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Ratpoison

Ratpoison is a free Linux window manager modeled largely after GNU Screen.

Place
#46 of 65
Score
5.7
Ratpoison's website

What Ratpoison is

Ratpoison is a free Linux window manager modeled largely after GNU Screen. All interaction uses keystrokes through a prefix map rather than pointer-driven controls. Its screen can be divided into non-overlapping frames, with each frame holding at most one maximized window. Frames can split horizontally or vertically, and commands let you switch between X11 screens and move across them. The manual describes status-bar customization, including changing its font and position. Hooks allow scripts to respond to Ratpoison events, while commands can also run non-interactively through its command-line interface. The official site presents it without large library dependencies, graphical effects, or window decorations. Some programs may be difficult to use when they expect other window-management paradigms. The site lists version 1.4.9 as the current stable release, with source archives and Git links. Documentation, a FAQ, wiki, mailing list, and Libera.Chat IRC channel are listed support resources. Ratpoison is distributed under GPL version 2 or later.

Good

  • Free plan for Linux users
  • Keyboard-only interaction through prefix commands
  • Horizontal and vertical frame splits
  • Hooks support event-driven scripts
  • Switching across X11 screens

Watch out

  • Some programs may be difficult to use
  • Each frame shows at most one window
  • No graphical window decorations

Who it suits

Ratpoison suits Linux users who prefer keyboard-only window management and maximized windows arranged in frames. It is also relevant for users who want scripting hooks and command-line control.

Verdict

Ratpoison focuses on keyboard commands, framed layouts, and scripting rather than graphical decoration. Its compatibility limitation matters for software designed around other window-management models.

Plans and prices

From Ratpoison's own pricing page, checked 5 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
RatpoisonFreeCurrent stable version listed as 1.4.9

The facts

Each one read from Ratpoison's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Automation
Users can attach scripts to Ratpoison events using hooks.checked 5 Oct 2026
Command line
Ratpoison commands can be invoked non-interactively, including through its command-line interface.checked 5 Oct 2026
Compatibility limit
The manual notes that some programs are difficult to use under Ratpoison because they are tailored to particular window management paradigms.checked 5 Oct 2026
Customization
The manual describes visual customization options for the status bar, including its font and position.checked 5 Oct 2026
Dependencies and interface
The official site describes Ratpoison as having no large library dependencies, fancy graphics, or window decorations.checked 5 Oct 2026
Downloads
The official site lists version 1.4.9 as the current stable release and links to source archives and Git.checked 5 Oct 2026
Frame layout
Frames can be split horizontally or vertically, and each frame can show at most one window.checked 5 Oct 2026
Frames
The screen can be split into non-overlapping frames, with windows kept maximized inside them.checked 5 Oct 2026
Keyboard control
All interaction with the window manager is done through keystrokes, using a prefix map.checked 5 Oct 2026
License
The manual states that Ratpoison is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2 or later.checked 5 Oct 2026
Multiple screens
Commands let users switch among X11 screens and navigate across screens.checked 5 Oct 2026
Product
Ratpoison is a simple window manager modeled largely after GNU Screen.checked 5 Oct 2026
Support
The site points users to a mailing list for bugs and development, documentation, a FAQ, a wiki, and the #ratpoison IRC channel on Libera.Chat.checked 5 Oct 2026

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