metacity

metacity [OPTION...]

--replace
    Replaces a currently running window manager with a new Metacity instance. Useful for switching window managers on the fly.

--display=DISPLAY
    Specifies the X display to connect to. Typically used in multi-display or remote scenarios.

--version
    Prints the Metacity version information and exits.

--sm-disable
    Disables session management, preventing Metacity from interacting with the session manager.

--sync
    Makes X requests synchronous, primarily for debugging purposes. This can significantly slow down performance.

--no-force-window-manager
    Prevents Metacity from attempting to become the window manager if one is already running. Useful for testing or specific setups.

Metacity is a lightweight window manager for the X Window System, primarily known as the default window manager for GNOME 2. Its design philosophy prioritizes simplicity and adherence to standard specifications like ICCCM and EWMH, focusing on core window management functionality rather than elaborate visual effects or extensive configurability.

It is responsible for essential tasks such as drawing window frames (borders and title bars), handling window placement, managing input focus, and controlling window states (minimization, maximization, closing). Unlike modern compositing window managers, Metacity does not provide desktop effects or integrated compositing; it offloads these responsibilities to other components or relies on a separate compositing manager.

While superseded by Mutter in GNOME 3, Metacity remains a viable option for users seeking a stable, efficient, and low-resource window manager, particularly in older GNOME environments or custom lightweight desktop setups.

Metacity has been largely superseded by Mutter as the default window manager in GNOME 3 and later versions, which integrates compositing. Metacity itself does not provide compositing effects. While still available, its development is less active, primarily focusing on maintenance rather than new features. It is best suited for older GNOME 2 environments or as a lightweight alternative for basic window management.

Metacity strictly adheres to the Inter-Client Communication Conventions Manual (ICCCM) and the Extended Window Manager Hints (EWMH) specifications. Its philosophy prioritizes stability, responsiveness, and adherence to GNOME's Human Interface Guidelines over extensive user customization or flashy visual effects.

Unlike modern window managers like Mutter or KWin, Metacity does not natively provide compositing functionality. If desktop effects or transparency are desired, a separate compositing manager (e.g., Compton or Picom) must be used in conjunction with Metacity.

Metacity was developed to replace Sawfish as the default window manager for GNOME 2, aiming for a simpler, more user-friendly experience compliant with GNOME's Human Interface Guidelines. It was designed to provide a stable and efficient environment without focusing on extensive configurability or visual effects, which were often seen as distracting.

With the advent of GNOME 3, Metacity was replaced by Mutter, a new window manager that integrates Clutter for advanced graphical effects and compositing. Despite this, Metacity continues to be maintained for use in GNOME Flashback sessions and other environments where a lightweight, non-compositing window manager is preferred.

mutter(1), gnome-session(1), xprop(1), wmctrl(1), xinit(1)