the GUI elements and their functionalities whenever you use the program.
Some advanced GUI features include a built-in taskbar at the bottom that simplifies managing and organizing app windows and workspaces. It also supports both Xinerama and RandR, which helps you to set up multi-monitor quickly.
Installing IceWM
$ sudo dnf install icewm [Fedora/CentOS/RHEL] $ sudo apt install icewm [Ubuntu/Debian] $ sudo pacman -S icewm [Arch Linux]
6. Spectrwm
Spectrwm
Spectrwm is a small, dynamic reparenting and tiling window manager built for X11. It was inspired by xmonad and dwm to be fast, concise, and compact. It uses a plain text configuration file with default settings similar to those in xmonad. You can edit and reload configurations while the program is running, meaning you can see your configuration results without logging out.
Some advanced features include built-in keyboard shortcuts, drag-to-float, quick launch menu, dynamic RandR support. Moreover, it features customizable colors, border width, and a status bar.
It is simple to use with a few choices making it an ideal choice for beginners.
Installing spectrwm
$ sudo dnf install spectrwm [Fedora/CentOS/RHEL]] $ sudo apt install spectrwm [Debian/Ubuntu] $ sudo pacman -S spectrwm [Arch Linux]
7. Fluxbox
Fluxbox window Manager
Fluxbox is an open-source display manager licensed under MIT. It is based on an old project called Blackbox and is written in the C++ programming language. It is lightweight and is relatively fast on any device, making it one of the best window managers
for Linux.
Its advanced features include a panel and different wallpapers. Users can find it easy to use and configure with a straightforward menu that is mouse-driven. You can also easily access the root menu by right-clicking.
It comes with a variety of themes and configuration choices, as well as automatic tiling options. Users with little or no programming language experience can still use Fluxbox with relative ease.
Installing Fluxbox
$ sudo dnf install fluxbox [Fedora/CentOS/RHEL]] $ sudo apt install fluxbox [Debian/Ubuntu] $ sudo pacman -S fluxbox [Arch Linux]
8. Herbstluftwm
herbstluftwm Window Manager
Herbstluftwm is a free and open-source manual tiling window manager for x11. It is highly configurable and uses Glib and Xlib. Its layout is based on splitting frames into sub-frames which can be split further and filled with windows.
Herbstluftwm’s advanced features include tags for workspaces or virtual desktops, exactly one tag per monitor, and many more. Its configuration script runs at startup via IPC calls from herbstclient. New users might find it technical, but you can always reference its online usage tutorial or any of its guides from the herbstluftwm team.
Installing herbstluftwm
$ sudo dnf install herbstluftwm [On Fedora] $ sudo yum install herbstluftwm [On CentOS/RHEL] $ sudo apt install herbstluftwm [On Debian/Ubuntu]
9. tmux
Tmux
tmux is a free, open-source terminal multiplexer. You can create multiple terminal sessions that you can access and control from a single screen. It makes use of all the screen space available. You can easily use it due to its support for keybindings which enables you to split windows and create more panes as per your needs.
You can also share your shell instances between different distinct sessions for other use cases or users. tmux is an ideal choice for advanced Linux users running several command-line programs simultaneously.
Installing tmux
$ sudo dnf install tmux [On Fedora] $ sudo yum install tmux [On CentOS/RHEL] $ sudo apt install tmux [On Debian/Ubuntu]
10. bspwm
bspwm window Manager
bspwm is a free, lightweight, and open-source Linux tiling manager. The program is based on binary space partitioning that represents windows as the leaves of a complete binary tree. One of its advanced features is critical binding which is handled through a separate utility called sxhkd. Sxhkd enhances its performance and support for other input devices.
Some of bspwm’s advanced features include support for multiple windows, EWMH, automatic mode for automatically setting the position of app tiles, and many more. You can also configure and control it through simple messages.
True to Linux philosophies, bspwm concentrates on doing one thing and getting it done correctly, making a favorable choice for most experienced Linux users.
Installing bspwm
$ sudo dnf install bspwm [On Fedora] $ sudo yum install bspwm [ On CentOS/RHEL] $ sudo apt install bspwm [On Debian/Ubuntu]
11. Ratpoison
ratpoison Window manager
Ratpoison is a free, open-source lightweight Window Manager for Linux. The project team aims to design a simple program with minimal fancy graphics and window decorations. Instead, it is modeled after the GNU Screen that gained its popularity in the virtual terminal community.
