Difference between revisions of "Xmonad"

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[[Category:X Server (English)]]
+
[[Category:Tiling WMs]]
−
[[Category:Tiling WMs (English)]]
+
 
[[fr:Xmonad]]
 
[[fr:Xmonad]]
−
{{i18n|Xmonad}}
+
[[ja:Xmonad]]
−
 
+
[[tr:Xmonad_Pencere_Yöneticisi]]
 +
[[zh-CN:Xmonad]]
 
[http://xmonad.org/ xmonad] is a tiling window manager for X. Windows are arranged automatically to tile the screen without gaps or overlap, maximizing screen use. Window manager features are accessible from the keyboard: a mouse is optional.
 
[http://xmonad.org/ xmonad] is a tiling window manager for X. Windows are arranged automatically to tile the screen without gaps or overlap, maximizing screen use. Window manager features are accessible from the keyboard: a mouse is optional.
  
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==Installation==
 
==Installation==
  
−
{{Package Official|xmonad}} and {{Package Official|xmonad-contrib}} are currently available in the [[Official Repositories]]. A build for the current development snapshot (darcs) is in the [[AUR]]. The following instructions are for {{Package AUR|xmonad-darcs}}, the development snapshot.
+
{{Pkg|xmonad}} and {{Pkg|xmonad-contrib}} are currently available in the [[Official Repositories|official repositories]]. A build for the current development snapshot (darcs) is in the [[Arch User Repository|AUR]]. The following instructions are for {{AUR|xmonad-darcs}}, the development snapshot.
  
 
===Development version (xmonad-darcs)===
 
===Development version (xmonad-darcs)===
  
−
The xmonad-darcs development version can be installed from the [[AUR]], with some additional dependencies in the [[Official Repositories]]. Install them in the following order:
+
The xmonad-darcs development version can be installed from the [[Arch User Repository|AUR]], with some additional dependencies in the [[Official Repositories|official repositories]]. [[pacman|Install]] them in the following order:
  
−
* {{Package AUR|xmonad-darcs}} - The core window manager
+
* {{AUR|xmonad-darcs}} -- The core window manager
−
* {{Package AUR|xmonad-contrib-darcs}} - Contributed extensions providing custom layouts, configurations, etc.
+
* {{AUR|xmonad-contrib-darcs}} -- Contributed extensions providing custom layouts, configurations, etc.
  
 
==Configuration==
 
==Configuration==
  
 
===Starting xmonad===
 
===Starting xmonad===
−
To start xmonad automatically, simply add the command {{Codeline|xmonad}} to your startup script (e.g. {{Filename|~/.xinitrc}}). GDM and KDM users can create a new session file and then select xmonad from the appropriate Session menu.
+
To start xmonad automatically, simply add the command {{Ic|xmonad}} to your startup script (e.g. {{ic|~/.xinitrc}} if you use startx, {{ic|~/.xsession}} if you use xdm login manager). GDM and KDM users can create a new session file and then select xmonad from the appropriate Session menu.
  
−
{{Note|Recently, users in #xmonad have stated that {{Codeline|exec}} is not required before {{Codeline|xmonad}}; simply adding {{Codeline|xmonad}} as the last line in your startup script is the proper way to start this WM. Please use whichever method works for you. If using {{Codeline|ck-launch-session}}, the {{Codeline|exec}} is probably still required.}}
+
{{Note|By default, xmonad does not set an X cursor, therefore the "cross" cursor is usually displayed which can be confusing for new users (thinking that xmonad has not launched correctly). To set the expected left-pointer, add the following to your startup file (e.g. {{ic|~/.xinitrc}}):<br>
 +
{{bc|xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr}}}}
  
−
{{Note|By default, xmonad does not set an X cursor, therefore the "cross" cursor is usually displayed which can be confusing for new users (thinking that xmonad has not launched correctly). To set the expected left-pointer, add the following to your startup file (e.g. {{Filename|~/.xinitrc}}):<br>
+
Also, xmonad defaults to the U.S. keyboard layout, so if you want, for example, the German keyboard layout, add the following to {{ic|~/.xinitrc}} or read more about setting keyboard layouts [[Xorg#Keyboard_settings|here]]:
−
{{Cli|xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr}}}}
+
−
 
+
−
Also, xmonad defaults to the U.S. keyboard layout, so if you want, for example, the German keyboard layout, add the following to {{Filename|~/.xinitrc}} or read more about setting keyboard layouts [[Xorg#Keyboard_settings|here]]:
+
 
   setxkbmap -layout de
 
   setxkbmap -layout de
  
−
Example {{Filename|~/.xinitrc}}:
+
Example {{ic|~/.xinitrc}}:
 
   # set the cursor
 
   # set the cursor
 
   xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr
 
   xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr
Line 42: Line 40:
 
   setxkbmap -layout de
 
   setxkbmap -layout de
 
   # start xmonad
 
   # start xmonad
−
   exec ck-launch-session xmonad
+
   exec xmonad
  
−
If, for some reason, xmonad does not start, check if you have an {{Filename|.xmonad}} directory in your home directory. If not, create it:
+
If, for some reason, xmonad does not start, check if you have an {{ic|.xmonad}} directory in your home directory. If not, create it:
 
   mkdir ~/.xmonad
 
   mkdir ~/.xmonad
 +
 +
See [[xinitrc]] for details, such as preserving the logind (and/or consolekit) session.
  
 
===Configuring xmonad===
 
===Configuring xmonad===
  
−
xmonad users can modify, override or extend the default settings with the {{Filename|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} configuration file.  Recompiling is done on the fly, with the Mod+q shortcut.
+
xmonad users can modify, override or extend the default settings with the {{ic|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} configuration file.  Recompiling is done on the fly, with the Mod+q shortcut.
  
−
If you find you do not have a directory at {{Filename|~/.xmonad}}, run {{Codeline|xmonad --recompile}} to create it.
+
If you find you do not have a directory at {{ic|~/.xmonad}}, run {{Ic|xmonad --recompile}} to create it.
  
−
The "default config" for xmonad is quite usable and it is achieved by simply running without an {{Filename|xmonad.hs}} entirely.  Therefore, even after you run {{Codeline|xmonad --recompile}} you will most likely not have an {{Filename|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} file.  If you would like to start tweaking things, simply create the file and edit it as described below.
+
The "default config" for xmonad is quite usable and it is achieved by simply running without an {{ic|xmonad.hs}} entirely.  Therefore, even after you run {{Ic|xmonad --recompile}} you will most likely not have an {{ic|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} file.  If you would like to start tweaking things, simply create the file and edit it as described below.
  
