The best tiling window managers for Linux and their features
If you’ve used Linux long enough, you’ll understand one of the many reasons why open source operating systems have become so beloved around the world. Selection. On Linux, you can just accept the defaults that ship with your distribution, or you can install more options to provide different options.
again: There’s a reason Ubuntu Mate is one of the most popular Ubuntu spins
The sheer number of options can be overwhelming to some, but even those who were intimidated at first will eventually realize why so many options really make Linux stand out among so many operating systems. You will understand what will help you. This applies to almost all user-facing software, from web browsers, email clients, file managers, image editors, and even desktop interfaces.
that’s right. If you don’t like GNOME, move to KDE, Cinnamon, Mate, Pantheon, Budgie, Xfce, Enlightenment, Fluxbox, or any other desktop environment or window manager.
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But there is one type of window manager that tends to get left out of the confusion, especially when talking about user-friendly interfaces. This window manager type has a tiling nature. For those new to tiling window managers, it can be quite confusing at first, as it relies heavily on keyboard shortcuts (rather than mouse). This alone prevents many new users from adopting a tiling window manager.
At this point, you may be wondering what the heck is a tiling window manager? Let me explain in the simplest terms.
A discussion of the tiling window manager begins with the question: Have you ever used window snapping on your desktop? Window snapping means that when an application can be moved to the right or left edge of the screen, the desktop interface automatically “snaps” the window so that it takes up half of the display. to Snap another window to the opposite edge of the display and it will automatically take up the other half of the screen. If you want a full screen app, drag a window to the top of your display and it will automatically cover the entire display.
again: How to snap windows on MacOS and Windows
Window snapping is a very useful feature that makes it easy to focus all your work on two windows at once. I often use Snap when I need to work between his two tabs in Firefox without clicking between tabs.
It’s the same driving force behind tiling window managers, but they take the idea to new extremes. Besides snapping windows to the left, right, or full screen, tiling window managers use screen real estate very efficiently.
again: How to use Window Snap on your Chromebook
Imagine that you open an app and that app initially occupies the entire screen. With a tiling window manager, you can open a second app and it will automatically open and share the screen with the previously opened app.
Then open the third app. what happens? One of the previously opened apps moves to the right or left side of the display and the new app takes up 50% of that side.When you open another app, the app occupying that space can split the top half of the right side of the display
This type of layout is very easy to achieve with a tiling window manager. Image: Jack Warren
Every time you open a window in a tiling window manager, it automatically fits into the growing puzzle of your desktop. Of course, there are caveats to this. The more apps you open, the smaller your app size can be.
I opened some applications and the previously opened windows keep shrinking in size. Image: Jack Warren
The reason many hardcore users prefer tiled window management is that it automates the management of space on your desktop and helps you be more productive. The tiling window manager also ensures that windows do not overlap, ensuring that every inch of your display is used to optimize your workflow.
Tiling Window Manager Pitfalls
Tiling window managers make the most of screen real estate and keep your fingers on the keyboard, making them ideal for the right user type. While the first feature is very appealing to most users, the second feature can be a little annoying. Some tiling window managers do not use the mouse for keyboard navigation.
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For example, the i3 tile window manager uses the following keyboard shortcuts to navigate the desktop.
- [Alt]+[Enter] – open a new terminal
- [Alt]+[J] – focus left
- [Alt]+[K] – focus right
- [Alt]+[L] – Improve concentration
- [Alt]+[;] – focus right
- [Alt]+[A] – Focus on parent
- [Alt]+[Space] – Switch focus mode
This is not to say that the i3 window manager disallows the use of the mouse. you can. Also, you can configure key bindings to suit your needs (since i3 is a highly customizable window manager). But for those struggling with change, a window manager like i3 will be a very hard sell.
again: My Favorite Keyboard Shortcuts (Works in Any Browser)
The truth of the matter is that the tiling window manager puts focus on the keyboard instead of the mouse. This is by design to keep you as productive as possible.
The most popular tiling window manager available for Linux
The best tiling window managers to consider at the moment are:
- i3: Highly configurable and widely acclaimed.
- bspwm: Lightweight, but poorly documented.
- sway: Supports the Wayland X server.
- Cusmonado: It “just works” and is very stable.
- Awesome W.M.: You can use your mouse to rearrange windows, but it takes some skill to use.
System76 should also be chosen as an honorable mention Pop!_OS Because users can enable/disable tiling on the fly. If you want to use Tile Her Window Her Manager only for certain workflows (which I do), Pop!_OS is for you.
again: Pop!_OS may have a complicated name, but it makes using Linux a lot easier.
If you want to work as efficiently as possible on your computer’s desktop, in addition to maximizing the space on your screen, a tiling window manager might be just what you need.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-best-tiling-window-managers-for-linux-and-what-they-can-do-for-you/#ftag=RSSbaffb68 The best tiling window managers for Linux and their features
