mutter

mutter [OPTIONS]

--version
    Displays the Mutter version information and exits.

--display=DISPLAY
    Specifies the X display to connect to when running in an X11 environment.

--sync
    Synchronizes with the X server for debugging purposes, potentially reducing performance.

--debug
    Enables verbose debugging output, useful for troubleshooting graphical issues.

--replace
    Instructs Mutter to replace any currently running window manager.

--nested
    Starts Mutter as a nested Wayland compositor, typically for testing or development.

--enable-xwayland
    Forces the explicit enablement of XWayland support, allowing X11 applications to run under Wayland.

--disable-xwayland
    Disables XWayland support, preventing X11 applications from running under Wayland.

--wayland
    Forces Mutter to use the Wayland backend for compositing, even if X11 might be available.

--no-x11
    Disables the X11 backend entirely, ensuring Mutter runs purely on Wayland.

Mutter is the cornerstone of the GNOME desktop environment, serving as its primary window manager and display compositor. It is responsible for drawing windows, handling window placement, resizing, and focus, and managing visual effects like shadows and transparency. Built upon OpenGL for rendering, Mutter integrates with both Wayland and X11 display protocols, providing a modern and efficient graphical experience.

Unlike typical command-line utilities, Mutter is not usually invoked directly by end-users. Instead, it starts automatically as an integral part of the GNOME session, working in conjunction with GNOME Shell to provide the complete desktop interface. Direct command-line usage is generally reserved for developers, debugging purposes, or highly customized desktop setups.

Mutter is a core system component and not a general-purpose command-line utility for end-users. Incorrect direct invocation can lead to a non-functional or unstable desktop environment. It is primarily managed by the desktop session manager.

Many of its command-line options are intended for debugging or development and should be used with caution.

Mutter provides several critical functionalities for the GNOME desktop:

Compositing: It combines the contents of all open windows into a single image before sending it to the display, enabling visual effects like shadows, transparency, and animations.

Window Management: It handles the placement, resizing, minimizing, maximizing, and closing of application windows, ensuring a consistent user interaction.

Display Protocol Integration: It acts as the bridge between applications and the display hardware, supporting both the traditional X11 protocol and the modern Wayland protocol.

Mutter was developed as a replacement for Metacity, the previous window manager for GNOME 2. Its name is a portmanteau combining 'Metacity' and 'Clutter' (a graphics library which Mutter historically utilized for its rendering). It first appeared as the default window manager and compositor for GNOME 3, marking a significant shift towards modern compositing and Wayland support, enhancing the visual fidelity and responsiveness of the desktop experience.

gnome-shell(1), Xorg(1), wayland(7), gsettings(1)