 
Because the xmonad configuration file is written in Haskell, non-programmers may have a difficult time adjusting settings.  For detailed HOWTO's and example configs, we refer you to the following resources:
 
Because the xmonad configuration file is written in Haskell, non-programmers may have a difficult time adjusting settings.  For detailed HOWTO's and example configs, we refer you to the following resources:
Line 60: Line 60:
 
* [http://haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Config_archive xmonad config archive]
 
* [http://haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Config_archive xmonad config archive]
 
* [http://haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Frequently_asked_questions xmonad FAQ]
 
* [http://haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Frequently_asked_questions xmonad FAQ]
−
* Arch Linux [http://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=40636 forum thread]
+
* Arch Linux [https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=40636 forum thread]
  
−
The best approach is to only place your changes and customizations in {{Filename|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} and write it such that any unset parameters are picked up from the built-in defaultConfig.
+
The best approach is to only place your changes and customizations in {{ic|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} and write it such that any unset parameters are picked up from the built-in defaultConfig.
  
−
This is achieved by writing an {{Filename|xmonad.hs}} like this:
+
This is achieved by writing an {{ic|xmonad.hs}} like this:
  
 
   import XMonad
 
   import XMonad
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This simply overrides the default terminal and borderWidth while leaving all other settings at their defaults (inherited from the function defaultConfig).
 
This simply overrides the default terminal and borderWidth while leaving all other settings at their defaults (inherited from the function defaultConfig).
  
−
As things get more complicated, it can be handy to call configuration options by function name inside the main function, and define these separately in their own sections of your {{Filename|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}}. This makes large customizations like your layout and manage hooks easier to visualize and maintain.
+
As things get more complicated, it can be handy to call configuration options by function name inside the main function, and define these separately in their own sections of your {{ic|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}}. This makes large customizations like your layout and manage hooks easier to visualize and maintain.
  
−
The simple {{Filename|xmonad.hs}} from above could have been written like this:
+
The simple {{ic|xmonad.hs}} from above could have been written like this:
  
 
   import XMonad
 
   import XMonad
Line 122: Line 122:
 
     startupHook        = myStartupHook
 
     startupHook        = myStartupHook
 
   }
 
   }
 +
 +
Also consider copying/starting with {{ic|/usr/share/xmonad-VERSION/man/xmonad.hs}}, which is the latest official example xmonad.hs that comes with the '''xmonad''' Haskell module.
  
 
===Exiting xmonad===
 
===Exiting xmonad===
−
To end the current xmonad session, press {{Keypress|Mod}}+{{Keypress|Shift}}+{{Keypress|Q}}. By default, {{Keypress|Mod}} is the {{Keypress|Alt}} key.
+
To end the current xmonad session, press {{Keypress|Mod+Shift+Q}}. By default, {{Keypress|Mod}} is the {{Keypress|Alt}} key.
  
 
==Tips and tricks==
 
==Tips and tricks==
 +
The keyboard-centered operation in Xmonad can be further supported with a keyboard shortcut for [[Keyboard_Shortcuts#Key_Binding_for_X-Selection-Paste|X-Selection-Paste]].
 +
 
===Complementary applications===
 
===Complementary applications===
 
There are number of complementary utilities that work well with xmonad. The most common of these include:
 
There are number of complementary utilities that work well with xmonad. The most common of these include:
Line 133: Line 137:
 
* [[xmobar]]
 
* [[xmobar]]
 
* [[dzen]]
 
* [[dzen]]
−
* [[Conky]] and {{Package AUR|conky-cli}}
+
* [[Conky]] and {{AUR|conky-cli}}
 
* [[gmrun]]
 
* [[gmrun]]
 
* [[Unclutter]] - a small utility to hide the mouse pointer
 
* [[Unclutter]] - a small utility to hide the mouse pointer
 
* [http://uhsure.com/xmonad-log-applet.html XMonad-log-applet] - a GNOME applet for the gnome-panel (the package is in the [[Official Repositories]])
 
* [http://uhsure.com/xmonad-log-applet.html XMonad-log-applet] - a GNOME applet for the gnome-panel (the package is in the [[Official Repositories]])
  
−
===Making room for conky or tray apps===
+
===Increase the number of workspaces===
 +
By default, xmonad uses 9 workspaces.  You can increase this to 14 by extending the following line like this:
 +
{{hc|xmonad.hs|
 +
-- (i, k) <- zip (XMonad.workspaces conf) [xK_1, xK_2, xK_3, xK_4, xK_5, xK_6, xK_7, xK_8, xK_9]
 +
(i, k) <- zip (XMonad.workspaces conf) [xK_grave, xK_1, xK_2, xK_3, xK_4, xK_5, xK_6, xK_7, xK_8, xK_9, xK_0, xK_minus, xK_equal, xK_BackSpace]}}
 +
 
 +
===Making room for Conky or tray apps===
 
Wrap your layouts with avoidStruts from XMonad.Hooks.ManageDocks for automatic dock/panel/trayer spacing:
 
Wrap your layouts with avoidStruts from XMonad.Hooks.ManageDocks for automatic dock/panel/trayer spacing:
  
Line 157: Line 167:
 
===Using xmobar with xmonad===
 
===Using xmobar with xmonad===
 
'''[[xmobar]]''' is a light and minimalistic text-based bar, designed to work with xmonad.
 
'''[[xmobar]]''' is a light and minimalistic text-based bar, designed to work with xmonad.
−
To use xmobar with xmonad, you will need two packages in addition to the {{Package Official|xmonad}} package. These packages are {{Package Official|xmonad-contrib}} and {{Package Official|xmobar}} from the [[Official Repositories]], or you can use {{Package AUR|xmobar-git}} from the [[AUR]] instead of the official xmobar.
+
To use xmobar with xmonad, you will need two packages in addition to the {{Pkg|xmonad}} package. These packages are {{Pkg|xmonad-contrib}} and {{Pkg|xmobar}} from the [[Official Repositories|official repositories]], or you can use {{AUR|xmobar-git}} from the [[Arch User Repository|AUR]] instead of the official {{Pkg|xmobar}} package.
  
 
Here we will start xmobar from within xmonad, which reloads xmobar whenever you reload xmonad.
 
Here we will start xmobar from within xmonad, which reloads xmobar whenever you reload xmonad.
  