Its advanced features include split windows that you can organize into non-overlapping frames. You can also maximize all windows within each frame. Moreover, Ratpoison is solely operated using keyboard commands.
If you get stuck, you can always refer to its well-structured and easy-to-use online documentation.
Installing Ratpoison
$ sudo dnf - install ratpoison [Fedora] $ sudo pacman -S ratpoison [Arch Linux] $ sudo apt install ratpoison [Ubuntu/Debian]
12. Qtile
Qtile Window Manager
Qtile is an open-source, full-featured, and hackable tiling window manager. It is written and completely configured in Python. Its project team aims to design a window manager that is simple to use, extensible, and highly customizable.
Some of the Qtile features include custom layouts, built-in commands, and widgets. It efficiently uses your screen real estate by automatically arranging windows. Moreover, you can script it remotely to set up workspaces, manipulate windows or update status bar widgets. If you are a Python developer, you can leverage the full power and flexibility of the language to make Qtile fit your work environment needs.
It has comprehensive documentation and an ever-growing community of developers and users who are always ready to help if you are stuck or need clarification. You can also check out some configuration examples on Github.
Installing Qtile
$ sudo dnf -y install qtile [Fedora] $ sudo pacman -S qtile [Arch Linux] $ sudo apt-get install qtile [Ubuntu/Debian]
13. Enlightenment
Enlightenment Windows Manager
Enlightenment provides smooth, appealing, and modern Linux display manager. Moreover, it is relatively easy to use. The first time you log into Enlightenment, it asks for some basic preferences, like desired language, size of window title bars, and you can also accept the defaults. In essence, you don’t need any programming knowledge to set up the environment. It also features mouse-driven menus that are perfect for your laptop battery life.
By default, its desktop displays desktop icons for familiar places, such as your home, root, and temporary directories. There’s also a docking area at the bottom where applications can go when minimized. You can also create launchers for quick access to common applications and where applets such as clock, volume control, keyboard layout, and many more run. It provides interactive desktop previews within the desktop widget and the ability to turn the desktop within its thumbnails.
In essence, Enlightenment is a desktop environment disguised as a window manager. Its primary task is to arrange and manage windows. Moreover, it ships with a file manager (Fileman), a terminal (terminology), a network manager(ConnMan)
Installing Enlightenment
$ sudo apt install enlightenment -y [Ubuntu/Debian]
14. Sway
Sway Window Manager
Sway is a free, open-source, and lightweight tiling window manager. It is Wayland i3-compatible and automatically arranges application windows to maximize screen estate. By default, it organizes windows into a grid. Moreover, you can organize application windows vertically, horizontally, stacked, or tabbed. You can also change the size of windows or split windows into containers of several windows.
Other advanced features include support for keyboard shortcuts, its usage of Wayland instead of Xorg, and gaps. It supports a majority of the commands included in Wayland i3.
Installing Sway
$ sudo dnf install sway [On Fedora] $ sudo yum install sway [On CentOS/RHEL] $ sudo apt install sway [On Debian/Ubuntu]
15. JWM
jwm Window Manager
Joe’s Window Manager(JWM) is an open-source lightweight window manager for the X11 Window System. It is written in c programming language and is optimized to work well even on older or less powerful computers.
By default, it can run on only the Xlib library and work with other libraries such as libXext for shape extension, libjpeg for JPEG backgrounds and icons, libpng PNG backgrounds and icons, Cairo and libRSVG for icons and backgrounds, and many more.
Installing JWM
$ sudo dnf install jwm [On Fedora] $ sudo yum install jwm [On CentOS/RHEL] $ sudo apt install jwm [On Debian/Ubuntu]
Wrapping up
Window managers are an essential part of daily workflow productivity for users who have to navigate between several apps or several display screens. As with any Linux app category, there are many more window managers in the Linux community that you can choose. A majority of them offer nearly the same features as our list above.
In case you’re getting started with window managers, I recommend checking out xmonad or i3. They are fast, minimal, and offer all the essential features you’ll need to keep your app windows organized and maximize your productivity. A personal favorite is Qtile because of the Python programming language that offers a lot of customization options.
If you have a personal favorite, please share it in our comments sections.
Now the first thing that comes up is what a window manager is. A window manager, in technical terms, can be referred to as software that helps users run different applications on their computers.
To run an application, you need a windows manager. In other words, without a windows manager in your system, the applications will not work properly as windows manager is the software responsible for the appearance of windows while running different applications.
