May 18th, 2008
Window management
Most people use window manager out of the box. Problem is that window managers are made with fast learning curve in mind. They are intuitive and simple to start using them but to use them fast is another thing. Without any configuration, it could take about 30 seconds and dozens mouse clicks to arrange 4 windows in such way that you can see them all. In Ubuntu (Gnome actually), using Gnome keyboard shortcuts and Compiz settings one can set very usable desktop environment.
Gnome keyboard shortcuts:
| Home folder | Ctrl+Alt+Home |
| Search | Ctrl+Alt+F |
| Show run dialog | Alt+Q |
| Run a terminal | Ctrl+Alt+T |
| Maximize window | Alt+Return |
| Unmaximize window | Shift+Alt+Return |
| Minimize window | Ctrl+Alt+M |
| Close window | Alt+F4 |
| Show desktop | Ctrl+Alt+D |
| Switch to left workspace | Ctrl+Alt+Left |
| Switch to right workspace | Alt+Right |
Compiz settings:
Altough Compiz is primarly used for eye candy, some of it’s settings are very useful for window management. Compiz has many plugins included and some enabled by default. I like to disable them all and enable only what’s useful to me. I’ll try to list them in logical order.
General options:
Destop size: Horizonatal=3; Vertical=1
With that virtual desktop configuration i have space to organize windows into some categories. Mail, messaging and browser on first, development on second, misc notes or utils on third.
Keyboard bindings
Some more keyboard shortcuts can be set here. I’m using Ctrl+Alt+G to start Gnome commander.
Desktop Wall:
This plugin make virtual desktops seem connected. If you drag window to the edge of screen, it will jump to the next virtual desktop. It’s fluid enough and feel natural. I also used keyboard shortcuts for Move Left/Right with window (Super+Left/Right). Using this shortcuts, your view and currently active window will jump to the next virtual dektop.
Expo:
Hitting Super+E displays all virtual desktops so you can see them from far away.
Extra WM Actions:
I’m using only Toggle Always-On-Top bound to Super+T
Place Windows:
Smart placement mode will open new windows where there is available space. Very useful.
Application Switcher:
Alt tabbing with previews
Put:
Using Super key with numpad keys you can put the window one edge or corner of the screen. So, Super+Num7 will put widow in the top-left corner, Super+Num on the middle of the right edge.
Scale windows:
Bind Initiate Window Picker to Super+Tab and use it to see all open windows at once.
Scale Addons:
Animation, Window Decoration, Regex Matching, Workarounds
Resize window:
Holding Alt and middle mouse button you can quickly resize a window without targeting it’s edges.
Snapping windows:
When you drag a window it will stick to the edge of the screen.
Move window
Holding Alt and left button you can quickly move a window without targeting it’s title bar.