−
Open {{Filename|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} in your favorite editor, and choose one of the two following options:
+
Open {{ic|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} in your favorite editor, and choose one of the two following options:
  
 
====Option 1: Quick, less flexible====
 
====Option 1: Quick, less flexible====
−
{{Note|There is also {{Package Official|dzen2}} which you can substitute for {{Codeline|xmobar}} in either case.}}
+
{{Note|There is also {{Pkg|dzen2}} which you can substitute for {{Pkg|xmobar}} in either case.}}
  
 
Common imports:
 
Common imports:
−
 
 
  import XMonad
 
  import XMonad
 
  import XMonad.Hooks.DynamicLog
 
  import XMonad.Hooks.DynamicLog
  
−
The xmobar action starts xmobar and returns a modified config that includes all the options described in the [[xmonad#Option 2: More configurable|xmonad:Option2: More configurable]] choice.
+
The xmobar action starts xmobar and returns a modified configuration that includes all of the options described in the [[xmonad#Option 2: More configurable|xmonad:Option2: More configurable]] choice.
−
 
+
 
  main = xmonad =<< xmobar defaultConfig { modMask = mod4Mask {- or any other configurations here ... -}}
 
  main = xmonad =<< xmobar defaultConfig { modMask = mod4Mask {- or any other configurations here ... -}}
  
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* The command used to execute the bar
 
* The command used to execute the bar
 
* The PP that determines what is being written to the bar
 
* The PP that determines what is being written to the bar
−
* The keybinding to toggle the gap for the bar
+
* The key binding to toggle the gap for the bar
  
−
Following is an example of how to use it:
+
The following is an example of how to use it:
−
{{File|name=~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs|content=<nowiki>-- Imports.
+
{{hc|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs|<nowiki>
 +
-- Imports.
 
import XMonad
 
import XMonad
 
import XMonad.Hooks.DynamicLog
 
import XMonad.Hooks.DynamicLog
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myBar = "xmobar"
 
myBar = "xmobar"
  
−
-- Custom PP, configure it as you like. It determines what's being written to the bar.
+
-- Custom PP, configure it as you like. It determines what is being written to the bar.
 
myPP = xmobarPP { ppCurrent = xmobarColor "#429942" "" . wrap "<" ">" }
 
myPP = xmobarPP { ppCurrent = xmobarColor "#429942" "" . wrap "<" ">" }
  
−
-- Keybinding to toggle the gap for the bar.
+
-- Key binding to toggle the gap for the bar.
 
toggleStrutsKey XConfig {XMonad.modMask = modMask} = (modMask, xK_b)
 
toggleStrutsKey XConfig {XMonad.modMask = modMask} = (modMask, xK_b)
  
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The template and default xmobarrc contains this.
 
The template and default xmobarrc contains this.
  
−
At last, open up {{Filename|~/.xmobarrc}} and make sure you have StdinReader in the template and run the plugin. E.g.
+
At last, open up {{ic|~/.xmobarrc}} and make sure you have {{ic|StdinReader}} in the template and run the plugin. E.g.
−
{{File|name=~/.xmobarrc|content=
+
{{hc|~/.xmobarrc|<nowiki>
−
<nowiki>
+
 
Config { ...
 
Config { ...
 
       , commands = [ Run StdinReader .... ]
 
       , commands = [ Run StdinReader .... ]
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       , template = " %StdinReader% ... "
 
       , template = " %StdinReader% ... "
 
       }
 
       }
−
</nowiki>
+
</nowiki>}}
−
}}
+
 
 
Now, all you should have to do is either to start, or restart, xmonad.
 
Now, all you should have to do is either to start, or restart, xmonad.
  
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There are at least two ways to do this.
 
There are at least two ways to do this.
  
−
Firstly, you can use the following Xmonad extension, [http://xmonad.org/xmonad-docs/xmonad-contrib/XMonad-Hooks-ServerMode.html XMonad.Hooks.ServerMode].
+
Firstly, you can use the following xmonad extension, [http://xmonad.org/xmonad-docs/xmonad-contrib/XMonad-Hooks-ServerMode.html XMonad.Hooks.ServerMode].
  
−
Secondly, you can simulate keypress events using {{Package Official|xdotool}} or similar programs. See this [http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-658040.html Ubuntu forums thread]. The following command would simulate the keypress {{Keypress|Super}}+{{Keypress|N}}:
+
Secondly, you can simulate keypress events using {{Pkg|xdotool}} or similar programs. See this [http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-658040.html Ubuntu forums thread]. The following command would simulate the keypress {{Keypress|Super+n}}:
 
  xdotool key Super+n
 
  xdotool key Super+n
  
 
===Launching another window manager within xmonad===
 
===Launching another window manager within xmonad===
−
If you are using {{Package AUR|xmonad-darcs}}, as of January of 2011, you can restart to another window manager from within xmonad. You just need to write a small script, and add stuff to your {{Filename|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}}. Here is the script.
+
If you are using {{AUR|xmonad-darcs}}, as of January of 2011, you can restart to another window manager from within xmonad. You just need to write a small script, and add stuff to your {{ic|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}}. Here is the script.
  
−
{{File|name=~/bin/obtoxmd|content=
+
{{hc|~/bin/obtoxmd|<nowiki>
−
<nowiki>
+
 
#!/bin/sh
 
#!/bin/sh
 
openbox
 
openbox
 
xmonad
 
xmonad
−
</nowiki>
+
</nowiki>}}
−
}}
+
  
−
And here are the modifications you need to add to your {{Filename|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}}:
+
And here are the modifications you need to add to your {{ic|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}}:
  
−
{{File|name=~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs|content=
+
{{hc|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs|<nowiki>
−
<nowiki>
+
 
import XMonad
 
import XMonad
 
--You need to add this import
 
--You need to add this import
Line 252: Line 257:
 
     }
 
     }
  
−
</nowiki>
+
</nowiki>}}
−
}}
+
−
 
+
−
You also need to add the following keybinding
+
  
−
{{File|name=~/xmonad/xmonad.hs|content=
+
You also need to add the following key binding:
−
<nowiki>
+
{{hc|~/xmonad/xmonad.hs|<nowiki>
 
--Add a keybinding as follows:
 
--Add a keybinding as follows:
 
((modm .|. shiftMask, xK_o    ), restart "/home/abijr/bin/obtoxmd" True)
 
((modm .|. shiftMask, xK_o    ), restart "/home/abijr/bin/obtoxmd" True)
−
</nowiki>
+
</nowiki>}}
−
}}
+
  
