XMonad

What it does

Configuration requirement

The quick start instructs users to create a Haskell configuration file at ~/.config/xmonad/xmonad.hs.checked 11 Oct 2026

Customization

Users can write custom layout algorithms and other extensions in Haskell configuration files.checked 11 Oct 2026

Desktop utilities

The features page lists support for GNOME and KDE utilities and XRandR monitor rotation and changes.checked 11 Oct 2026

Extensions

The separate xmonad-contrib package contains hundreds of community-maintained extensions.checked 11 Oct 2026

Installation

The project lists packages in BSD and Linux distribution repositories and provides instructions for installing from Git.checked 11 Oct 2026

Intended use

The project describes XMonad as a minimalist window manager focused on arranging windows so users can concentrate on their work.checked 11 Oct 2026

Keyboard control

Window manager features are accessible from the keyboard, and using a mouse is optional.checked 11 Oct 2026

Layouts

The default layouts are tall, wide, and fullscreen, and each virtual workspace retains its own layout.checked 11 Oct 2026

Multi-monitor support

XMonad supports multiple physical monitors through Xinerama, allowing simultaneous display of several workspaces.checked 11 Oct 2026

Product

XMonad is a dynamically tiling window manager for X11, written and configured in Haskell.checked 11 Oct 2026

Project history

The project repository says XMonad was started in 2007 by Spencer Janssen, Don Stewart, and Jason Creighton.checked 11 Oct 2026

Related tools

The download page lists dmenu and rofi as program launchers, and xmobar, polybar, and taffybar as status bars that work well with XMonad.checked 11 Oct 2026

Security and correctness

The project describes using Haskell’s type system, type-based automatic testing, and verification tools to check correctness properties.checked 11 Oct 2026

Support

The project points users to its mailing list and IRC channel for help.checked 11 Oct 2026

Window arrangement

It automatically tiles windows without gaps or overlap to maximize screen use.checked 11 Oct 2026