fvwm

highly configurable X11 window manager

TLDR

Start FVWM

$ fvwm

Start with specific config

$ fvwm -f [~/.fvwm/config]

Replace running window manager

$ fvwm --replace

Show version

$ fvwm --version

FVWM (F Virtual Window Manager) is a highly configurable window manager for X11. It provides virtual desktops, extensive theming, and a powerful configuration language.FVWM is known for its flexibility and low resource usage. Configuration is done through a text file with commands for window decoration, menus, keybindings, and module loading.

PARAMETERS

-f file

Configuration file.

-c command

Execute command on startup.

-d display

X display to use.

--replace

Replace running window manager.

-s

Single screen mode.

-v, --version

Show version.

CONFIGURATION

~/.fvwm/config

Main configuration file for window styles, keybindings, menus, and modules.

CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE

$ # ~/.fvwm/config
Style * BorderWidth 5
Style * HandleWidth 5
Style * MWMButtons

Key Tab A M WindowList Root c c

Mouse 1 R A Menu MainMenu
Mouse 3 R A WindowList

AddToMenu MainMenu "Main" Title
+ "Terminal" Exec exec xterm
+ "Exit" Quit

INSTALL

sudo dnf install fvwm

sudo apk add fvwm

nix profile install nixpkgs#fvwm

CAVEATS

Configuration has learning curve. Documentation can be sparse. FVWM3 is the current major version. Some features require external modules.

HISTORY

FVWM was derived from TWM by Robert Nation in 1993. The name originally meant "Feeble Virtual Window Manager" but the meaning has been changed multiple times. FVWM2 was a major rewrite in 1996, and FVWM3 was released in 2020.