−
Just remember to add a comma before or after and change the path to your actual script path. Now just {{Keypress|Mod}}+{{Keypress|Q}} (restart xmonad to refresh the config), and than hit {{Keypress|Mod}}+{{Keypress|Shift}}+{{Keypress|O}} and you should have Openbox running with the same windows open as in xmonad. To return to xmonad you should just exit Openbox. Here is a link to adamvo's {{Filename|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} which uses this setup [http://www.haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Config_archive/adamvo%27s_xmonad.hs Adamvo's xmonad.hs]
+
Just remember to add a comma before or after and change the path to your actual script path. Now just {{Keypress|Mod+q}} (restart xmonad to refresh the config), and then hit {{Keypress|Mod+Shift+o}} and you should have Openbox running with the same windows open as in xmonad. To return to xmonad you should just exit Openbox. Here is a link to adamvo's {{ic|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} which uses this setup [http://www.haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Config_archive/adamvo%27s_xmonad.hs Adamvo's xmonad.hs]
  
 
===Example configurations===
 
===Example configurations===
 
Below are some example configurations from fellow xmonad users.  Feel free to add links to your own.
 
Below are some example configurations from fellow xmonad users.  Feel free to add links to your own.
−
* brisbin33 :: complex and simpler branches, importable dzen and scratchpad modules, very readable :: [https://github.com/pbrisbin/xmonad-config config] [http://pbrisbin.com/static/screenshots/current_desktop.png screenshot]
+
* brisbin33 :: simple, useful, readable :: [https://github.com/pbrisbin/xmonad-config config] [http://files.pbrisbin.com/screenshots/current_desktop.png screenshot]
 
* jelly :: Configuration with prompt, different layouts, twinview with xmobar :: [http://github.com/jelly/dotfiles/tree/master/.xmonad/xmonad.hs xmonad.hs]
 
* jelly :: Configuration with prompt, different layouts, twinview with xmobar :: [http://github.com/jelly/dotfiles/tree/master/.xmonad/xmonad.hs xmonad.hs]
 
* MrElendig :: Simple configuration, with xmobar :: [http://github.com/MrElendig/dotfiles-alice/blob/master/.xmonad/xmonad.hs xmonad.hs], [http://github.com/MrElendig/dotfiles-alice/blob/master/.xmobarrc .xmobarrc], [http://arch.har-ikkje.net/gfx/ss/2010-09-05-163305_2960x1050_scrot.png screenshot].
 
* MrElendig :: Simple configuration, with xmobar :: [http://github.com/MrElendig/dotfiles-alice/blob/master/.xmonad/xmonad.hs xmonad.hs], [http://github.com/MrElendig/dotfiles-alice/blob/master/.xmobarrc .xmobarrc], [http://arch.har-ikkje.net/gfx/ss/2010-09-05-163305_2960x1050_scrot.png screenshot].
Line 277: Line 278:
 
==Troubleshooting==
 
==Troubleshooting==
 
===GNOME 3 and xmonad===
 
===GNOME 3 and xmonad===
−
With the release of GNOME 3, some additional steps are necessary to make GNOME play nicely with xmonad.
+
With the release of [[GNOME]] 3, some additional steps are necessary to make GNOME play nicely with xmonad.
  
−
First, add an xmonad session file for use by gnome-session ({{Filename|/usr/share/gnome-session/sessions/xmonad.session}}):
+
Either install {{AUR|xmonad-gnome3}} from the AUR, or, manually:
  
−
<pre>
+
Add an xmonad session file for use by gnome-session ({{ic|/usr/share/gnome-session/sessions/xmonad.session}}):
 +
 
 +
{{bc|1=
 
[GNOME Session]
 
[GNOME Session]
 
Name=Xmonad session
 
Name=Xmonad session
Line 288: Line 291:
 
DefaultProvider-windowmanager=xmonad
 
DefaultProvider-windowmanager=xmonad
 
DefaultProvider-notifications=notification-daemon
 
DefaultProvider-notifications=notification-daemon
−
</pre>
+
}}
−
Now create a desktop file for GDM ({{Filename|/usr/share/xsessions/xmonad-gnome-session.desktop}}):
+
 
−
<pre>
+
Create a desktop file for GDM ({{ic|/usr/share/xsessions/xmonad-gnome-session.desktop}}):
 +
{{bc|1=
 
[Desktop Entry]
 
[Desktop Entry]
 
Name=Xmonad GNOME
 
Name=Xmonad GNOME
Line 297: Line 301:
 
Exec=gnome-session --session=xmonad
 
Exec=gnome-session --session=xmonad
 
Type=XSession
 
Type=XSession
−
</pre>
+
}}
 +
 
 +
Create or edit this file ({{ic|/usr/share/applications/xmonad.desktop}}):
 +
{{bc|1=
 +
[Desktop Entry]
 +
Type=Application
 +
Encoding=UTF-8
 +
Name=Xmonad
 +
Exec=xmonad
 +
NoDisplay=true
 +
X-GNOME-WMName=Xmonad
 +
X-GNOME-Autostart-Phase=WindowManager
 +
X-GNOME-Provides=windowmanager
 +
X-GNOME-Autostart-Notify=false
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
Finally, install {{pkg|xmonad-contrib}} and create or edit {{ic|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}} to have the following
 +
 
 +
{{bc|1=
 +
import XMonad
 +
import XMonad.Config.Gnome
 +
 
 +
main = xmonad gnomeConfig
 +
}}
 +
 
 
Xmonad should now appear in the list of GDM sessions and also play nicely with gnome-session itself.
 
Xmonad should now appear in the list of GDM sessions and also play nicely with gnome-session itself.
 +
 +
==== Compositing in GNOME and Xmonad ====
 +
Some applications look better (e.g. GNOME Do) when composition is enabled. This is, however not, the case in the default Xmonad window manager. To enable it add an additional .desktop file {{ic|/usr/share/xsessions/xmonad-gnome-session-composite.desktop}}:
 +
{{bc|1=
 +
[Desktop Entry]
 +
Name=Xmonad GNOME (Composite)
 +
Comment=Tiling window manager
 +
TryExec=/usr/bin/gnome-session
 +
Exec=/usr/sbin/gnome-xmonad-composite
 +
Type=XSession
 +
}}
 +
 +
And create {{ic|/usr/sbin/gnome-xmonad-composite}} and {{ic|chmod +x /usr/sbin/gnome-xmonad-composite}}:
 +
{{bc|1=
 +
xcompmgr &
 +
gnome-session --session=xmonad
 +
}}
 +
Now choose "Xmonad GNOME (Composite)" in the list of sessions during login. Reference {{ic|man xcompmgr}} for additional "eye candy".
  
