compiz

compositing window manager with 3D effects

TLDR

Start Compiz window manager

$ compiz

Start with specific plugins

$ compiz --replace [cube] [rotate] [wobbly]

Replace current window manager

$ compiz --replace

Start with OpenGL fallback

$ compiz --indirect-rendering

Run Compiz configuration manager

$ ccsm

SYNOPSIS

compiz [--replace] [options] [plugins]

Compiz is a compositing window manager for X11 that uses OpenGL for rendering, enabling advanced visual effects like transparency, shadows, animations, and the famous desktop cube. It provides a plugin architecture allowing extensive customization.
Compiz replaces the standard window manager (like Metacity or Mutter) and handles window decoration, positioning, and effects. The ccsm (CompizConfig Settings Manager) provides a GUI for configuring plugins and effects.
The window manager integrates with desktop environments, particularly GNOME and KDE, providing enhanced visual feedback while maintaining standard window management functionality.

PARAMETERS

--replace

Replace currently running window manager.

--indirect-rendering

Use indirect OpenGL rendering (for compatibility).

--loose-binding

Use loose texture binding.

--sm-disable

Disable session management.

--no-fbo

Disable framebuffer objects.

--display display

X display to use.

--debug

Enable debug output.

CONFIGURATION

~/.config/compiz-1/compizconfig/Default.ini

User-specific Compiz settings and enabled plugins.

/etc/compizconfig/config

System-wide Compiz configuration.

POPULAR PLUGINS

cube: Desktop cube effect
rotate: Rotate desktop cube
expo: Expose-like workspace view
wobbly: Wobbly windows effect
scale: Window picker/scale
shift: Window switcher effect
animation: Window open/close animations
wall: Desktop wall navigation
ring: Ring window switcher

CAVEATS

Requires OpenGL-capable graphics driver. Some effects are resource-intensive and may impact performance on older hardware. Compatibility issues may occur with certain applications, especially those using custom rendering. Has been largely superseded by compositors built into modern desktop environments.

HISTORY

Compiz was created by David Reveman at Novell and first released in 2006. It brought advanced 3D desktop effects to Linux, previously only seen on macOS. The desktop cube and wobbly windows became iconic Linux desktop features. Development fragmented between Compiz and Compiz Fusion before reuniting. Interest waned as GNOME Shell and KWin incorporated native compositing, though Compiz remains available.