i3 cheat sheet

Guri Bee

2 min read

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23-10-2024

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i3 Window Manager Cheat Sheet: Master Your Desktop

i3 is a powerful and flexible tiling window manager known for its speed, minimalism, and customization options. This cheat sheet will guide you through the essential commands and shortcuts for efficient work and a streamlined desktop experience.

Navigation and Window Management

Basic Commands:

• mod + Enter: Opens a new terminal.
• mod + Shift + Enter: Opens a new terminal in a new workspace.
• mod + Return: Opens a new i3bar.
• mod + Space: Cycle through windows in the current workspace.
• mod + Shift + Space: Cycle through windows in the current workspace in reverse order.
• mod + Tab: Cycle through workspaces.
• mod + Shift + Tab: Cycle through workspaces in reverse order.
• mod + Arrow Keys: Move the focused window.
• mod + Shift + Arrow Keys: Move the focused window to the next workspace in the specified direction.
• mod + q: Close the focused window.
• mod + Shift + q: Close all windows in the current workspace.
• mod + r: Restart i3.
• mod + e: Execute a command.
• mod + p: Open the i3 dmenu launcher.

Layout Management:

• mod + h: Split the focused window horizontally.
• mod + v: Split the focused window vertically.
• mod + Shift + h: Move the focused window to the left.
• mod + Shift + v: Move the focused window to the top.
• mod + Shift + Enter: Toggles fullscreen mode for the focused window.
• mod + Return: Toggles floating mode for the focused window.

Workspace Management:

• mod + 1-10: Switch to the specified workspace (1-10).
• mod + Shift + 1-10: Move the focused window to the specified workspace (1-10).
• mod + Shift + c: Create a new workspace.
• mod + Shift + k: Kill the current workspace.

Additional Tips:

• mod + d: Show the i3 desktop.
• mod + Shift + d: Show the i3 desktop with the focused window.
• mod + x: Shows the i3 status bar.
• mod + Shift + x: Hides the i3 status bar.
• mod + Shift + s: Toggles the status bar display.

Configuration:

• ~/.i3/config: This file contains the i3 configuration. You can customize everything from keybindings to window layout behavior.
• i3-msg: Use this command to send commands to i3, like:
  • i3-msg restart: Restart the i3 window manager.
  • i3-msg exit: Quit the i3 window manager.

Practical Examples

Scenario 1: Efficient Code Editing

1. Open a terminal (mod + Enter).
2. Launch your code editor (mod + Shift + Enter).
3. Open your file manager (mod + Shift + Enter).
4. Split the code editor window vertically (mod + v).
5. Place your file manager on the left (mod + Shift + h).

Now you have a clean and efficient coding setup with the editor and file manager side-by-side.

Scenario 2: Multitasking with Workspaces

1. Open your browser (mod + Enter).
2. Move to workspace 2 (mod + 2).
3. Open your email client (mod + Shift + Enter).
4. Switch back to workspace 1 (mod + 1).

You can now quickly switch between your browser and email without clutter in your workspace.

Further Exploration

This cheat sheet provides a foundation for using i3. For advanced features, customization, and a deeper understanding of the i3 configuration, explore the following resources:

• Official i3 Documentation: https://i3wm.org/docs/
• i3 Wiki: https://i3wm.org/docs/wiki.html
• i3 Forum: https://i3wm.org/forum/

These resources offer extensive information on i3, including guides on customizing your workspace, creating complex layouts, and utilizing i3bar and i3status.

Disclaimer: This cheat sheet is based on information and examples found on GitHub repositories, specifically the i3wm repository (https://github.com/i3/i3).

Remember: The beauty of i3 is its adaptability. Experiment with different shortcuts, layouts, and configuration settings to create a desktop experience tailored to your needs and preferences.