 
===GDM 2.x/KDM cannot find xmonad===
 
===GDM 2.x/KDM cannot find xmonad===
−
You can force GDM to launch xmonad by creating the file {{Filename|xmonad.desktop}} in the {{Filename|/usr/share/xsessions}} directory and add the contents:
+
You can force GDM to launch xmonad by creating the file {{ic|xmonad.desktop}} in the {{ic|/usr/share/xsessions}} directory and add the contents:
  
 
  [Desktop Entry]
 
  [Desktop Entry]
Line 312: Line 358:
 
Now xmonad will show in your GDM session menu. Thanks to [http://santanuchatterjee.blogspot.com/2009/03/making-xmonad-to-show-up-in-gdm-session.html Santanu Chatterjee] for the hint.
 
Now xmonad will show in your GDM session menu. Thanks to [http://santanuchatterjee.blogspot.com/2009/03/making-xmonad-to-show-up-in-gdm-session.html Santanu Chatterjee] for the hint.
  
−
For KDM, you will need to create the file here as {{Filename|/usr/share/apps/kdm/sessions/xmonad.desktop}}
+
For KDM, you will need to create the file here as {{ic|/usr/share/apps/kdm/sessions/xmonad.desktop}}
  
 
Official documentation can be found here:
 
Official documentation can be found here:
Line 318: Line 364:
  
 
===Missing xmonad-i386-linux or xmonad-x86_64-linux===
 
===Missing xmonad-i386-linux or xmonad-x86_64-linux===
−
Xmonad should automatically create the {{Filename|xmonad-i386-linux}} file (in {{Filename|~/.xmonad/}}). If this it not the case you can grab a cool looking config file from the [http://haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Config_archive xmonad wiki] or create your [http://haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Config_archive/John_Goerzen's_Configuration own]. Put the {{Filename|.hs}} and all others files in {{Filename|~/.xmonad/}} and run this command from the folder:
+
Xmonad should automatically create the {{ic|xmonad-i386-linux}} file (in {{ic|~/.xmonad/}}). If this it not the case you can grab a cool looking config file from the [http://haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Config_archive xmonad wiki] or create your [http://haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Config_archive/John_Goerzen's_Configuration own]. Put the {{ic|.hs}} and all others files in {{ic|~/.xmonad/}} and run this command from the folder:
 
  xmonad --recompile
 
  xmonad --recompile
  
 
Now you should see the file.
 
Now you should see the file.
  
−
{{Note|A reason you may get an error message saying that xmonad-x86_64-linux is missing is that {{Package Official|xmonad-contrib}} is not installed.}}
+
{{Note|A reason you may get an error message saying that xmonad-x86_64-linux is missing is that {{Pkg|xmonad-contrib}} is not installed.}}
  
 
===Problems with Java applications===
 
===Problems with Java applications===
−
The standard Java GUI toolkit has a hard-coded list of "non-reparenting" window managers. Since xmonad is not in that list, there can be some problems with running some Java applications. One of the most common problems is "grey blobs", when the Java application renders as a plain grey box instead of rendering the GUI.
+
The standard Java GUI toolkit has a hard-coded list of "non-reparenting" window managers. Since xmonad is not in that list, there can be some problems with running some Java applications. One of the most common problems is "gray blobs", when the Java application renders as a plain gray box instead of rendering the GUI.
  
 
There are several things that may help:
 
There are several things that may help:
−
* If you are using openjdk6, you can export {{Codeline|_JAVA_AWT_WM_NONREPARENTING<nowiki>=</nowiki>1}} in {{Filename|/etc/profile.d/openjdk6.sh}}.
+
* If you are using {{Pkg|jre7-openjdk}}, uncomment the line {{Ic|1=export _JAVA_AWT_WM_NONREPARENTING=1}} in {{ic|/etc/profile.d/jre.sh}}. Then, source the file {{ic|/etc/profile.d/jre.sh}} or log out and log back in.
−
* If you are using Oracle JRE/JDK, the best solution is usually to use [http://xmonad.org/xmonad-docs/xmonad-contrib/XMonad-Hooks-SetWMName.html SetWMName.] However, its effect may be nullified if one also uses XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops, in which case
+
* If you are using Oracle's JRE/JDK, the best solution is usually to use [http://xmonad.org/xmonad-docs/xmonad-contrib/XMonad-Hooks-SetWMName.html SetWMName.] However, its effect may be nullified if one also uses XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops, in which case
 
   >> setWMName "LG3D"
 
   >> setWMName "LG3D"
 
added to the LogHook may help.
 
added to the LogHook may help.
Line 337: Line 383:
  
 
===Empty space at the bottom of gvim or terminals===
 
===Empty space at the bottom of gvim or terminals===
−
See [[Vim#Empty space at the bottom of gvim windows]] for a solution which makes the area match the background color.
+
See [[Vim#Empty space at the bottom of gVim windows]] for a solution which makes the area match the background color.
  
−
For [[rxvt-unicode]], you can use {{Package AUR|rxvt-unicode-patched}}.
+
For [[rxvt-unicode]], you can use {{AUR|rxvt-unicode-patched}}.
  
 
You can also configure xmonad to respect size hints, but this will leave a gap instead. See [http://www.eng.uwaterloo.ca/~aavogt/xmonad/docs/xmonad-contrib/XMonad-Layout-LayoutHints.html the documentation on Xmonad.Layout.LayoutHints].
 
You can also configure xmonad to respect size hints, but this will leave a gap instead. See [http://www.eng.uwaterloo.ca/~aavogt/xmonad/docs/xmonad-contrib/XMonad-Layout-LayoutHints.html the documentation on Xmonad.Layout.LayoutHints].
  
 
===Chromium/Chrome will not go fullscreen===
 
===Chromium/Chrome will not go fullscreen===
−
If Chrome fails to go fullscreen when {{Keypress|F11}} is pressed, you can use the [http://xmonad.org/xmonad-docs/xmonad-contrib/XMonad-Hooks-EwmhDesktops.html XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops] extension found in the {{Package Official|xmonad-contrib}} package. Simply add the {{Codeline|import}} statement to your {{Filename|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}}:
+
If Chrome fails to go fullscreen when {{Keypress|F11}} is pressed, you can use the [http://xmonad.org/xmonad-docs/xmonad-contrib/XMonad-Hooks-EwmhDesktops.html XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops] extension found in the {{Pkg|xmonad-contrib}} package. Simply add the {{ic|import}} statement to your {{ic|~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs}}:
 
  import XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops
 
  import XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops
−
and then add {{Codeline|handleEventHook <nowiki>=</nowiki> fullscreenEventHook}} to the appropriate place; for example:
+
 
−
<pre>
+
and then add {{ic|handleEventHook <nowiki>=</nowiki> fullscreenEventHook}} to the appropriate place; for example:
 +
{{bc|<nowiki>
 
...
 
