Windows tile window manager

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For X’s default window manager, which is not a tiling window manager, see twm.

In computing, a tiling window manager is a window manager with the organization of the screen often dependant on mathematical formulas to organise the windows into a non-overlapping frame. This is opposed to the more common approach used by stacking window managers, which allow the user to drag windows around, instead of windows snapping into a position. This allows for a different style of organization, although it departs from the traditional desktop metaphor.

The first Xerox Star system (released in 1981) tiled application windows, but allowed dialog boxes and property windows to overlap.^[1] Later, Xerox PARC also developed CEDAR^[2] (released in 1982), the first windowing system using a tiled window manager.

Next in 1983 came Andrew WM, a complete tiled windowing system later replaced by X11. Microsoft’s Windows 1.0 (released in 1985) also used tiling (see sections below). In 1986 came Digital Research’s GEM 2.0, a windowing system for the CP/M which used tiling by default.^[3] One of the early (created in 1988) tiling WMs was Siemens’ RTL, up to today a textbook example because of its algorithms of automated window scaling, placement, and arrangement, and (de)iconification. RTL ran on X11R2 and R3, mainly on the «native» Siemens systems, e.g., SINIX. Its features are described by its promotional video.^[4][5] The Andrew Project (AP or tAP) was a desktop client system (like early GNOME) for X with a tiling and overlapping window manager.

MacOS X 10.11 El Capitan released in September 2015 introduces new window management features such as creating a full-screen split view limited to two app windows side-by-side in full screen by holding down the full-screen button in the upper-left corner of a window.^[6]

The first version (Windows 1.0) featured a tiling window manager, partly because of litigation by Apple claiming ownership of the overlapping window desktop metaphor. But due to complaints, the next version (Windows 2.0) followed the desktop metaphor. All later versions of the operating system stuck to this approach as the default behaviour.

The built-in Microsoft Windows window manager has, since Windows 2.0, followed the traditional stacking approach by default. It can also act as a rudimentary tiling window manager.

To tile windows, the user selects them in the taskbar and uses the context menu choice Tile Vertically or Tile Horizontally. Choosing Tile Vertically will cause the windows to tile horizontally but take on a vertical shape, while choosing Tile Horizontally will cause the windows to tile vertically but take on a horizontal shape. These options were later changed in Windows Vista to Show Windows Side by Side and Show Windows Stacked, respectively.

Windows 7 added «Aero Snap» which adds the ability to drag windows to either side of the screen to create a simple side-by-side tiled layout, or to the top of the screen to maximize. Windows 8 introduced Windows Store apps; unlike desktop applications, they did not operate in a window, and could only run in full screen, or «snapped» as a sidebar alongside another app, or the desktop environment.^[7]

Along with allowing Windows Store apps to run in a traditional window, Windows 10 enhanced the snapping features introduced in Windows 7 by allowing windows to be tiled into screen quadrants by dragging them to the corner, and adding «Snap Assist» — which prompts the user to select the application they want to occupy the other half of the screen when they snap a window to one half of the screen, and allows the user to automatically resize both windows at once by dragging a handle in the center of the screen.^[8]

Windows 10 also supports FancyZones, a more complete tiling window manager facility allowing customized tiling zones and greater user control, configured through Microsoft PowerToys.

Windows 11 added more built-in tiling options, activated by hovering the mouse pointer over the maximize button.

• AquaSnap — made by Nurgo Software. Freeware, with an optional «Professional» license.
• Amethyst for windows — dynamic tiling window manager along the lines of amethyst for MacOS.
• bug.n – open source, configurable tiling window manager built as an AutoHotKey script and licensed under the GNU GPL.^[9]
• MaxTo — customizable grid, global hotkeys. Works with elevated applications, 32-bit and 64-bit applications, and multiple monitors.^[10]
• WS Grid+ – move and/or resize window’s using a grid selection system combining benefits of floating, stacking, and tiling. It provides keyboard/mouse shortcuts to instantly move and resize a window.
• Stack – customizable grid (XAML), global hotkeys and/or middle mouse button. Supports HiDPI and multiple monitors.^[11][12]
• Plumb — lightweight tiling manager with support for multiple versions of Windows. Supports HiDPI monitors, keyboard hotkeys, and customization of hotkeys (XAML).^[13]
• workspacer — an MIT-licensed tiling window manager for Windows 10 that aims to be fast and compatible. Written and configurable using C#.^[14]
• dwm-win32 — port of dwm’s general functionality to win32. Is MIT-licensed and is configured by editing a config header in the same style as dwm.^[15]
• GlazeWM — a tiling window manager for Windows inspired by i3 and Polybar.
• Komorebi — a window manager for Microsoft Windows SO written in Rust. Like bspwm it does not handle key-binding on its own, so users have to use AHK or WHKD to manage the shortcuts. Komorebi also has a GUI User Friendly version called Komorebi UI.
• Whim — dynamic window manager that is built using WinUI 3 and the .NET framework.

