FancyWM

FancyWM

FancyWM is a tiling window manager for Linux that uses keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures to manage windows. It aims to be lightweight, customizable, and aesthetically pleasing.
FancyWM image
tiling keyboard-shortcuts mouse-gestures lightweight customizable aesthetics

FancyWM: Tiling Window Manager

A lightweight, customizable, and visually appealing tiling window manager for Linux that utilizes keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures

What is FancyWM?

FancyWM is a tiling window manager designed for the Linux operating system. It organizes open application windows in a tiled, grid-like pattern to make efficient use of screen space. Unlike traditional floating window managers that allow windows to overlap, FancyWM's tiled approach automatically resizes and positions windows to fill available display space.

Some key features of FancyWM include:

  • Keyboard-driven workflow - Uses keyboard shortcuts instead of a mouse to navigate and resize windows
  • Customizable layouts - Arrange tiles horizontally, vertically, or in more advanced patterns
  • Lightweight design - Consumes relatively few system resources compared to graphical environments
  • Appearance theming - Change colors, window borders, and other graphical elements
  • Support for multiple monitors - Manage layouts over multi-display setups

With its focus on minimalism and efficiency, FancyWM is targeted at advanced Linux users and developers. It forgoes fancy graphical effects in favor of giving users fast and fluid control of their windows. The lack of desktop icons and menus also reduces distractions. Its modular architecture and abundant customization options appeal to Linux enthusiasts who want fine-grained control over their environment.

FancyWM Features

Features

  1. Tiling window management
  2. Keyboard shortcuts for window control
  3. Mouse gestures for window control
  4. Customizable layouts and themes
  5. Support for multiple monitors
  6. Lightweight resource usage

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Efficient use of screen space

Keyboard-driven workflow

Highly customizable

Low system resource usage

Aesthetically pleasing and elegant

Cons

Steep learning curve

Not beginner friendly

Limited floating window support

Less flexibility than stacking window managers

Limited adoption compared to mainstream options


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