...
 
         xmonad $ defaultConfig
 
         xmonad $ defaultConfig
Line 353: Line 400:
 
             , handleEventHook    = fullscreenEventHook
 
             , handleEventHook    = fullscreenEventHook
 
             }
 
             }
−
 
 
...
 
...
−
</pre>
+
</nowiki>}}
−
After a recompile/restart of Xmonad, Chromium should now respond to {{Keypress|F11}} (fullscreen) as expected.
+
  
−
==Other Resources==
+
After a recompile/restart of xmonad, Chromium should now respond to {{Keypress|F11}} (fullscreen) as expected.
−
[http://xmonad.org/ xmonad] - The official xmonad website
+
  
−
[http://haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Config_archive/Template_xmonad.hs_(0.9) xmonad.hs] - Template xmonad.hs
+
===Multitouch / touchegg===
 +
Touchégg polls the window manager for the _NET_CLIENT_LIST (in order to fetch a list of windows it should listen for mouse events on.) By default, xmonad does not supply this property. To enable this, use the [http://xmonad.org/xmonad-docs/xmonad-contrib/XMonad-Hooks-EwmhDesktops.html XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops] extension found in the {{Pkg|xmonad-contrib}} package.
  
−
[http://xmonad.org/tour.html xmonad: a guided tour]
+
===Keybinding issues with an azerty keyboard layout===
 +
Users with a keyboard with azerty layout can run into issues with certain keybindings. Using the [http://xmonad.org/xmonad-docs/xmonad-contrib/XMonad-Config-Azerty.html XMonad.Config.Azerty] module will solve this.
  
−
[[dzen]] - General purpose messaging and notification program
+
===GNOME 3 mod4+p changes display configuration instead of launching dmenu===
 +
If you do not need the capability to switch the display-setup in the gnome-control-center, just execute
 +
{{bc|<nowiki>dconf write /org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/xrandr/active false</nowiki>}}
 +
as your user, to disable the xrandr plugin which grabs Super+p.
  
−
[[dmenu]] - Dynamic X menu for the quick launching of programs
+
==Other Resources==
−
 
+
*[http://xmonad.org/ xmonad] - The official xmonad website
−
[[Comparison of Tiling Window Managers]] - Arch wiki article providing an overview of mainstream tiling window managers
+
*[http://haskell.org/haskellwiki/Xmonad/Config_archive/Template_xmonad.hs_(0.9) xmonad.hs] - Template xmonad.hs
 +
*[http://xmonad.org/tour.html xmonad: a guided tour]
 +
*[[dzen]] - General purpose messaging and notification program
 +
*[[dmenu]] - Dynamic X menu for the quick launching of programs
 +
*[[Comparison of Tiling Window Managers]] - Arch wiki article providing an overview of mainstream tiling window managers
 +
*[https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=94969 Share your xmonad desktop!]
 +
*[https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=40636 xmonad hacking thread]

Revision as of 09:06, 28 April 2013

xmonad is a tiling window manager for X. Windows are arranged automatically to tile the screen without gaps or overlap, maximizing screen use. Window manager features are accessible from the keyboard: a mouse is optional.

xmonad is written, configured and extensible in Haskell. Custom layout algorithms, key bindings and other extensions may be written by the user in config files.

Layouts are applied dynamically, and different layouts may be used on each workspace. Xinerama is fully supported, allowing windows to be tiled on several physical screens.

For more information, please visit the xmonad website: http://xmonad.org/

Installation

xmonad and xmonad-contrib are currently available in the official repositories. A build for the current development snapshot (darcs) is in the AUR. The following instructions are for xmonad-darcsAUR, the development snapshot.

Development version (xmonad-darcs)

The xmonad-darcs development version can be installed from the AUR, with some additional dependencies in the official repositories. Install them in the following order:

Configuration

Starting xmonad

To start xmonad automatically, simply add the command xmonad to your startup script (e.g. ~/.xinitrc if you use startx, ~/.xsession if you use xdm login manager). GDM and KDM users can create a new session file and then select xmonad from the appropriate Session menu.

Note: By default, xmonad does not set an X cursor, therefore the "cross" cursor is usually displayed which can be confusing for new users (thinking that xmonad has not launched correctly). To set the expected left-pointer, add the following to your startup file (e.g. ~/.xinitrc):
xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr

Also, xmonad defaults to the U.S. keyboard layout, so if you want, for example, the German keyboard layout, add the following to ~/.xinitrc or read more about setting keyboard layouts here: 

 setxkbmap -layout de

Example ~/.xinitrc: 

 # set the cursor
 xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr
 # set German keyboard layout
 setxkbmap -layout de
 # start xmonad
 exec xmonad

If, for some reason, xmonad does not start, check if you have an .xmonad directory in your home directory. If not, create it: 

 mkdir ~/.xmonad

See xinitrc for details, such as preserving the logind (and/or consolekit) session.

Configuring xmonad

xmonad users can modify, override or extend the default settings with the ~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs configuration file. Recompiling is done on the fly, with the Mod+q shortcut.

If you find you do not have a directory at ~/.xmonad, run xmonad --recompile to create it.

The "default config" for xmonad is quite usable and it is achieved by simply running without an xmonad.hs entirely. Therefore, even after you run xmonad --recompile you will most likely not have an ~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs file. If you would like to start tweaking things, simply create the file and edit it as described below.

Because the xmonad configuration file is written in Haskell, non-programmers may have a difficult time adjusting settings. For detailed HOWTO's and example configs, we refer you to the following resources:

The best approach is to only place your changes and customizations in ~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs and write it such that any unset parameters are picked up from the built-in defaultConfig.

This is achieved by writing an xmonad.hs like this: 

 import XMonad
 
 main = do
   xmonad $ defaultConfig
     { terminal    = "urxvt"
     , modMask     = mod4Mask
     , borderWidth = 3
     }

This simply overrides the default terminal and borderWidth while leaving all other settings at their defaults (inherited from the function defaultConfig).

As things get more complicated, it can be handy to call configuration options by function name inside the main function, and define these separately in their own sections of your ~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs. This makes large customizations like your layout and manage hooks easier to visualize and maintain.

