Miracle-WM, the tiling window manager built on Canonical’s Mir display server, has released version 0.5 with some exciting new features for Wayland users. This update introduces drag-and-drop tiling, floating mini-grids, and smoother animations, making it more accessible to users transitioning from traditional desktop environments.
Drag-and-Drop Tiling: A Game-Changer for Wayland
The standout feature in Miracle-WM 0.5 is the ability to drag and drop containers within the tiling grid. This intuitive interaction allows users to rearrange their workspace effortlessly:
Step 1: Click and hold on a window’s title bar.
Step 2: Drag the window to a new position in the grid.
Step 3: Release the mouse button to drop the window into place.
The surrounding windows automatically resize to accommodate the new layout, maintaining the efficient use of screen real estate that tiling window managers are known for.
Floating Mini-Grids: Flexibility Meets Organization
Another innovative addition is the concept of floating mini-grids:
- Create a separate tiling area that floats above the main workspace.
- Ideal for grouping related tasks or applications.
- Easily move and resize the entire mini-grid as a single unit.
To create a floating mini-grid:
Step 1: Right-click on a window’s title bar.
Step 2: Select “Create Floating Grid” from the context menu.
Step 3: Drag additional windows into the new floating grid.
This feature bridges the gap between tiling and stacking window managers, offering users the best of both worlds.
Improved Animations and Performance
Miracle-WM 0.5 doesn’t just add new features; it also refines existing functionality:
- Smoother animations for window transitions and workspace switching.
- Reduced flickering issues with X11 applications running under XWayland.
- Optimized rendering for better overall performance.
These improvements contribute to a more polished and responsive user experience, especially on lower-powered hardware.
Compatibility and Integration
Miracle-WM continues to improve its compatibility with the wider Linux ecosystem:
- Implementation of i3/sway command criteria for easier configuration porting.
- Correct handling of fullscreen windows, now appearing above shell elements.
- Improved output handling for multi-monitor setups.
# Example Miracle-WM config snippet for key bindings
bindings:
- key: Super+Shift+Q
command: exit
- key: Super+Enter
command: exec $TERMINAL
- key: Super+D
command: exec $MENU
Getting Started with Miracle-WM 0.5
For Ubuntu users eager to try Miracle-WM 0.5:
Step 1: Install via snap:
sudo snap install miracle-wm
Step 2: Log out of your current session.
Step 3: Select “Miracle-WM” from the session menu at the login screen.
Step 4: Log in to your new Miracle-WM session.
For testing without a full session switch, you can run Miracle-WM in a nested Wayland window:
WAYLAND_DISPLAY=wayland-98 miracle-wm
Remember to consult the Miracle-WM documentation for detailed configuration options and customization tips.
Miracle-WM 0.5 takes significant strides in making tiling window managers more approachable for newcomers while still catering to power users. Its blend of intuitive controls and efficient workspace management positions it as a compelling option in the Wayland ecosystem.