Best Window Managers

Window Managers Guide

A window manager is a software application that allows users of computer operating systems to control the placement, appearance, and behavior of windows within a graphical user interface (GUI). Window managers are typically used in conjunction with other desktop software such as file managers and application launchers.

Some window managers are designed for use on specific operating systems while others are written to be platform-independent and support multiple operating systems. The most common window managers available today are X Window System-based, such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, Enlightenment, and Mutter. These all provide features like drag-and-drop placement of windows on the screen; window tiling; customizable layouts; window shading; adding or removing borders from windows; customizing the behaviors of menus, dialog boxes, toolbars, buttons and other elements within an application's GUI; support for resizing and moving individual applications' windows around the screen; virtual desktops to organize applications into different workspaces; keyboard shortcuts for quick navigation between applications or workspaces; and more.

Window managers can also allow users to customize their experience by choosing from various themes with different looks. Additionally, many modern window managers offer advanced features like compositing graphics for smoother animations and special effects when switching between screens or launching new software. They can also integrate with docking platforms like Avant Window Navigator (AWN) to provide additional customization options like arranging icons by category or displaying widgets on top of open windows.

In addition to these types of window managers, there are specialized tiling window managers which allow users complete control over how their windows are arranged on the screen. For example, they might arrange them in a grid pattern rather than overlapping one another as is seen in traditional non-tiling window mangers. These specialized tiling window managers often offer fewer features than their mainstream counterparts but oftentimes have a much lower memory footprint and make it easier for power users who prefer this type of arrangement over the traditional overlap style found in most mainstream desktop environments.

Window managers provide users with the ability to create a custom workspace that fits their specific needs. Whether you're looking for advanced features like compositing graphics or efficient window tiling arrangements, there are plenty of window manager applications available to choose from.

Features Provided by Window Managers

• Window display: Window managers allow for windows to be displayed on the screen. This includes setting up the size and location of windows, as well as controlling window decorations such as title bars and borders.
• Keyboard shortcuts: Window managers provide users with an array of keyboard shortcuts for common actions like moving windows, switching between tasks, launching applications, etc.
• Multiple desktops: This feature allows users to organize their desktop space by creating multiple workspaces or “virtual desktops” where different tasks can be performed in separate environment.
• Application Launcher: Most window managers include an application launcher which enables users to quickly find software without having to remember exact commands.
• Theme Customization: Many window managers come with options that allow users to customize their workspace by changing themes and adding backgrounds or color schemes to make the interface more visually pleasing.
• Task Management & Switching: Window managers typically provide task management features that enable easy navigation between running applications and windows through a task switcher bar or menu.
• Split View: This feature allows users to split the view of two or more windows across their display in order to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Window Layouts: Many window managers also provide preset layouts that allow users to easily arrange all open applications and windows into efficient positions.
• Shortcut Customization: With some window managers, users can create their own custom shortcuts that control various actions, such as opening new windows or switching between tasks.
• Autopositioning: This feature allows users to open windows in predetermined positions based on a set of user-defined rules. For instance, a window might always appear in the top-right corner of the screen when opened.
• Window Padding: Some window managers offer adjustable sizing and spacing around windows that can be used to reduce distraction or create an organized workspace.
• Hotkeys: Many window managers also allow users to program their own hotkeys that can be used to quickly perform various tasks.

Different Types of Window Managers

• Tiling Window Managers: Tiling window managers provide a way to arrange and organize windows in non-overlapping frames, with windows taking up the entire screen space by default and allowing for dynamic resizing of various app windows. This ensures that more apps can be viewed at once without having to minimize or move around individual windows.
• Dynamic Window Managers: Dynamic window managers typically utilize docking bars, tabbed views and other tools to help users quickly switch between applications as well as easily resize them any way they choose. They also offer features such as virtual desktops, taskbar widgets, built-in app launchers and application switchers.
• Floating Window Managers: Floating window managers allow users to position their windows anywhere on the screen, overlap them however they wish, resize them separately from each other and scroll through large documents more easily. With this type of manager you can see all your windows at once rather than having to tile or tab through them one by one.
• Compositing Window Managers: These specialized window mangers are modern solutions that use graphical compositing techniques to create an attractive desktop environment where visuals take precedence over utility, such as translucent translucency effects in windows or drop shadowing for text fields; giving it closer resemblance to traditional desktop environments we already know.
• Stacking Window Managers: Stacking window managers are designed to take up the least amount of screen space by utilizing overlapping windows. Unlike tiling and floating window managers, stacking window managers take a more minimalistic approach where they allow only basic functionalities like maximizing, minimizing, resizing or moving around windows.
• Tabbed Window Managers: Tabbed window managers allow users to easily switch between multiple windows in a single tab, whereas other window mangers require the user to open new windows for each application. This type of manager is great for those who like to keep things organized and tidy as it allows you to have all of your apps running at once without taking up too much screen space.