The simple xmonad.hs from above could have been written like this: 

 import XMonad

 main = do
   xmonad $ defaultConfig
     { terminal    = myTerminal
     , modMask     = myModMask
     , borderWidth = myBorderWidth
     }

 -- yes, these are functions; just very simple ones
 -- that accept no input and return static values
 myTerminal    = "urxvt"
 myModMask     = mod4Mask -- Win key or Super_L
 myBorderWidth = 3

Also, order at top level (main, myTerminal, myModMask etc.), or within the {} does not matter in Haskell, as long as imports come first.

The following is taken from the 0.9 config file template found here. It is an example of the most common functions one might want to define in their main do block. 

 {
   terminal           = myTerminal,
   focusFollowsMouse  = myFocusFollowsMouse,
   borderWidth        = myBorderWidth,
   modMask            = myModMask,
   -- numlockMask deprecated in 0.9.1
   -- numlockMask        = myNumlockMask,
   workspaces         = myWorkspaces,
   normalBorderColor  = myNormalBorderColor,
   focusedBorderColor = myFocusedBorderColor,

   -- key bindings
   keys               = myKeys,
   mouseBindings      = myMouseBindings,

   -- hooks, layouts
   layoutHook         = myLayout,
   manageHook         = myManageHook,
   handleEventHook    = myEventHook,
   logHook            = myLogHook,
   startupHook        = myStartupHook
 }

Also consider copying/starting with /usr/share/xmonad-VERSION/man/xmonad.hs, which is the latest official example xmonad.hs that comes with the xmonad Haskell module.

Exiting xmonad

To end the current xmonad session, press Template:Keypress. By default, Template:Keypress is the Template:Keypress key.

Tips and tricks

The keyboard-centered operation in Xmonad can be further supported with a keyboard shortcut for X-Selection-Paste.

Complementary applications

There are number of complementary utilities that work well with xmonad. The most common of these include:

Increase the number of workspaces

By default, xmonad uses 9 workspaces. You can increase this to 14 by extending the following line like this: 

xmonad.hs
-- (i, k) <- zip (XMonad.workspaces conf) [xK_1, xK_2, xK_3, xK_4, xK_5, xK_6, xK_7, xK_8, xK_9]
(i, k) <- zip (XMonad.workspaces conf) [xK_grave, xK_1, xK_2, xK_3, xK_4, xK_5, xK_6, xK_7, xK_8, xK_9, xK_0, xK_minus, xK_equal, xK_BackSpace]

Making room for Conky or tray apps

Wrap your layouts with avoidStruts from XMonad.Hooks.ManageDocks for automatic dock/panel/trayer spacing: 

 import XMonad
 import XMonad.Hooks.ManageDocks

 main=do
   xmonad $ defaultConfig
     { ...
     , layoutHook=avoidStruts $ layoutHook defaultConfig
     , manageHook=manageHook defaultConfig <+> manageDocks
     , ...
     }

If you ever want to toggle the gaps, this action can be added to your key bindings: 

,((modMask x, xK_b     ), sendMessage ToggleStruts)

Using xmobar with xmonad

xmobar is a light and minimalistic text-based bar, designed to work with xmonad. To use xmobar with xmonad, you will need two packages in addition to the xmonad package. These packages are xmonad-contrib and xmobar from the official repositories, or you can use xmobar-gitAUR from the AUR instead of the official xmobar package.

Here we will start xmobar from within xmonad, which reloads xmobar whenever you reload xmonad.

Open ~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs in your favorite editor, and choose one of the two following options:

Option 1: Quick, less flexible

Note: There is also dzen2 which you can substitute for xmobar in either case.

Common imports: 

import XMonad
import XMonad.Hooks.DynamicLog

The xmobar action starts xmobar and returns a modified configuration that includes all of the options described in the xmonad:Option2: More configurable choice. 

main = xmonad =<< xmobar defaultConfig { modMask = mod4Mask {- or any other configurations here ... -}}

Option 2: More Configurable

As of xmonad(-contrib) 0.9, there is a new statusBar function in XMonad.Hooks.DynamicLog. It allows you to use your own configuration for:

  • The command used to execute the bar
  • The PP that determines what is being written to the bar
  • The key binding to toggle the gap for the bar

The following is an example of how to use it: 

~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs
-- Imports.
import XMonad
import XMonad.Hooks.DynamicLog

-- The main function.
main = xmonad =<< statusBar myBar myPP toggleStrutsKey myConfig

-- Command to launch the bar.
myBar = "xmobar"

-- Custom PP, configure it as you like. It determines what is being written to the bar.
myPP = xmobarPP { ppCurrent = xmobarColor "#429942" "" . wrap "<" ">" }

-- Key binding to toggle the gap for the bar.
toggleStrutsKey XConfig {XMonad.modMask = modMask} = (modMask, xK_b)

-- Main configuration, override the defaults to your liking.
myConfig = defaultConfig { modMask = mod4Mask }

Verify XMobar Config

The template and default xmobarrc contains this.

At last, open up ~/.xmobarrc and make sure you have StdinReader in the template and run the plugin. E.g. 

~/.xmobarrc
Config { ...
       , commands = [ Run StdinReader .... ]
         ...
       , template = " %StdinReader% ... "
       }

Now, all you should have to do is either to start, or restart, xmonad.

Controlling xmonad with external scripts

There are at least two ways to do this.

Firstly, you can use the following xmonad extension, XMonad.Hooks.ServerMode.

Secondly, you can simulate keypress events using xdotool or similar programs. See this Ubuntu forums thread. The following command would simulate the keypress Template:Keypress: 

xdotool key Super+n

Launching another window manager within xmonad

If you are using xmonad-darcsAUR, as of January of 2011, you can restart to another window manager from within xmonad. You just need to write a small script, and add stuff to your ~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs. Here is the script. 

~/bin/obtoxmd
#!/bin/sh
openbox
xmonad

And here are the modifications you need to add to your ~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs: 

~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs
import XMonad
--You need to add this import
import XMonad.Util.Replace

main do
    -- And this "replace"
    replace
    xmonad $ defaultConfig
    {
    --Add the usual here
    }

You also need to add the following key binding: 

~/xmonad/xmonad.hs
--Add a keybinding as follows:
((modm .|. shiftMask, xK_o     ), restart "/home/abijr/bin/obtoxmd" True)

Just remember to add a comma before or after and change the path to your actual script path. Now just Template:Keypress (restart xmonad to refresh the config), and then hit Template:Keypress and you should have Openbox running with the same windows open as in xmonad. To return to xmonad you should just exit Openbox. Here is a link to adamvo's ~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs which uses this setup Adamvo's xmonad.hs

Example configurations

Below are some example configurations from fellow xmonad users. Feel free to add links to your own.

