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i3
What i3 is
i3 is a free, open-source tiling window manager written from scratch, aimed primarily at advanced users and developers. It arranges windows in a tree and offers split, stacking and tabbed layouts. Users can group windows into workspaces and associate workspaces with multiple screens. A configuration file controls key bindings, application startup, workspace assignments and colors. The project’s multi-monitor goals include supporting screens attached or detached during operation, as well as rotated monitors. i3 also provides an inter-process communication interface that accepts commands and supports event subscriptions. Its documentation describes integrations with i3bar, i3status and external workspace bar programs such as dzen2. The project targets GNU/Linux and BSD and describes i3 as an X11 window manager. Installation is recommended through packages supplied by the user's distribution; Debian and Ubuntu repositories are also provided. The downloads page lists version 4.25.1 as the current stable release, dated 2026-02-06, and asks users to verify release signatures before use. i3 is licensed under BSD.
Who it suits
i3 suits advanced users and developers on GNU/Linux or BSD who want configurable tiling layouts and workspace controls in an X11 window manager.
What it does well
- Offers split, stacking and tabbed window layouts.
- Workspaces can be associated with multiple screens.
- Configuration covers key bindings, startup and colors.
- IPC accepts commands and provides event subscriptions.
- Free and open source under the BSD license.
What to know first
- It is an X11 window manager.
- Targets GNU/Linux and BSD.
- Configuration is handled through a file.
- The project primarily targets advanced users and developers.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| i3 | Free and Open Source Software · BSD license · GNU/Linux and BSD | Free |
As i3wm.org lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the i3 website and read the user guide.
- Install the package provided by your distribution, or use the Debian or Ubuntu repositories.
- Configure key bindings, application startup, workspace assignments and colors in the configuration file.
- Verify the cryptographic signature of a release before using it.
Verdict
i3 offers configurable tiling, workspace and multi-monitor controls for GNU/Linux and BSD. Its X11 focus and file-based configuration are important considerations for prospective users.
Questions
Does i3 cost anything?
No. i3 is free and open source under the BSD license.
Which operating systems does i3 target?
The project lists GNU/Linux and BSD as its target operating systems. i3 is an X11 window manager.
How can I install i3?
The project recommends using packages provided by your distribution. It also provides Debian and Ubuntu repositories.
What layouts does i3 support?
Its tree-based window arrangement supports split, stacking and tabbed layouts.
Can i3 work with multiple monitors?
The project goals include multi-monitor support, attaching or detaching monitors while running, and rotated monitors.
What license does i3 use?
The project describes i3 as free and open source under the BSD license.
Facts from i3's own pages
- Configuration
- Users can customize key bindings, application startup, workspace assignments, and colors through a configuration file. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Current release
- The downloads page lists version 4.25.1 as the current stable release, dated 2026-02-06. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Documentation and help
- The user guide directs users to GitHub Discussions, IRC, or the mailing list for questions. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Founded
- 2009 · i3wm.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Installation
- The project recommends using packages provided by the user's distribution and also provides Debian and Ubuntu repositories. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The documentation describes i3bar, i3status, and external workspace bar programs such as dzen2. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- The project primarily targets advanced users and developers. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- IPC
- i3 provides an inter-process communication interface that accepts commands and supports event subscriptions. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- License
- The project describes its software as free and open source under the BSD license. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Multi-monitor
- The project goals include multi-monitor support, including attaching or detaching monitors during operation and rotated monitors. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Notable limit
- The project describes i3 as an X11 window manager and lists GNU/Linux and BSD as its target operating systems. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Product
- i3 is a tiling window manager written from scratch. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Release security
- The downloads page says releases are cryptographically signed and asks users to verify them before use. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Window layouts
- i3 arranges windows in a tree and supports split, stacking, and tabbed layouts. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Workspaces
- Users can group windows into workspaces and associate workspaces with multiple screens. · i3wm.org, 30 Sept 2026
Where i3 stands on Freedom251
- Window Management Software#16 of 65