I Love Tiling Window Managers

Switching to Arch Linux, I was excited by the possibilities of configuring my system. However, I was initially skeptical about Tiling Window Managers (TWMs). It seemed cumbersome at first; I didn't understand how they were navigated. But after some exploration, I discovered their true potential. Here's why I now love using TWMs.

What is a Window Manager?

Before diving into TWMs, it's important to understand what window managers are and the purpose they serve. Simply put, a window manager is the software that manages the position, size, and appearance of windows on your screen.

Stacking Window Managers

Traditional desktop environments, such as those on Windows and macOS, use stacking window managers. This can result in windows being hidden beneath others, creating a cluttered and disorganised workspace.

Tiling Window Managers

TWMs manage windows by automatically dividing the screen into non‑overlapping tiles. This fosters a more efficient, organised, and focused workspace for a streamlined, keyboard‑navigable workflow.

Compositing Window Managers

If you decide to research window managers, you may encounter the term 'compositing window managers'. This is simply referring to how they render windows; they are still functionally either stacking or tiling window managers.

Types of TWMs

Different TWMs handle window arrangement in various ways, typically falling into two main categories: manual and dynamic. Manual TWMs require users to explicitly control the direction of new windows within the layout, while dynamic TWMs automatically arrange windows into the layout.

There are various layouts for TWMs too, however I won't go into detail on those as they tend to be quite similar for most use cases, where you'll only have one or two windows per workspace.

Workflow

In TWMs, workspaces are far more flexible and tightly integrated compared to Virtual Desktops in Windows or Spaces in macOS, where you can only cycle through adjacent workspaces one at a time. In contrast, TWMs allow users to jump directly to any specific workspace with a single keybind, each containing its own set of tiled windows.

The typical arrangement is to have a separate workspace for each open window, similar to how a browser uses a tab for each open website. When you want to view multiple windows at once, you open them within the same workspace, and the window manager automatically arranges them for you.

Proficiency with TWMs greatly enhances workflow by minimising window interactions. Their keyboard-centric design enables fast window management through simple keybinds, and when paired with keyboard-centric applications, you can work efficiently without a mouse.

Scratchpads

My favourite TWM feature is the scratchpad. It holds windows temporarily accessible with keybindings, typically for floating windows like terminals, note-taking, and instant messengers, though any window can be assigned to it.

The scratchpad streamlines workflow by providing quick access to essential tools without cluttering your workspaces and eliminating the need to search for windows.

Customisation

Keybindings

TWMs allow you to create custom keybindings for quickly launching specific applications and executing scripts to automate window management and system functions.

For example, I have a keybinding on my laptop that executes a script to adjust brightness along an exponential curve, allowing for finer control at lower levels.

Window Rules

Window rules configure how specific windows behave, controlling attributes such as size, position, floating behaviour, and workspace assignment, further automating window management.

Aesthetics

TWMs are admired for their aesthetic appeal and extensive personalisation options. Users can customise every aspect of the interface, including colours, fonts, window borders, and spacing, allowing for a unique and visually pleasing workspace.

Conclusion

Tiling window managers offer an efficient, customizable, and unique approach to interacting with your computer. With daily tasks managed effectively through the tiling layout, scratchpad, keybindings, and window rules, you can create a tailored environment that enhances your workflow, productivity, and focus. While there may be a learning curve and some initial setup time, I highly encourage you to give them a try and experience the benefits for yourself. The effort will be well worth it!