There are various types of Windows Manager, such as Stacking, Tiling, and Dynamic. Stacking Window Managers are also known as Floating Window Managers. All these Windows Managers have different features and requirements and work on different types of Operating Systems.
The default windows manager on Linux is X. It is based on the graphic user interface, and these windows managers help the applications run and display on your device and connect them with a mouse and keyboards.
The basic function of the Windows Manager on Linux is to set and maintain the border, title bar, size of windows, starting of programs, and configuration of the windows.
So, now we are going to talk about various Windows Managers for Linux, so the various windows managers for Linux are as follows:
1. Qtile
Qtile is one of the best Windows Managers for Linux using Python programming. Although compared to other software, this software is not so powerful, the configuration of this software is completely satisfying, and its features completely fulfill the needs of its users.
It is also open-source software. The users can also customize the various settings of the software according to their choice and preferences.
The interface of this software is user-friendly and has basic features; because of these basic features, it is very simple to give commands on this software, and commands can include writing custom layouts and widgets.
Also, the simplicity of this software makes it more favorable for people who are not so technically advanced.
The makers of the software have also provided the option to the users who know Python language to manipulate windows or set up workspaces; they can change the configuration or scripting of the software.
In these cases, the software is well-documented so that the users do not face problems while working n this software. The only problem with this software is that this windows manager is hackable.
Qtile — Getting Started And Setting Workspaces
2. Ratpoison
For people who prefer to do online documentation of their work, Ratpoison is the most suitable for them as it works smoothly in online documentation.
Also, people with only basic knowledge about windows managers should use this software because it does not have many advanced features making t suitable for such uses.
The interface of the software is quite simple as well as user-friendly. Also, the configuration of the software is not too advanced, so the software does not have many graphics or window decorations; there is a minimum of all these advanced features in this software.
Users enjoy using this software because it allows splitting the windows and opening multiple tabs in a single window, which helps the users do multiple tasks simultaneously without messing up. Also, there are minimum chances of glitches or crashes in the software.
Also, if you are a person who prefers using more keyboard keys than the mouse, then this is the most suitable software for you as it can help you maintain minimum contact with the mouse while using this software; all you need to do is remember the shortcut keys.
Because of these simple and basic features, this software is light-weighted. Also, the users must pay any charges to download or install this software.
3. BSPWM
The users can split their windows, but they cannot multitask because the software allows you to do one task at a time, and when the task is completed properly, it allows you to do the next task.
BSPWM is a type of open-source tiling Windows Manager that is free of cost and light-weighted for users’ convenience. There is a special utility in this software known as Sxhkd. This utility makes this software well-known as well as superior to other software.
The main task of this software is to maintain support with other input devices and enhance their performance so that the users can perform their tasks smoothly. Also, as the software is based on binary space partitioning and binary trees, this utility focuses on the critical binding of the activities of the software.
The other features of this software include an automatic mode in which the users can set the position of the application windows, and the users can also control these windows by making changes in the configuration.
Introduction to BSPWM (and how to configure it)
4. Awesome WM – Best window manager for Linux
Awesome WM is one of the best windows managers for Linux. It uses a range of libraries, but it mainly depends on the XCB library. It is a type of tiling windows manager. The programming language that the software uses is Lua. And it is light-weighted as well as open-source software.
Earlier the software was part of DWM software, but then the makers made it into full-fledged software that completely satisfies users’ needs.
Several customization options are available to the users by changing the configuration of the software; the users can also change the basic settings of the software according to their preferences and choices.
The users need not pay any charges to install the software; all they need to do is install it from the package manager. The software interface is a graphical user interface, and people who prefer advanced features and powerful software should opt for this software as it has advanced features and works well on powerful computers.
The software allows the users to open multiple windows on a desktop, and the software also supports D-Bus.
Getting Started With Awesome Window Manager
5. Tilix – ubuntu window manager
Tilix has several advanced features and is based on the Gnome interface. Also, it is a type of tiling windows manager.
Along with the option of customizing the features, the users can set the background effects and wallpapers. Also, it provides a huge range of wallpapers for the selection by the users.
The users can also open multiple layouts in a single window using this software. The users also have the option where can work with custom titles as well as custom hyperlinks. The users can install this software from the package manager.
6. Openbox
Openbox is one of the light-weighted software as it will use a maximum of 100 MB of storage on your desktop and will help you work using the software without any glitches and problems.
The software has many advanced features and the option where the users can customize the setting by making changes in the configuration of the software. The basic features of this software are very amazing and understandable for people.
