How to Use the Command 'wmctrl' (with examples)

The wmctrl command-line utility is a powerful tool for interacting with and managing X Window Managers. It allows users to manipulate windows in various ways, such as listing all open windows, switching focus, moving windows between workspaces, and toggling fullscreen mode. This command is particularly useful for users who want to automate or script window management tasks without relying on graphical tools. wmctrl provides a concise and scriptable interface to perform complex window management operations effortlessly.

Use case 1: List all windows, managed by the window manager

Code:

wmctrl -l

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want an overview of all the open windows managed by your X Window Manager. For instance, a user might have multiple applications running and would like to see a list of them to determine if a needed application is already open, or to locate a specific application that might be hidden behind others.

Explanation:

• wmctrl: Calls the utility.
• -l: This flag tells wmctrl to list all the windows currently managed by the window manager. This includes providing information such as window IDs, desktop numbers, and window titles.

Example output:

0x03200007  1  unknown  Terminal
0x03400029  2  unknown  Web Browser - Mozilla Firefox
0x0340004c  0  unknown  Notes.txt - gedit

This output shows window IDs, the workspace number each window is on, an identifier for the host, and the window title.

Use case 2: Switch to the first window whose (partial) title matches

Code:

wmctrl -a window_title

Motivation: In situations where multiple windows are open, finding the one you want could be cumbersome. This command streamlines the process by allowing you to rapidly switch focus to a window based on a partial string in its title. Suppose you have several browsers open, but you are looking for the one displaying your email; using part of the email subject or web address could quickly direct you to that tab.

Explanation:

• wmctrl: Calls the utility.
• -a: This argument switches the focus to the first window that matches the provided window_title. The match doesn’t have to be exact; as long as the title includes the given string, it will switch to that window.
• window_title: A string representing part of the window’s title you want to focus on.

Example output: (Switches focus to the terminal where window_title is found in the title.)

Use case 3: Move a window to the current workspace, raise it and give it focus

Code:

wmctrl -R window_title

Motivation: This command is particularly helpful when you are multitasking across multiple workspaces and need a specific window to be brought to your current workspace for immediate action. For example, you might be working on an email but suddenly need a document from a word processor that is open in another workspace. Instead of manually switching workspaces, you can use this command to bring the word processor to your workspace and focus.

Explanation:

• wmctrl: Calls the utility.
• -R: This command does three things: it moves the specified window to the current workspace, brings it to the top, and focuses on it.
• window_title: A string that identifies the window you want to move based on its title.

Example output: (The specified window appears in the current workspace and gains focus.)

Use case 4: Switch to a workspace

Code:

wmctrl -s workspace_number

Motivation: Switching between workspaces is a routine task in environments where multiple virtual desktops are utilized to organize different tasks. This use case allows you to quickly jump to a specific workspace without navigating the graphical user interface, beneficial for users who prefer keyboard shortcuts or are operating within a script.

Explanation:

• wmctrl: Calls the utility.
• -s: This flag informs wmctrl to switch to the specified workspace.
• workspace_number: This is the zero-based index of the workspace you want to switch to.

Example output: (Screen changes to display the specified workspace.)

Use case 5: Select a window and toggle fullscreen

Code:

wmctrl -r window_title -b toggle,fullscreen

Motivation: Being able to quickly toggle fullscreen mode on a window can enhance focus and productivity by reducing distractions. For instance, when giving a presentation, you may want to fullscreen your slideshow. Alternatively, toggling out of fullscreen can be useful for accessing other applications without closing the fullscreen application.

Explanation:

• wmctrl: Calls the utility.
• -r: Targets the window you specify.
• window_title: The title or partial title of the window you want to manipulate.
• -b: This allows you to specify a property change.
• toggle,fullscreen: Toggles the fullscreen state of the specified window.

Example output: (The specified window either enters or exits fullscreen mode.)

Use case 6: Select a window and move it to a workspace

Code:

wmctrl -r window_title -t workspace_number

Motivation: Managing window placement across multiple workspaces can be critical for organizing tasks and reducing clutter. This use case allows you to delegate specific windows to distinct workspaces. For example, during complex projects, you might want to organize your development environment, web browsing, and testing on separate workspaces to enhance workflow and focus.

Explanation:

• wmctrl: Calls the utility.
• -r: Selects the window based on the title.
• window_title: String indicating the target window.
• -t: Moves the selected window.
• workspace_number: The zero-based workspace number to which the window should be moved.

Example output: (The specified window moves to the indicated workspace and no longer appears in the current workspace.)

Conclusion:

The wmctrl command is a versatile tool that empowers users to efficiently manage their desktop environment via the command line. Whether you’re listing windows, switching focus, or organizing your workspaces, wmctrl proves invaluable in maintaining an organized, efficient workflow on X Window Managers. Its flexibility and ease of use make it a must-have for power users and anyone looking to streamline their window management tasks.