Software & AppsOperating SystemLinux

How To Automatically Arrange Windows in Ubuntu

Ubuntu 9

Managing multiple windows on your screen can be a daunting task. However, Ubuntu offers several ways to automatically arrange windows, making multitasking easier and more efficient. This article will guide you through several methods to achieve this.

Quick Answer

Ubuntu offers several methods to automatically arrange windows, making multitasking easier and more efficient. Some options include using Compiz with its Grid plugin, Python Window Organizer, tiling window managers like ion3 or dwm, applications like X Tile, and highly customizable window manager XMonad. Choose the method that suits your preferences and enhance your productivity with efficient window management in Ubuntu.

Using Compiz

Compiz is a compositing window manager that uses 3D graphics hardware to create fast compositing desktop effects for window management. One of its plugins, the “Grid” plugin, allows you to use keyboard shortcuts to move and arrange windows around the screen in a tiling manner.

Installing Compiz

To install Compiz and its plugins, open your terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt-get install compiz-fusion-plugins-extra

This command will install the extra plugins package for Compiz. The sudo command is used to run operations that require root privileges, apt-get install is the command to install packages, and compiz-fusion-plugins-extra is the package name.

Configuring Compiz

Once installed, you can enable the Grid plugin and configure your preferred keyboard shortcuts. More information about configuring Compiz can be found in this webupd8.org article.

Python Window Organizer

Python Window Organizer is a tool that allows you to organize windows using keyboard shortcuts. It’s a great alternative if you prefer not to use Compiz.

You can find more information and installation instructions in this OMG! Ubuntu article.

Tiling Window Managers

Tiling window managers are another way to automatically arrange windows in Ubuntu. They manage windows in a non-overlapping manner and make efficient use of screen space. Examples of tiling window managers include ion3, scrotwm, and dwm.

You can find these and other tiling window managers by searching “tiling window manager” in Google or in the Synaptic package manager. For a review of available tiling window managers in Ubuntu, check out this AskUbuntu answer.

X Tile

X Tile is an application that allows you to select multiple windows and tile them in different ways. It works on any X desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, LXDE, etc.).

More information and a download link for X Tile can be found on this linux-apps.com page.

XMonad

XMonad is a highly customizable tiling window manager written in Haskell. It provides automatic window tiling and can be configured to suit your preferences.

More information and installation instructions can be found on the XMonad website.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve covered several ways to automatically arrange windows in Ubuntu, from using Compiz and Python Window Organizer to tiling window managers and applications like X Tile and XMonad. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose the method that suits you best. Remember, efficient window management can greatly enhance your productivity and make your Ubuntu experience much more enjoyable.

What is Compiz?

Compiz is a compositing window manager that uses 3D graphics hardware to create fast compositing desktop effects for window management.

How do I install Compiz?

To install Compiz and its plugins, open your terminal and run the following command: sudo apt-get install compiz-fusion-plugins-extra.

What is the Grid plugin in Compiz?

The Grid plugin in Compiz allows you to use keyboard shortcuts to move and arrange windows around the screen in a tiling manner.

How do I enable the Grid plugin in Compiz?

To enable the Grid plugin in Compiz, you need to configure it in the CompizConfig Settings Manager. More information about configuring Compiz can be found in this webupd8.org article.

What is Python Window Organizer?

Python Window Organizer is a tool that allows you to organize windows using keyboard shortcuts. It provides an alternative to using Compiz for window arrangement.

Where can I find more information and installation instructions for Python Window Organizer?

You can find more information and installation instructions for Python Window Organizer in this OMG! Ubuntu article.

What are tiling window managers?

Tiling window managers are a type of window manager that manage windows in a non-overlapping manner, making efficient use of screen space.

Can you give examples of tiling window managers?

Examples of tiling window managers include ion3, scrotwm, and dwm.

Where can I find tiling window managers for Ubuntu?

You can find tiling window managers by searching "tiling window manager" in Google or in the Synaptic package manager. For a review of available tiling window managers in Ubuntu, check out this AskUbuntu answer.

What is X Tile?

X Tile is an application that allows you to select multiple windows and tile them in different ways. It works on any X desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, LXDE, etc.).

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *