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i3wm Configuration

Credits go to vnepogodin for making this simple and easy to understand config

X11 only, not compatible with Wayland

Most of the key combinations require the use of the mod key which in our case is the Windows key (referenced as SUPER), you can change it on the config file.

  • SUPER + Return
  • SUPER + Q
  • SUPER + 1-9 (Number row, number pad does not count)
  • CTRL + Space
  • SUPER + ArrowKeys

Move focused window to (Left,Right,Up,Down)

Section titled “Move focused window to (Left,Right,Up,Down)”
  • SUPER + Shift + ArrowKeys
  • SUPER + Shift + 1-9 (Number row, number pad does not count)
  • SUPER + H
  • SUPER + V
  • SUPER + T
  • SUPER + F
  • SUPER + Space
  • SUPER + Shift + Space

Change container layout to (stacking,tabbed)

Section titled “Change container layout to (stacking,tabbed)”
  • SUPER + S (stacking)
  • SUPER + W (tabbed)

Restart i3 in place (ie after an i3wm update or bug)

Section titled “Restart i3 in place (ie after an i3wm update or bug)”
  • SUPER + Shift + R
  • SUPER + Shift + C
  • SUPER + Shift + E

To unlock it, type your user password and press Return.

  • SUPER + L
  • Super + R

Resize focused window while being on resize mode

Section titled “Resize focused window while being on resize mode”
  • ArrowKeys
  • Return
  • Escape
  • Super + R

How can create an autostart for a program? for example “set a wallpaper at start”

Section titled “How can create an autostart for a program? for example “set a wallpaper at start””
  • i3 already includes an flexible autostart feature that allows you to execute any program or even commands

If you look at the end of our config file, you’ll see some lines starting with exec and exec_always

For example:

exec chromium This means that chromium is going to start in workspace 1 whenever you log in into your i3 session

  • What differentiates exec from exec_always?

exec_always gives you the possibility to always execute a certain action even after i3wm got reloaded

  • Yes they do.

For more information about i3wm. Please check out their wiki for reference.