7. XMonad
Along with working smoothly on high-powerful computers, Xmonad works well on less-powerful computers. The configuration of the software is simple, so if the users want to edit the configuration, they can easily customize the software’s settings according to their preferences.
Also, the software’s working is simple and user-friendly, so the users can easily understand and work on the software without facing too many difficulties.
People can also open multiple windows on this software; the software for its working depends on a huge range of libraries.
8. DWM
Suppose you are looking for an older windows manager. In that case, this suits our fit as it is one of the oldest windows managers and has basic features, the features of DWM are simple as well as minimum, and this helps people understand the working of the software.
The application focuses on improving the environment of the software, which will help the users to execute their tasks easily. The features of this software are quite similar to Awesome and XMonad.
DWM stands for ‘Dynamic Windows Manager,’ and compared to other dynamic window managers, it is the most superior of all and is reliable as there are rarely any chances of technical glitches and crashes, so there are no chances of loss of data also.
Because of the basic features, the software does not have the option where the users can customize the desktop background effects, wallpapers, and other settings according to their choices. Hence, they need to work with the default settings of the software. If they want to change the settings of the software, then they will have to do the coding of the software.
Therefore, this software will fit your requirements if you have basic knowledge about windows managers and do not require too advanced features for your work.
Dwm, Suckless, Simple, yet Powerful 👍
9. i3 Windows Manager
i3 Windows Manager is software for which the users need not pay any charges; they just need to follow the pre-decided steps and install the software from the package managers.
The features that distinguish it from other software are that it is manually written, which means that the users can easily change the configuration as well as the settings of the software.
Also, they just need to write plain text, and the configuration will be changed easily. Also, it is an open-source as well as light-weighted software. The software is based on the C programming language, and the makers made this software mainly focusing on Linux users as well as BSD users.
Also, the software is a fast window manager focusing on minimizing the users’ work, so it is most suitable for users who want advanced features in their software. And it also provides the option of setting and changing the themes and the focus modes of the windows managers.
The software has many advanced features, but working on high-powered computers will work smoothly on low-powered computers, making it one of the best windows managers for Linux.
The other advantage of this software is that it does not require LUA for functioning, and since it is based on a data tree structure, the layouts of the windows are flexible and can be changed easily.
10. Spectrwm
Spectrwm is a type of tiling windows manager that is perfect and precise with its working. The software’s settings are quite flexible, which means that the users can change the settings and the configuration of the software according to their needs and requirements.
The configuration of the software can be changed using plain text also. The software has several advanced features also that make the working of the software fast and concise. The advanced features include a quick launch menu, a status bar, and drag-to-float options.
Also, suppose you are an individual who prefers to work with the keyboard rather than the mouse. In that case, this is the most suitable software for you because people who remember the shortcut keys can work using this software without maintaining much contact with the mouse.
The software allows users to customize the features such as the wallpaper, border color, and width according to their choices. It is similar to software such as XMonad and DWM and has several similar features.
11. Enlightenment
Enlightenment’s functioning is quite easy and understandable for users who only have basic knowledge about windows manager and do not know any programming language.
When you install this software, the software has its basic features. Still, while using it, the software regularly asks the users about the size of the status bar, windows size and colors, color combinations, and the desired language helping them to customize the wallpaper and other settings according to their preferences.
These features of this software are quite pleasing as well as appealing to the users. Various options and drop-down menus are available for users to help them easily access the clock, status bar, or volume buttons. The software works in coordination with network managers.
If you prefer to work mostly with the keyboard keys, this software will not be very useful to you because it is mouse-driven.
The software also provides the option of having virtual desktops; the users can easily switch between the virtual desktops and the desktop widget.
Also, the software is open-source and light-weighted, making it suitable for computers that are less powerful or have less battery life.
12. Sway
For using Sway, the users need not pay any charges, which is one of the major reasons this software is well known it has advanced features and is free of charge.
Along with being free, the software is open-source and light-weighted software also. Also, the software works in coordination with Wayland and has features.
Whenever you open any application using this software, the main focus is to maximize the screen coverage of the application on the screen. Still, the software provides the option to the users that they can arrange the size of the window according to their convenience.
And in case you want to do multiple activities at a time, you can also easily open multiple windows using this software. Along with converting a window to a grid, it also provides the option where the users can select the arrangement of the window, which means that they are set vertically, horizontally, or in a stacked arrangement.
