In the world of Windows, Microsoft PowerToys’ FancyZones is a well-known tool for managing windows and creating custom layouts. However, if you’re using Ubuntu 20.04, you’ll need to find an alternative. In this article, we’ll explore two options: the Tiling Assistant extension for GNOME Shell and the gSnap extension.
Tiling Assistant
Tiling Assistant is a GNOME Shell extension that provides basic quarter tiling and Windows-like tiling. It’s a versatile tool that allows you to manage your windows effectively.
Installation
To install Tiling Assistant, you’ll first need to install the GNOME Shell Extension Manager. You can do this by running the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-prefsOnce the Extension Manager is installed, you can add the Tiling Assistant extension. Visit the Tiling Assistant page on the GNOME Shell Extensions website and click on the toggle switch to install it.
Usage
Tiling Assistant allows you to drag windows with your mouse or use customizable keyboard shortcuts to arrange your windows. It also features a hidden “Layouts” tab where you can define custom layouts and tile windows accordingly.
gSnap
Another alternative to FancyZones is the gSnap extension. Like Tiling Assistant, gSnap provides window management features, but it also supports different layouts per monitor and includes a visual layout editor for easy customization.
Installation
To install gSnap, you’ll need to have the GNOME Shell Extension Manager installed. If you haven’t installed it yet, refer to the Tiling Assistant installation instructions above. Once the Extension Manager is installed, visit the gSnap page on the GNOME Shell Extensions website and click on the toggle switch to install it.
Usage
With gSnap, you can easily snap windows to zones. The extension also offers keyboard shortcuts for moving windows, snapping windows to zones, and changing layouts. gSnap comes with default layouts, but you can also create your own.
Conclusion
Both Tiling Assistant and gSnap are excellent alternatives to FancyZones for Ubuntu 20.04. They each offer unique features and layouts, so it’s worth trying out both to see which one suits your needs best. Remember, these extensions are not native apps and may require the installation of GNOME Shell extensions or the GNOME Shell Extension Manager. However, once installed, they can greatly enhance your productivity and window management capabilities.
Tiling Assistant and gSnap are primarily designed for GNOME Shell, which is the default desktop environment in Ubuntu. However, they may also work on other Linux distributions that use GNOME Shell as their desktop environment. You may need to install the GNOME Shell Extension Manager and enable the extensions through it.
Yes, both Tiling Assistant and gSnap support multiple monitors. They allow you to define different layouts per monitor, making it easier to manage windows across multiple screens.
Yes, both Tiling Assistant and gSnap allow you to customize the keyboard shortcuts for window management. You can configure the shortcuts according to your preferences through the extension settings.
Yes, gSnap includes a visual layout editor that allows you to easily customize and create your own layouts. Tiling Assistant, on the other hand, focuses more on basic tiling and does not have a visual layout editor.
Tiling Assistant and gSnap are third-party extensions and are not officially supported by Ubuntu or the GNOME project. However, they are available through the GNOME Shell Extensions website and have a good reputation among users.
