Window managers are an essential part of any Linux user’s experience. They determine how applications are displayed and interacted with on the desktop. Among the various options available, i3 stands out due to its tiling approach and configurability. In this article, we’ll compare i3 with other popular window managers and highlight tools that work well with i3.

What is i3?

i3 is a tiling window manager, which means it automatically arranges windows in a non-overlapping manner. This makes efficient use of screen real estate and reduces the need for manual window management. Key features of i3 include:

• Configurable and scriptable through plain text files.
• Lightweight and minimalistic design.
• Focus on keyboard navigation.

Comparison with Other Window Managers

i3 vs. Awesome

Awesome is another popular tiling window manager. While both i3 and Awesome offer tiling capabilities, they differ in several aspects:

• Configuration: i3 uses a straightforward plain text configuration file, whereas Awesome uses the Lua programming language for configuration, offering more flexibility but with a steeper learning curve.
• Extensibility: Awesome is highly extensible with its widget system, allowing users to add custom widgets to their desktops. i3, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and minimalism, with fewer out-of-the-box customization options.

i3 vs. Xmonad

Xmonad is a dynamic tiling window manager written in Haskell. Here’s how it compares to i3:

• Configuration: Xmonad requires knowledge of Haskell for configuration, which can be a barrier for new users. i3’s configuration is simpler and more accessible.
• Performance: Both i3 and Xmonad are known for their lightweight and fast performance. However, Xmonad can be more resource-efficient due to its functional programming underpinnings.
• Flexibility: Xmonad offers more flexibility and customization options through Haskell, while i3 prioritizes ease of use and straightforward configuration.

i3 vs. Openbox

Openbox is a stacking window manager that offers a more traditional approach to window management. Key differences include:

• Window Management: Openbox allows overlapping windows, which can be moved and resized freely. i3, being a tiling window manager, organizes windows in a non-overlapping manner.
• User Experience: Users who prefer a more traditional desktop experience with overlapping windows might find Openbox more suitable. i3 appeals to users who want efficient screen usage and keyboard-driven navigation.

Tools That Work Well with i3

To enhance the i3 experience, several tools and applications can be used:

• Polybar: A highly customizable status bar that can display system information, launch applications, and more.
• Rofi: A powerful application launcher and window switcher that integrates well with i3.
• Compton/Picom: A compositor for managing window effects such as transparency and shadows.
• i3blocks: A status bar replacement for i3bar, allowing for customizable and scriptable blocks of information.
• Feh: A lightweight image viewer that can also be used to set wallpapers.
• dmenu: A dynamic menu for launching applications, which can be used as an alternative to Rofi.

Give it a try!

i3 is a powerful and efficient window manager that offers a unique tiling approach to window management. While it may not be as flexible or extensible as some other window managers, its simplicity and focus on keyboard navigation make it an excellent choice for many users. With the right tools, i3 can be tailored to create a highly productive and personalized desktop environment.