Advantages of Using Window Managers

• Customizability: Window managers provide a wide range of customization options, allowing users to change the look and feel of their workspace. This includes things like window placement and sizes, wallpaper selection, themes/skins, icon sets, application launchers and desktop widgets.
• Performance: As they are lightweight applications compared to full-blown desktop environments such as GNOME or KDE, window managers tend to be faster and use fewer system resources.
• Flexibility: Depending on the window manager selected, it is possible to quickly switch between workspaces or virtual desktops with a single keystroke or mouse click. The user can also configure keyboard shortcuts for frequently used tasks such as launching applications or switching workspaces.
• Ease-of-use: Window managers often have an intuitive and straightforward user interface that makes them easier to learn than more complex desktop environments. Additionally, they usually require fewer clicks and less time to perform common tasks.
• Portability: Since most window managers are designed to run on GNU/Linux systems (and some even support Windows), users can take their customized environment with them wherever they go without having to do any manual reconfiguration of settings every time they log in somewhere else.
• Security: Window managers can be configured to provide an additional layer of security by being run in a sandboxed environment or with limited user privileges. This makes it harder for malicious code to gain access to sensitive files or system resources without explicit permission from the administrator.

What Types of Users Use Window Managers?

• Home-User: A home user is a person who uses a Window Manager to control their desktop computers. These users typically use the operating system for basic tasks such as web browsing, media playback, and other similar activities.
• Business User: Business users are typically people employed by companies that use the Windows operating system to run their business applications. This type of user needs more customization and control over their environment than the casual home user does, and often leans towards Window Managers to meet those needs.
• Power User: Power Users are experienced with computers and have an advanced understanding of computing concepts. They usually need heavy customization in order to get the most out of their computer, so they utilize Window Managers to tweak every aspect of their settings in order to gain maximum efficiency from their systems.
• Developer/Designer: Developers and designers rely on powerful tools such as text editors or photo editing software which require hard drive space, specialized hardware, or custom aesthetics which traditional window managers don't provide. By using specific window management software they can customize their workspaces quickly without having to go through extensive manual configuration steps.
• Gamer: Gamers often choose a dedicated gaming operating system or window manager that has been tailored for them specifically due to its greater performance capabilities when compared with traditional desktop systems. While these types of systems may not be as customizable as others, this allows gamers more resources dedicated towards graphics processing or networking speeds instead of being bogged down with unnecessary tasks like organizing windows or menus.
• Network Technician: This type of user is in charge of maintaining and troubleshooting a network. They usually need specialized software that allows them to monitor specific aspects of the network or have higher privileges when interacting with various systems. Window managers can be useful here as they allow for a deeper level of control over multiple desktops and machines throughout the network.

How Much Do Window Managers Cost?

The cost of window managers can vary greatly depending on the features and complexity of the system you're looking for. Generally speaking, it is possible to find basic window manager packages that are free, while more advanced versions will usually come with a cost associated with them. For small businesses or personal use, there are often subscription-based options which can provide a comprehensive suite of features at an affordable price point.

For larger commercial projects, professional grade window managers may require investments in the tens of thousands of dollars range, or even higher depending on the specific requirements. These solutions will typically include much more robust features such as complex user interfaces and customization options, integration with third-party services and tools, reliability guarantees, support for multiple platforms and operating systems, scalability options to accommodate larger teams or workloads, plus additional components such as analytics tools or security measures.

What Software Do Window Managers Integrate With?

Software that can integrate with Window Managers includes software to customize the appearance of the desktop environment, such as themes and window decorations. Additionally, docks are a type of software that are most commonly integrated into window managers to provide quick access to applications and other utilities. Utilities like Task Manager or system monitors may be included or natively supported by window managers in order to provide easier navigation and visibility of information about running processes on the system. Additionally, many types of interface tools for file rearrangement, desktop organization and external device management can be found in some more advanced window managers. Finally, multiple language support is becoming increasingly popular for those who use multiple languages frequently.

What Are the Trends Relating to Window Managers?

• The trend towards using window managers has grown significantly in recent years, as more and more users are looking for a way to customize their computing environment.
• Window managers give users the ability to customize their interface, ranging from basic things like the look and feel of windows, to more complex tasks like customizing keyboard shortcuts and menu layouts.
• Many window managers provide features such as virtual desktops, tabbed windows, and multiple monitors. This allows users to better manage large amounts of data or software.
• By allowing users to customize their interface, window managers make it easier for users to find the information they need quickly and efficiently.
• Window managers can also be used to improve battery life by limiting the amount of resources being used by applications.
• With the rise of more powerful computers, many window managers are becoming increasingly advanced, allowing users to take full control of their computing experience.
• Another trend with window managers is that they are becoming more aesthetically pleasing, with a variety of themes and skins to choose from.
• As more users turn to Linux-based operating systems, window managers have become increasingly popular, offering users an easy way to customize their environment.

How To Pick the Right Window Manager

The best way to select the right window manager for a particular user depends on several factors.

First, consider what type of computer you are using and what environment you plan to use it in (home, office, etc.). Different window managers may run better or worse based on the system's hardware or software configuration.

Next, decide which features are most important to you - do you need multiple desktops or virtual workspaces? Do you prefer a minimalist approach with just the basic necessities, such as launching applications and switching between windows? Or do you prefer a feature-packed environment that allows customization of hotkeys and other settings?

Finally, read reviews from users who have used the different window managers available. This will give an indication of how each one performs in various situations and can help narrow down your choices. Once all these factors have been considered, it should be relatively easy to make an informed decision about which window manager is suitable for your needs.

Use the comparison engine on this page to help you compare window managers by their features, prices, user reviews, and more.