mutter

mutter [options]

--version
    Display the version number and exit.

--help
    Display help information and exit.

--replace
    Replace the current window manager.

--sm-disable
    Disable session management.

--display display
    X display to use.

Mutter, short for Metacity Util Toolkit, is a window manager and compositing manager for the X Window System.

It is a core component of the GNOME desktop environment, but can also be used independently.

Mutter combines a sophisticated composition engine with solid window-management features based on the Metacity window manager. It is responsible for drawing windows, managing window positions, and handling input events.

Its compositing capabilities enable visual effects like transparency, shadows, and animations, enhancing the user experience.

Mutter supports various window management features such as window resizing, moving, maximizing, minimizing and tiling.

It also provides support for multiple workspaces (virtual desktops). Mutter aims to provide a robust and flexible window management solution that integrates well with modern desktop environments.

Mutter's behavior can be highly dependent on the specific GNOME version and configuration. Some command-line options may have limited functionality when Mutter is used as the default window manager within a larger desktop environment.

Mutter's behavior can be configured through the GNOME settings application or through the dconf database. Various settings control aspects such as keyboard shortcuts, window placement policies, and compositing effects.

Mutter supports extensions that can extend its functionality and customize its behavior. These extensions can provide additional window management features, visual effects, or integration with other applications.

Mutter evolved from Metacity, the default window manager for GNOME 2.

It was created to provide a more modern and flexible foundation for window management and compositing in GNOME 3.

Mutter integrates Clutter, a scene graph-based toolkit, for enhanced visual effects and animation capabilities.

Over time, it has undergone numerous improvements and optimizations to enhance performance, stability, and feature set.

It became the default window manager for GNOME Shell, the primary user interface for the GNOME desktop environment.

metacity(1), gnome-shell(1)