i3 (with examples)

i3 is a dynamic tiling window manager primarily designed for X11, which allows for efficient window management on Linux. It provides a minimalistic and lightweight approach to organizing your workspace, maximizing productivity by eliminating unnecessary window clutter. This article aims to illustrate various use cases of the i3 command and provide code examples for each.

Starting i3

Starting i3 is as simple as executing the i3 command in your terminal. However, it is important to note that a pre-existing window manager should not be open when running this command. This command initializes i3 and replaces the current window manager, providing a fresh environment for you to work with.

i3

Opening a New Terminal Window

To open a new terminal window in i3, you can use the keybinding Super + Return. The Super key is typically the “Windows” key. This command is especially useful for quickly accessing a terminal when working within i3, without the need to navigate through menus or use your mouse.

Super + Return

Creating a New Workspace

i3 allows you to create multiple workspaces to organize your windows and applications. To create a new workspace, you can use the keybinding Super + Shift + number, where number corresponds to the workspace number you want to create. The Shift modifier key is used here to differentiate this command from switching between existing workspaces.

Super + Shift + 2

Creating a new workspace can be helpful when you want to separate your different projects or categories of work. For example, if you’re working on a software development project and need to switch to a document editing task, creating a new workspace for each can help maintain a clear distinction between the two.

Switching to a Workspace

After creating multiple workspaces in i3, you may want to switch between them effortlessly. The keybinding Super + number allows you to quickly switch to a specific workspace by pressing the corresponding number key. This command is useful when you have multiple applications and windows assigned to different workspaces and need to navigate between them quickly.

Super + 3

By mapping specific applications to different workspaces, you can efficiently switch between them while keeping your focus on the active task at hand.

Opening a New Window Horizontally

In i3, you can open new windows either horizontally or vertically depending on your preference. To open a new window horizontally, you can use the keybinding Super + h. This command splits the current window horizontally and opens a new window on the right side.

Super + h

This command comes in handy when you want to compare or work on two separate files side by side within the same workspace, increasing productivity by eliminating the need to switch between applications.

Opening a New Window Vertically

Similar to opening a new window horizontally, i3 allows you to open windows vertically within the workspace. By using the keybinding Super + v, you can split the current window vertically and open a new window below it.

Super + v

This command provides an efficient way to work with multiple documents or applications that require vertical orientation, such as viewing long code files or reading lengthy articles.

Opening an Application

Launching applications within i3 is straightforward. To open an application, you can use the keybinding Super + D followed by typing the name of the application you want to launch. This command activates the application launcher, allowing you to quickly search for and open any application installed on your system.

Super + D

This command is particularly useful when you need to open an application without navigating through menus or searching for it in the application launcher. By typing the initial letters of the application name, i3 automatically filters and displays relevant results, providing a fast and efficient means of launching applications.

By employing the various i3 commands discussed in this article, you can enhance your workflow, streamline window management, and boost productivity. Whether it’s creating workspaces, switching between them, or opening windows and applications in different layouts, i3 offers a customizable and efficient window management solution for Linux users.