  • brisbin33 :: simple, useful, readable :: config screenshot
  • jelly :: Configuration with prompt, different layouts, twinview with xmobar :: xmonad.hs
  • MrElendig :: Simple configuration, with xmobar :: xmonad.hs, .xmobarrc, screenshot.
  • thayer :: A minimal mouse-friendly config ideal for netbooks :: configs screenshot
  • vicfryzel :: Beautiful and usable xmonad configuration, along with xmobar configuration, xinitrc, dmenu, and other scripts that make xmonad more usable. :: git repository, screenshot.
  • vogt :: Check out adamvo's config and many others in the official Xmonad/Config archive

Troubleshooting

GNOME 3 and xmonad

With the release of GNOME 3, some additional steps are necessary to make GNOME play nicely with xmonad.

Either install xmonad-gnome3AUR from the AUR, or, manually:

Add an xmonad session file for use by gnome-session (/usr/share/gnome-session/sessions/xmonad.session): 

[GNOME Session]
Name=Xmonad session
RequiredComponents=gnome-panel;gnome-settings-daemon;
RequiredProviders=windowmanager;notifications;
DefaultProvider-windowmanager=xmonad
DefaultProvider-notifications=notification-daemon

Create a desktop file for GDM (/usr/share/xsessions/xmonad-gnome-session.desktop): 

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Xmonad GNOME
Comment=Tiling window manager
TryExec=/usr/bin/gnome-session
Exec=gnome-session --session=xmonad
Type=XSession

Create or edit this file (/usr/share/applications/xmonad.desktop): 

[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Encoding=UTF-8
Name=Xmonad
Exec=xmonad
NoDisplay=true
X-GNOME-WMName=Xmonad
X-GNOME-Autostart-Phase=WindowManager
X-GNOME-Provides=windowmanager
X-GNOME-Autostart-Notify=false

Finally, install xmonad-contrib and create or edit ~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs to have the following 

import XMonad
import XMonad.Config.Gnome

main = xmonad gnomeConfig

Xmonad should now appear in the list of GDM sessions and also play nicely with gnome-session itself.

Compositing in GNOME and Xmonad

Some applications look better (e.g. GNOME Do) when composition is enabled. This is, however not, the case in the default Xmonad window manager. To enable it add an additional .desktop file /usr/share/xsessions/xmonad-gnome-session-composite.desktop: 

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Xmonad GNOME (Composite)
Comment=Tiling window manager
TryExec=/usr/bin/gnome-session
Exec=/usr/sbin/gnome-xmonad-composite
Type=XSession

And create /usr/sbin/gnome-xmonad-composite and chmod +x /usr/sbin/gnome-xmonad-composite: 

xcompmgr &
gnome-session --session=xmonad

Now choose "Xmonad GNOME (Composite)" in the list of sessions during login. Reference man xcompmgr for additional "eye candy".

GDM 2.x/KDM cannot find xmonad

You can force GDM to launch xmonad by creating the file xmonad.desktop in the /usr/share/xsessions directory and add the contents: 

[Desktop Entry]
Encoding=UTF-8
Name=xmonad
Comment=This session starts xmonad
Exec=/usr/bin/xmonad
Type=Application

Now xmonad will show in your GDM session menu. Thanks to Santanu Chatterjee for the hint.

For KDM, you will need to create the file here as /usr/share/apps/kdm/sessions/xmonad.desktop

Official documentation can be found here: Haskell Documentation Page

Missing xmonad-i386-linux or xmonad-x86_64-linux

Xmonad should automatically create the xmonad-i386-linux file (in ~/.xmonad/). If this it not the case you can grab a cool looking config file from the xmonad wiki or create your own. Put the .hs and all others files in ~/.xmonad/ and run this command from the folder: 

xmonad --recompile

Now you should see the file.

Note: A reason you may get an error message saying that xmonad-x86_64-linux is missing is that xmonad-contrib is not installed.

Problems with Java applications

The standard Java GUI toolkit has a hard-coded list of "non-reparenting" window managers. Since xmonad is not in that list, there can be some problems with running some Java applications. One of the most common problems is "gray blobs", when the Java application renders as a plain gray box instead of rendering the GUI.

There are several things that may help:

  • If you are using jre7-openjdk, uncomment the line export _JAVA_AWT_WM_NONREPARENTING=1 in /etc/profile.d/jre.sh. Then, source the file /etc/profile.d/jre.sh or log out and log back in.
  • If you are using Oracle's JRE/JDK, the best solution is usually to use SetWMName. However, its effect may be nullified if one also uses XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops, in which case
 >> setWMName "LG3D"

added to the LogHook may help.

For more details about the problem, refer to the xmonad FAQ.

Empty space at the bottom of gvim or terminals

See Vim#Empty space at the bottom of gVim windows for a solution which makes the area match the background color.

For rxvt-unicode, you can use rxvt-unicode-patchedAUR.

You can also configure xmonad to respect size hints, but this will leave a gap instead. See the documentation on Xmonad.Layout.LayoutHints.

Chromium/Chrome will not go fullscreen

If Chrome fails to go fullscreen when Template:Keypress is pressed, you can use the XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops extension found in the xmonad-contrib package. Simply add the import statement to your ~/.xmonad/xmonad.hs: 

import XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops

and then add handleEventHook = fullscreenEventHook to the appropriate place; for example: 

...
        xmonad $ defaultConfig
            { modMask            = mod4Mask
            , handleEventHook    = fullscreenEventHook
            }
...

After a recompile/restart of xmonad, Chromium should now respond to Template:Keypress (fullscreen) as expected.

Multitouch / touchegg

Touchégg polls the window manager for the _NET_CLIENT_LIST (in order to fetch a list of windows it should listen for mouse events on.) By default, xmonad does not supply this property. To enable this, use the XMonad.Hooks.EwmhDesktops extension found in the xmonad-contrib package.

Keybinding issues with an azerty keyboard layout

Users with a keyboard with azerty layout can run into issues with certain keybindings. Using the XMonad.Config.Azerty module will solve this.

GNOME 3 mod4+p changes display configuration instead of launching dmenu

If you do not need the capability to switch the display-setup in the gnome-control-center, just execute 

dconf write /org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/xrandr/active false

as your user, to disable the xrandr plugin which grabs Super+p.

Other Resources

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