In the X Window System, the window manager is a separate program. X itself enforces no specific window management approach and remains usable even without any window manager. Current X protocol version X11 explicitly mentions the possibility of tiling window managers. The Siemens RTL Tiled Window Manager (released in 1988) was the first to implement automatic placement/sizing strategies. Another tiling window manager from this period was the Cambridge Window Manager developed by IBM’s Academic Information System group.

In 2000, both larswm and Ion released a first version.

• awesome – a dwm derivative with window tiling, floating, and tagging, written in C and configurable and extensible in Lua. It was the first WM to be ported from Xlib to XCB, and supports D-Bus, pango, XRandR, and Xinerama.
• bspwm – a small tiling window manager that, similarly to yabai, represents windows as the leaves of a full binary tree. It does not handle key-binds on its own, requiring another program (e.g. sxhkd) to translate input to X events.
• Compiz – a compositing window manager available for usage without leaving familiar interfaces such as the ones from GNOME, KDE Plasma or Mate. One of its plugins (called Grid) allows the user to configure several keybindings to move windows to any corner, with five different lengths. There are also options to configure default placement for specific windows. The plugins can be configured through the Compiz Config Settings Manager / CCSM.
• dwm – allows for switching tiling layouts by clicking a textual ascii art ‘icon’ in the status bar. The default is a main area + stacking area arrangement, represented by a []= character glyph. Other standard layouts are a single-window «monocle» mode represented by an M and a non-tiling floating layout that permits windows to be moved and resized, represented by a fish-like ><>. Third party patches exist to add a golden section-based Fibonacci layout, horizontal and vertical row-based tiling, or a grid layout. The keyboard-driven menu utility «dmenu», developed for use with dwm,^[16] is used with other tiling WMs such as xmonad,^[17] and sometimes also with other «light-weight» software like Openbox^[16] and uzbl.^[18]
• EXWM — EXWM (Emacs X Window Manager) is a full-featured tiling X window manager for Emacs built on top of XELB. It features fully keyboard-driven operations, hybrid layout modes (tiling & stacking), dynamic workspace support, ICCCM/EWMH compliance, RandR (multi-monitor) support, and a built-in system tray.
• herbstluftwm – a manual tiling window manager (similar to i3 or Sway) that uses the concept of monitor independent tags as workspaces. Exactly one tag can be viewed on a monitor, with each tag containing its own layout. Like i3 and Sway, herbstluftwm is configured at runtime via IPC calls from herbstclient.^[19]
• i3 – a built-from-scratch window manager, based on wmii. It has vi-like keybindings, and treats extra monitors as extra workspaces, meaning that windows can be moved between monitors easily. Allows vertical and horizontal splits, tabbed and stacked layouts, and parent containers. It can be controlled entirely from the keyboard, but a mouse can also be used.
• Ion – combines tiling with a tabbing interface: the display is manually split in non-overlapping regions (frames). Each frame can contain one or more windows. Only one of these windows is visible and fills the entire frame.
• Larswm – implements a form of dynamic tiling: the display is vertically split in two regions (tracks). The left track is filled with a single window. The right track contains all other windows stacked on top of each other.
• LeftWM – a tiling window manager based on theming and supporting large monitors such as ultrawides.^[20]
• Notion — a tiling window manager
• Qtile – a tiling window manager written, configurable, and extensible in Python.^[21]
• Ratpoison — A keyboard-driven GNU Screen for X.
• spectrwm — a dynamic tiling and reparenting window manager for X11. It tries to stay out of the way so that valuable screen real estate can be used for more important content. It strives to be small, compact, and fast. Formerly called «scrotwm» (a pun based on the word «scrotum»).^{[22][non-primary source needed]}
• StumpWM – a keyboard driven offshoot of ratpoison supporting multiple displays (e.g. xrandr) that can be customized on the fly in Common Lisp. It uses Emacs-compatible keybindings by default.
• wmii (window manager improved 2) supports tiling and stacking window management with extended keyboard, mouse, and filesystem based remote control,^[23] replacing the workspace paradigm with a new tagging approach.^[24] The default configuration uses keystrokes derived from those of the vi text editor. The window manager offers extensive configuration through a virtual filesystem using the 9P filesystem protocol similar to that offered by Plan 9 from Bell Labs.^[23] Every window, tag, and column is represented in the virtual filesystem, and windows are controlled by manipulating their file objects (in fact, the configuration file is just a script interfacing the virtual files). This RPC system allows many different configuration styles, including those provided in the base distribution in plan9port and Bourne shell. The latest release 3.9 also includes configurations in Python and Ruby.^[25] The latest release supports Xinerama, shipping with its own keyboard-based menu program called wimenu, featuring history and programmable completion.^{[25][26][27][28]}
• xmonad – an extensible WM written in Haskell, which was both influenced by and has since influenced dwm.

