spectrwm

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Score7.0

Rank#3 of 64

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onLinux, macOS, Windows

Summary

spectrwm is a small, dynamic tiling and reparenting window manager for X11. It arranges windows using configurable layouts, including a resizable master area, while also allowing floating windows to be moved and resized. Users can move windows between workspaces or within defined regions, and navigate screens by keyboard or mouse. It supports dynamic RandR multi-head configurations, offers a customizable status bar and quick launch menu, and lets users define application-launch key bindings. The software has defaults intended to work without requiring users to learn a programming language for configuration. It can be restarted without losing state and supports Extended Window Manager Hints. spectrwm is free under the ISC license. The project lists version 3.7.0 as its latest release and directs questions and feedback to its #spectrwm channel on OFTC IRC. Listed platforms are Linux, macOS, and Windows; its stated purpose is managing X11 windows.

Who it is for

spectrwm suits people using X11 who want configurable tiling layouts and keyboard- or mouse-based window navigation. It may also fit users who want to define workspaces, regions, and application-launch shortcuts without learning a programming language for configuration.

What is good

Free software released under the ISC license.
Supports configurable layouts and a resizable master area.
Windows can move between workspaces or defined regions.
Customizable status bar and quick launch menu.
Can restart without losing state.

What to know first

Its stated purpose is window management for X11.
Feedback and questions are directed to an OFTC IRC channel.

Verdict

spectrwm offers configurable tiling, floating windows, and workspace controls for X11. Its X11 focus and IRC support channel are worth considering when deciding whether it suits your setup.

spectrwm plans and pricing

All plans

spectrwm Free ISC licensed · window manager for X11 github.com · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on window management software

Free plan: Yesspectrwm.org
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windowsspectrwm.org
Layout presets: Yesspectrwm.org
Application rules: Yesspectrwm.org
Virtual desktop controls: Yesspectrwm.org

Facts

Purpose: spectrwm is a small, dynamic tiling and reparenting window manager for X11.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Configuration: It has sane defaults and can be configured without learning a programming language.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Displays: It supports dynamic RandR multi-head configurations.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Navigation: Users can navigate across screens with the keyboard or mouse.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Status bar: The status bar is customizable.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Layouts: It offers multiple screen layouts, configurable tiling, and a resizable master area.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Workspaces: Windows can be moved to any workspace or within a region, and users can define regions.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Floating windows: Users can move and resize floating windows, and can drag tiled windows to float.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Launch controls: It includes a quick launch menu and user-defined key bindings for launching applications.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Restart: It can be restarted without losing state.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Compatibility: It supports Extended Window Manager Hints (EWMH).github.com · 30 Sept 2026
License: spectrwm is released under the ISC license.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Support: The project directs users to its #spectrwm channel on OFTC IRC for feedback and questions.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Latest listed release: The releases page lists spectrwm 3.7.0 as its latest release.github.com · 30 Sept 2026