Gnome extension with a tiling function
Strictly Structured
The Gnome extension Material Shell organizes the windows on your desktop, giving you many options for smoothly switching between different applications and views.
Ever since Xerox Alto, the first workstation with a graphical user interface, was introduced in 1973, computer users have been pushing windowed applications across the screen with a click of the mouse [1]. At that time, the motion was still very jerky when moving open applications. Today, organizing applications on the desktop is hardly likely to faze the computer's graphics card.
Especially on systems with small monitors, however, freely floating windows have disadvantages: For example, the control elements for reducing, enlarging, or closing windows require valuable space on the screen. The now common screen format with resolutions in the 16:9 ratio intensifies the problem compared to the previously common 4:3 format. There is a massive amount of space available horizontally, but every pixel counts in the vertical direction.
Many users therefore prefer a tiling window manager (like i3 or herbstluftwm) that organizes the windows in a static grid on the screen. If windows cannot be moved freely, you don't need a window bar. In addition, there is often no need to use the mouse – the windows can be arranged on the screen using keyboard shortcuts.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.
-
EndeavorOS Mercury Neo Available
A new release from the EndeavorOS team ships with Plasma 6.3 and other goodies.