Wayland is a new windowing system that aims to replace the X Window System. Only a few tiling managers support Wayland natively.

• Hyprland — Hyprland is a dynamic tiling wayland compositor that offers unique features like smooth animations, dynamic tiling, and rounded corners.
• japokwm — Dynamic Wayland tiling compositor based around creating layouts, based on wlroots.
• newm — Wayland compositor written with laptops and touchpads in mind (currently unmaintained).
• niri — A scrollable-tiling Wayland compositor.
• Velox — Simple window manager based on swc, inspired by dwm and xmonad.
• Vivarium — A dynamic tiling Wayland compositor using wlroots, with desktop semantics inspired by xmonad.
• Sway — Sway is «a drop-in replacement for the i3 window manager, but for Wayland instead of X11. It works with your existing i3 configuration and supports most of i3’s features, and a few extras».^[29]
• River — River is a dynamic tiling Wayland compositor with flexible runtime configuration, it is maintained and under regular updates.
• CageBreak is a tiling compositor for wayland, based on cage and inspired by Ratpoison, which is easily controlled through the keyboard and a unix domain socket.
• dwl — dwl is a wayland compositor, that was intended to fill the same space in the Wayland world that dwm does in X11. Like dwm, it is written in C, has a small codebase and lacks any configuration interface besides editing the source code.

• The Oberon operating and programming system, from ETH Zurich includes a tiling window manager.
• The Acme programmer’s editor / windowing system / shell program in Plan 9 is a tiling window manager.
• The Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, Note II, and Note 3 smartphones, running a custom variant of Android 4, have a multi-window feature that allows the user to tile two apps on the device’s screen. This feature was integrated into stock Android as of version 7.0 «Nougat».
• The Pop Shell extension, from Pop! OS can add tiling windows manager functionalities to GNOME.
• The Amethyst window manager by ianyh, which provides window tiling for macOS and was inspired by xmonad.^[30]
• On macOS, Moom, from longstanding Mac developers Many Tricks, is an actively updated window tiling manager.

Although tiling is not the default mode of window managers on any widely used platform, most applications already display multiple functions internally in a similar manner. Examples include email clients, IDEs, web browsers, and contextual help in Microsoft Office. The main windows of these applications are divided into «panes» for the various displays. The panes are usually separated by a draggable divider to allow resizing. Paned windows are a common way to implement a master–detail interface.

Developed since the 1970s, the Emacs text editor contains one of the earliest implementations of tiling. In addition, HTML frames can be seen as a markup language-based implementation of tiling. The tiling window manager extends this usefulness beyond multiple functions within an application, to multiple applications within a desktop. The tabbed document interface can be a useful adjunct to tiling, as it avoids having multiple window tiles on screen for the same function.

• Integrated development environment style interface
• Split screen (computer graphics)

• Comparison of Tiling Window Managers — Arch Linux Wiki

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If you are a Windows user, you have probably gotten hooked on some of its styles and effects available in its graphical interface. The problem may come at the time of gestating the classic windows that the system provides us. Is this usually attractive or effective enough? So if you have been wondering how to organize Windows windows better, you can take a breath now! We give you the best window manager software for Windows PC. So you can choose, fast and easy.

Best Window Manager Software for PC

These Window Management Apps for Windows 10 are the best option if you want something that fits your style and needs for your Microsoft Desktop.

