14 Tiling Window Managers for Linux

Tiling window managers offer a convenient alternative to traditional graphical environments by automatically arranging windows without overlapping. This allows for maximum screen space utilization and simplifies multitasking. Instead of the usual mouse-driven interaction, everything is controlled via keyboard shortcuts, speeding up workflow and making the system more responsive.

Thanks to their lightweight nature and flexible customization, tiling window managers are especially popular among programmers, system administrators, and minimalism enthusiasts. They consume fewer resources, run faster, and are better suited for widescreen displays. However, this approach requires some adjustment—lack of conventional window control buttons and the need for manual configuration might deter beginners. Nevertheless, for those open to experimentation, tiling window managers provide a completely new level of comfort and productivity.

In this article, we will explore 14 of the most popular options.

1. i3

i3 is a free, open-source, and fully customizable tiling window manager designed for experienced Linux and BSD users. It utilizes a tree data structure, allowing for more flexible layouts compared to other managers. i3 does not require knowledge of Haskell or Lua and is configured via a simple text file.

Key features:
→ Support for hotkeys;
→ Configuration changes without system reboot;
→ Ability to split windows in any layout.

2. bspwm

bspwm is a lightweight window manager that uses binary space partitioning. It organizes windows as nodes in a binary tree and is controlled via the external utility sxhkd.

Key features:
→ Window management via IPC messages;
→ Multi-monitor support;
→ Both automatic and manual window placement.

3. herbstluftwm

herbstluftwm is a tiling window manager for X11 that utilizes Glib and Xlib. It employs a tag-based workspace system, and its configuration is executed via a startup script.

Features:
→ Tagged workspace system;
→ Multi-monitor support;
→ Simple configuration via shell scripts.

4. awesome

awesome is a powerful and extensible window manager aimed at developers and advanced users. It uses Lua for configuration and widget creation.

Key features:
→ Flexible customization via API;
→ Multi-monitor support;
→ Integration with D-Bus.

5. Tilix

Tilix is an advanced GTK3-based terminal with tiling support, following the Gnome Human Interface Guidelines. It enables organizing terminal windows horizontally and vertically via drag-and-drop.

Features:
→ Custom headers and hyperlink support;
→ Transparent background;
→ Split panels and notifications.

6. XMonad

XMonad is a dynamic tiling window manager for X11, written in Haskell. It automates window placement and supports extensions via modules.

Key features:
→ Various window layout support;
→ Configuration via Haskell;
→ Integration with status bar extensions.

7. Sway

Sway is a Wayland-based window manager that is fully compatible with i3 configurations. It is designed for users who prefer Wayland over Xorg.

Advantages:
→ Full compatibility with i3;
→ Support for modern Wayland technologies;
→ Enhanced performance and security.

8. spectrwm

spectrwm is a compact dynamic window manager inspired by xmonad and dwm. It retains their core benefits while addressing some shortcomings.

Key features:
→ Uses a simple text configuration file;
→ Preconfigured hotkeys;
→ Dynamic RandR support and multi-monitor functionality.

9. JWM

JWM (Joe’s Window Manager) is a lightweight window manager for X11, written in C. It is optimized for older and low-power systems.

Features:
→ Uses Xlib with no heavy dependencies;
→ Built-in support for icons and wallpapers;
→ Utilized in lightweight distributions (e.g., Puppy Linux, Damn Small Linux).

10. Qtile

Qtile is a compact yet powerful window manager written in Python, designed for flexibility and extensibility.

Key features:
→ Easy customization via Python;
→ Custom window layout creation;
→ Support for remote control and widget development.

11. Ratpoison

Ratpoison is a minimalist window manager that is fully keyboard-driven. Inspired by GNU Screen, it eliminates the need for a mouse.

Features:
→ Screen divided into static frames;
→ Maximized windows without title bars;
→ Full keyboard-based navigation.

12. dwm

dwm (Dynamic Window Manager) is a minimalist dynamic window manager that served as the foundation for awesome and xmonad. It supports three window modes:
→ Tiled (default tiling layout);
→ Monocle (one large window filling the screen);
→ Floating (floating windows).

13. Notion

Notion is a manually organized tiling window manager. Users arrange windows themselves rather than relying on automatic tiling.

Features:
→ Tabbed interface;
→ Screen split into tiles;
→ No automatic window resizing.

14. Hyprland

Hyprland is a modern Wayland compositor that combines tiling window management with smooth animations.

Key features:
→ Dynamic tiling support;
→ Customizable window animations;
→ Integration with PipeWire, HDR support, and per-monitor configurations.

Conclusion

The Linux ecosystem offers a vast selection of tiling window managers. However, the options listed above provide the most comprehensive features, ease of configuration, and extensive customization capabilities. 

Which window manager suits you best? Choose the one that fits your workflow and system requirements!