Freedom251 › Window Management Software
Qtile
What Qtile is
Qtile is a free, Python-written tiling window manager for Linux, also available as a Wayland compositor. Users configure it in Python and can create layouts and widgets, use built-in commands, and set application rules, group windows, and control virtual desktops. Its command shell provides a way to inspect and manage Qtile, while remote scripting can prepare workspaces, manipulate windows, and update status-bar widgets. Qtile runs as a window manager on X11 and uses the wlroots compositor library for its Wayland backend. The project offers installation guides for Arch, Fedora, Funtoo, Ubuntu/Debian, Slackware, FreeBSD, and NixOS; its stable version can also be installed from PyPI with `uv tool install qtile`. Qtile is distributed under the MIT license. The project aims to support the latest three CPython versions and usually the latest stable PyPy. Its official release prioritizes stability, while the development version has newer features and may contain bugs.
Who it suits
Qtile suits Linux users who want a tiling desktop they can configure and extend with Python. The development version is aimed at people seeking newer features or intending to work on Qtile; the official release is for those prioritizing stability.
What it does well
- Configurable entirely in Python.
- Available for X11 and Wayland.
- Supports custom layouts, widgets, and commands.
- Remote scripting can manage workspaces and windows.
- Distributed under the MIT license.
What to know first
- Wayland backend uses the wlroots compositor library.
- Development version may contain new bugs.
Limits
The free plan has no stated quotas or feature limits in these facts. The development version may contain new bugs; the Wayland backend uses wlroots.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free and open-source | MIT license · Linux desktop window manager/compositor | Free |
As qtile.org lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Install the stable version from PyPI with `uv tool install qtile`, or follow a distribution installation guide.
- Choose the X11 window manager or Wayland compositor setup for your desktop.
- Configure Qtile in Python and add layouts, widgets, or built-in commands as needed.
- Use the official release for stability, or the development version for newer features.
- Visit GitHub Discussions, IRC, or Discord for community support.
Verdict
Qtile offers Python-based control over layouts, widgets, windows, and workspaces, with both X11 and Wayland options. Choose the official release for greater stability or the development version for newer features and possible bugs.
Questions
Is Qtile free?
Yes. Qtile is distributed under the MIT license, and its listed plan is free.
Which platforms does Qtile support?
Qtile is for Linux and is available as an X11 window manager and a Wayland compositor. The project also provides installation guides for FreeBSD.
How do I install Qtile?
The stable version can be installed from PyPI with `uv tool install qtile`. Installation guides are also available for Arch, Fedora, Funtoo, Ubuntu/Debian, Slackware, FreeBSD, and NixOS.
Can I configure Qtile with Python?
Yes. Qtile is written and configured entirely in Python, and users can create layouts and widgets.
Is Qtile open source?
Yes. It is distributed under the permissive MIT license.
Which Qtile release should I choose?
The official release is recommended for stability. The development version has newer features and may contain new bugs.
Facts from Qtile's own pages
- Community support
- Support is available through GitHub Discussions, IRC and Discord, with Discord bridged to IRC. · docs.qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Configuration
- Qtile is written and configured entirely in Python. · qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Customization
- Qtile is simple, small and extensible, with user-created layouts, widgets and built-in commands. · qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Display systems
- Qtile is available as both an X11 window manager and a Wayland compositor. · docs.qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Installation
- The stable version can be installed from PyPI with the command `uv tool install qtile`. · docs.qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- The development version is recommended for users who want the latest features or plan to hack on Qtile, while the official release is recommended for users who want stability. · qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- License
- Qtile is distributed under the permissive MIT license. · qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Linux distributions
- Qtile provides installation guides for Arch, Fedora, Funtoo, Ubuntu/Debian, Slackware, FreeBSD and NixOS. · docs.qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Release channel
- The official site distinguishes a more stable official release from a development version that has newer features but may contain new bugs. · qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Remote control
- Its command shell allows all aspects of Qtile to be managed and inspected. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Runtime support
- The project aims to support the last three CPython versions and usually supports the latest stable PyPy. · docs.qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Scriptability
- Qtile supports remote scripting for setting up workspaces, manipulating windows and updating status-bar widgets. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Wayland dependency
- The Wayland backend uses the wlroots compositor library. · docs.qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
- What it does
- Qtile is a full-featured, hackable tiling window manager written and configured in Python. · docs.qtile.org, 30 Sept 2026
Where Qtile stands on Freedom251
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