1. MaxTo Window Manager

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MaxTo will help you divide your screen and organize windows quickly, with a clean and easy-to-see interface. It is highly recommended if you are a beginner user or not very familiar with software. With MaxTo, you can organize your windows like a professional.

By installing this software, you can maximize screens that will directly go to one side of the screen. Furthermore, you can deactivate the configuration whenever you want. And you don’t need to worry about the installation process because if there is a word to describe it, this is user-friendly. For greater comfort, you can control the windows with the keyboard. This software is more useful if you have a large monitor, so you can fully enjoy this excellent windows manager on your PC.

2. Stack Window Manager

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You can get this software in a free version if you have Windows 7 or previous ones. With it, you can easily dock windows and take full advantage of using multiple monitors. However, it is also recommended if you have a single large monitor. It helps rearrange multiple windows, and its custom layouts are advantageous.

You can move the windows with quick access and with the middle mouse button. You can also add taskbars if you have a dual monitor. If you wish, you can make the windows appear on the screen automatically. Stack is, above all, software that allows you to optimize functionality, adjusting it to your personal preferences. The best thing is that you can work intuitively without learning complicated codes or combinations to organize your windows. Therefore, we can say that it is one of the best window managers for Windows.

3. Actual Window Manager

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Actual Window Manager has a lot of options to offer you. It is compatible with Windows 10/9/8/7/ vista and XP. It is specially designed for multiple monitor users. The objective of this program is to help you increase your productivity when using your PC with multiple monitors. For this, it offers you a multifunctional taskbar that you can view on each screen, making it easier and faster to access.

With this program, you can easily manage your screensaver, background image, profile desktops, and more. You can also combine keys to create a shortcut and use only the keyboard to move and rearrange your windows. Additionally, you can select your preferences not only in windows but also in other programs and folders. This software has been awarded several awards for its excellence in various aspects, highlighting its ease of installation, high security, and optimal functionality.

4. WindowGrid

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WindowGrid is quite functional software. It is compatible with Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10. It has several features that are managed even with the secondary mouse button! With it, you can customize windows dimensions, opacity, color, etc. You can resize, align, and move windows. You can create your windows according to your own designs and tastes! Its dynamic grid has a retro style that lovers of classics will love.

Its use does not compromise the memory of the system, and also its interface is very comfortable and intuitive. And you will be pleasantly surprised by the speed at which its processes operate. Moreover, it is updated automatically, so you will not waste time looking to enjoy the optimizations.

5. SplitView

SplitView is what you need when you are looking for a program to divide your screen, make the windows look orderly, and use them efficiently. This software is perfect for when you are looking for simplicity and speed when dividing screens. But still, there are plenty of options you can explore! For example, you can dock a selected window to place it on the side of the screen, just with one button. Also, you have helpful features, like you can use keyboard shortcuts for quick access. And, you can adjust the settings so that the window you want automatically appears on your screen in the size you want.

The design is very modern, and of course, you can use it on dual monitors. In fact, this software was designed precisely for users who need to boost their productivity.

6. Chamaleon Windows Manager

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Chamaleon Windows Manager is free and still has many advantages. With Chamaleon, you can change the whole look of your windows. This program is ideal if you are looking for a window manager that focuses on improving both the utility and the appearance of your operating system. You can choose from how you want the windows to open to the color. Do you want them to be transparent? No problem, the possibilities are the order of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a window manager?

A window manager is a software that manages the appearance and placement of windows on your screen. It allows you to control how your windows are organized, resized, and positioned. A window manager is a software program that controls the placement, arrangement, and appearance of windows in an operating system. In the case of Windows, a tiled window manager for Windows 11, or any other version of Microsoft Windows, is a popular choice for efficiently managing window multitasking.

This type of window manager organizes and arranges open windows into tiles, providing a streamlined and convenient way to navigate and work with multiple applications simultaneously. Some tiled window managers for Windows are available for free, making them a preferred option for many users.

2. Can I use a window manager in Windows 10?

Yes, there are various window manager software available for Windows 10. These software offer different functionalities to enhance your window management experience. Yes, you can use a window manager in Windows 10. A window manager allows you to minimize, position, and resize windows on your desktop using hotkeys or scripts.

Although primarily used in Linux, there are also window managers available for Windows, such as Mosaico and NURGO. These window managers give you the ability to manage multiple windows and apps, allowing you to customize the position and size of each window according to your personal use.

