Linux Lite Forums

Software - Support => Other => Topic started by: Echuz on March 30, 2021, 07:17:16 PM

Title: Alternative to classic windows tiling - help to find correct program
Post by: Echuz on March 30, 2021, 07:17:16 PM
Hi,

So far, just let me say Linux Lite is by far the smoothest experience coming from Windows.

I have some Linux-experience. I can navigate the terminal and figure out most of my minor issues, however it seems you unix-folk are so fond of the terminal, that you'll happily trade 1-2 clicks in Windows for an eternity in Terminal  :P

And so to the question.
I use a 49" ultrawide with 5120x1440p resolution.
In Windows i've used PowerToys/FancyZones with "tiles" that forms one big section in the middle, and two small terminal-sized windows on either side. Total of five tiles.
The genious of FancyZones is, that when you have set up your custom tiles all you have to do is drag-drop a windows while holding down Shift (or any other for that matter) and the windows snaps in place.
This is nice, because its litterally one click and a bit of movement to move a window.

I've looked at some alternatives in linux, i3, x-tiles etc. (and this is where i hope i missed something).
From what i gather, all these tiling-apps ONLY tile "mathematically". What i mean is that you can't just snap a windows to 1/4 of the screen if that's the only window you have. If you have two windows the screen will split. This is not what i need.

I've seen you can set custom placement on a per-app-basis, this again is not what i need as i often use different programs both in "main view"(the big one in the middle) and in a small window on the side.
MS Teams, Spotify, browser windows are examples.

I hope i got the message through with what my need is, and i hope you guys have some awesome tips for me. Before i get this working, Linux can't meet my workflow :/

PS: i'm a child of the GUI-era, so a graphical interface is preferred, i spend little time in the terminal. Only when needed.
Thank you.
Title: Re: Alternative to classic windows tiling - help to find correct program
Post by: Moltke on March 30, 2021, 09:17:21 PM
Hi,

So far, just let me say Linux Lite is by far the smoothest experience coming from Windows.

I have some Linux-experience. I can navigate the terminal and figure out most of my minor issues, however it seems you unix-folk are so fond of the terminal, that you'll happily trade 1-2 clicks in Windows for an eternity in Terminal  :P

And so to the question.
I use a 49" ultrawide with 5120x1440p resolution.
In Windows i've used PowerToys/FancyZones with "tiles" that forms one big section in the middle, and two small terminal-sized windows on either side. Total of five tiles.
The genious of FancyZones is, that when you have set up your custom tiles all you have to do is drag-drop a windows while holding down Shift (or any other for that matter) and the windows snaps in place.
This is nice, because its litterally one click and a bit of movement to move a window.

I've looked at some alternatives in linux, i3, x-tiles etc. (and this is where i hope i missed something).
From what i gather, all these tiling-apps ONLY tile "mathematically". What i mean is that you can't just snap a windows to 1/4 of the screen if that's the only window you have. If you have two windows the screen will split. This is not what i need.

I've seen you can set custom placement on a per-app-basis, this again is not what i need as i often use different programs both in "main view"(the big one in the middle) and in a small window on the side.
MS Teams, Spotify, browser windows are examples.

I hope i got the message through with what my need is, and i hope you guys have some awesome tips for me. Before i get this working, Linux can't meet my workflow :/

PS: i'm a child of the GUI-era, so a graphical interface is preferred, i spend little time in the terminal. Only when needed.
Thank you.

Hi, and welcome to the forum! :)

You need to check XFCE's window manager; xfwm4. https://docs.xfce.org/xfce/xfwm4/preferences
You might try with devilspie2 too https://www.linux-magazine.com/Issues/2017/205/Tutorial-Devilspie2
Read here to learn some nice tips and tricks https://mxlinux.org/wiki/xfce/xfce-commands-and-other-useful-stuff/#snippets
This might be helpful too https://askubuntu.com/questions/1218696/xfce-xfwm4-how-to-edit-settings-for-window-shadow

Hope this helps! :)