The software also follows all the commands of i13 Windows Manager, which makes it superior to other applications. Lastly, this application is more useful if you remember keyboard shortcuts properly.
13. JWM
People with old computers or computers that do not have many advanced features should try this software because this software works the best in less-powerful computers.
JWM stands for ‘Joe’s Window Manager’ and is open-source and light-weighted software. This software works smoothly on less powerful computers because its main focus is to optimize the work on windows, so it uses less space and storage, which is why it works smoothly on computers with basic features.
The software uses several libraries such as libXext and Cairo for its working, but mainly it depends on the Xlib library. All these libraries have different uses and purposes, as the Cairo library is useful for icons and backgrounds; in the same way, some are used for background wallpaper and some for color combinations.
Also, the programming language on which this software is based is C language. This software can be found in most Linux distress and is mostly used in portable PCs.
14. Fluxbox
Fluxbox is one of the best windows managers for Linux as it can work on any system smoothly. The software’s features are advanced and easily understandable by the users so that they do not face any problems while using it.
And the configuration of the software is also very simple. Therefore people who have only basic knowledge about windows managers or are new to the technical world can understand and use this software without facing many difficulties.
Also, it allows the users to change the wallpaper of the Windows easily and has a huge range of windows wallpaper also for the users’ convenience.
The software uses C++ programming language and is licensed to operate under MIT. Also, because of its fast speed and accuracy, it is one of the most preferred Windows Managers for Linux.
But this software will not be of much use if you prefer keyboard keys more than a mouse because this software is mostly mouse-driven.
14. KWin
The unique feature of Kwin has the option of wobbly windows for the users, and it provides a huge range of effects and wallpapers for your desktop background, so you can edit your desktop effects and wallpaper anytime you want. The interface of this software is quite advanced and user-friendly.
Also, the functioning of the software is simple and amazing. The best part about this software is its flexible functioning, which means that the users can change the software configurations without making much effort. Also, the users can adjust the other settings according to their requirements.
15. Musca – Best tiling window managers
Musca is one of the most advanced Windows Managers for Linux. The advanced features include the option of multiple windows at a time. For the user’s convenience, the software allows the addition of different names to the windows and to the multiple tabs that the users can open in the multiple windows.
Also, users can delete these windows according to their choice and requirements if they want. Also, the interface of this software is quite advanced and user-friendly, making the working structure of the software user-friendly and easily understandable for the users.
The option of multiple windows in the application is just like the virtual desktop; therefore, naming the windows and tabs in groups makes it easier for the users to identify them on the virtual desktop. The software can add floating windows automatically also.
The other characteristics of this software are that the basic features of this software are also very simple and do not require advanced knowledge to operate it.
📗FAQ
What are the best window managers for Linux?
In a graphical user interface, a window manager is system software that manages the positioning and appearance of windows inside a windowing system.
Awesome, Xmonad, Fluxbox, DWM, Openbox, Enlightenment, RatPoison, iceWm, JWM, kWin, FVwm, Windowmaker, TWM, BSPWM are some best window managers for Linux.
What is cinnamon for Ubuntu?
Cinnamon is a Linux desktop environment offering cutting-edge revolutionary features and a conventional user interface. The desktop design is comparable to Gnome 2. Gnome Shell’s core technology is comparable.
It provides various features like animation effects, desktop effects, and transparency using composition. Cinnamon also gives a lot of customization features like one can customize the panel, calendar, theme, applets, extensions, etc.
Is XFCE a window manager?
Xfce is a portable and flexible desktop environment built on GTK 3. It comes with a window manager, a file manager, a desktop, and a panel to offer a full user experience.
What is X11 on Linux?
Linux/Unix machines, including those at Thayer, use the remote-display protocol X11. You can use an SSH client to remotely access graphical Linux apps by running an X11 server on your computer.
How do I change the Window Manager in Linux?
You can use the command dpkg-reconfigure followed by an installed display manager to switch your display manager.
You’ll get a screen with options to change your display manager after executing the dpkg-reconfigure command; select ok on the manager you want to use.
Is Gnome shell a window manager?
Gnome shell combines panel items for the panel and window manager. It gives mutter and clutter support. Also, the functions of the Gnome shell can be changed with the help of extensions written in javascript.
Gnome extensions website has these extensions, and users may download them from there. Some extensions can also be found in a GIT repository.
Conclusion on Linux the best window managers
So, these are the different Windows Managers that work suitably for Linux. Therefore, the users can install all these software in their Linux according to their choice and requirements.