3. What is a tiling window manager?

A tiling window manager is a type of window manager that automatically arranges your windows in a non-overlapping layout. It is designed to improve productivity and make efficient use of screen space. A tiling window manager is a productivity tool that simplifies the user interface by organizing windows in a non-overlapping layout. Unlike traditional window managers, it allows user-defined window arrangements and supports multi-monitor setups.

Instead of using the mouse, tiling window managers prioritize keyboard shortcuts to toggle between applications. It also eliminates cluttered desktops by adopting a tabbed approach. Aquasnap is an example of a tiling window manager that allows easy resizing and positioning of windows.

4. Are there tiling window managers available for Windows?

Yes, there are several tiling window managers specifically designed for Windows operating system. Some popular options include AquaSnap, MaxTo, and bug.n. Yes, there are tiling window managers available for Windows. Unlike the default task bar in mainstream operating systems like OS X, tiling window managers offer horizontal window layouts and customizable keyboard shortcuts. They organize open windows automatically, making multitasking a breeze.

These window managers also feature status bars that display information about CPU usage, tags for grouping related windows, and the ability to easily customize the appearance of title bars. They can be installed and uninstalled easily, with the option to predefine settings to further personalize the user experience.

5. What is the purpose of window management?

Window management refers to the process of controlling the layout, arrangement, and behavior of windows on your desktop. It helps you organize your workspace, increase efficiency, and multitask effectively. The purpose of window management is to organize and control the windows on my desktop. It allows me to snap windows to different positions, arrange them in the best tiled window layout, and easily switch between different windows open on my computer.

Windows versions provide various options like cascading or stacking windows, but the goal is to have an efficient and organized workspace with the ability to focus on one window at a time.

6. How can I resize or maximize windows using a window manager?

Most window managers provide keyboard shortcuts or mouse actions to resize and maximize windows. These shortcuts allow you to quickly adjust the size and position of windows based on your preference and workflow. To resize or maximize windows using a window manager, there are several options available. Users can typically manually adjust the size of windows by clicking and dragging the edges using the mouse or by using keyboard shortcuts.

Some window managers also have features that allow for automatic resizing and maximizing of windows. Additionally, apps like Aquasnap allow for advanced window management functionalities, such as snapping windows vertically or horizontally. The system tray or desktop environment may provide additional options for resizing or maximizing windows.

7. Can I use a window manager with multiple monitors?

Yes, many window managers are compatible with multiple monitors. They offer features to manage windows across different screens, allowing you to make the most out of your multi-monitor setup. Yes, you can use a window manager with multiple monitors. In fact, using a window manager can make your life easier when working with several screens.

It is particularly useful because it allows you to arrange your windows horizontally across the monitors, making it easier to manage your tasks and workflow. Some window managers even come with enhancement tools like magnets and gridmove, which help you organize your windows effortlessly.

8. What are some popular window manager software?

Some popular window manager software include AquaSnap, MaxTo, bug.n, and TidyTabs. These tools provide various window management features and customizable options to suit different user needs. Some popular window manager software includes the free window managers like Openbox and i3, which are available for different versions of Windows.

These window managers utilize a tiling feature, which automatically arranges windows in a tiled layout. They also support various apps and allow users to navigate through the windows using a combination of keyboard and mouse. Additionally, users can optionally customize the appearance and behavior of these window managers to suit their preferences.

9. Can I configure a window manager to suit my preferences?

Yes, most window managers offer configuration options that allow you to customize their behavior and appearance. You can adjust settings such as window placement, keyboard shortcuts, and more to match your preferred workflow. Yes, you can configure a window manager to suit your preferences.

A window manager is a window management tool that determines how your windows are displayed and arranged on the screen. It allows you to customize the appearance and behavior of windows, such as using tiles to arrange them or having a built-in window resizing feature. With the flexibility of a window manager, you can create a personalized and efficient layout that meets your needs.

Conclusion

Your options are very varied, whether you are looking for a very prominent and radical style or if you are looking for a minimalist. You can hide or show the taskbars, programs, windows, whatever you want! This program meets everything you expect from a windows manager and more. It can even help you speed up the Windows startup process by selecting the programs you want to start with yourself. This software allows you to optimize appearance, order, and establish priorities for the best performance of the system functions — everything you need from the best window manager software for Windows PC.