Modern Window Management for X11

DWN is a production-ready window manager written in ANSI C with XFCE-like functionality, powerful tiling layouts, and optional AI integration. Seamless borderless design, zero gaps, and professional appearance. Fast, flexible, and fully featured.

Get Started Explore Features

Why Choose DWN?

DWN combines the simplicity of traditional floating window managers with the productivity of tiling layouts, all wrapped in a modern, customizable package.

☰

Multiple Layouts

Switch seamlessly between tiling, floating, and monocle layouts. Resize master areas and organize windows exactly how you work.

⚙

9 Workspaces

Organize your workflow across 9 virtual desktops with per-workspace state. Move windows between workspaces with a single keystroke.

🎨

Fully Customizable

INI-style configuration with extensive theming options. Customize colors, fonts, borders, gaps, and behavior to match your style.

💡

AI Integration

Optional AI command palette and semantic web search. Control your desktop with natural language and get intelligent suggestions.

💬

Extensible API

Real-time WebSocket interface for programmatic control. Build custom dashboards, mobile remotes, and automated workflows.

🔔

Notification Daemon

Built-in D-Bus notification support following freedesktop.org standards. No need for external notification daemons.

💻

System Tray

XEmbed protocol for external app icons (Telegram, Bluetooth, etc.) plus built-in battery, volume, and WiFi widgets with interactive controls.

⚡

XDG Autostart

Automatic startup of system services and tray applications following the XDG Autostart spec. Works with nm-applet, blueman, and more.

📰

News Ticker

Real-time news feed with scrolling article titles in the panel. Press Super+Return to open the current article in your browser.

🎓

Interactive Learning

Built-in tutorial system (Super+T) guides you through keyboard shortcuts. Demo mode (Super+Shift+D) showcases all features automatically.

📐

Borderless Design

Zero window borders and zero gaps for a seamless, professional appearance. Windows tile edge-to-edge for maximum screen utilization.

~15K

Lines of Pure C

0

Runtime Dependencies

<5MB

Memory Footprint

43+

Keyboard Shortcuts

Get Up and Running in Minutes

DWN is designed for easy installation and immediate productivity. Build from source or use your distribution's package manager.

Terminal 
# Clone the repository
git clone https://retoor.molodetz.nl/retoor/dwn.git
cd dwn
# Install dependencies (auto-detects your distro)
make deps
# Build and install
make
sudo make install
# Add to your .xinitrc
echo "exec dwn" >> ~/.xinitrc

Full Installation Guide

See DWN in Action

A clean, modern interface that stays out of your way while providing everything you need.

[Tiling Layout with Terminal and Editor]
Master-stack tiling layout perfect for development
[System Tray and Notifications]
Integrated system tray with volume and WiFi controls
[AI Command Palette]
AI-powered command palette for natural language control
[WebSocket API Dashboard]
Real-time WebSocket API for custom integrations

How DWN Compares

DWN bridges the gap between minimal tiling managers and full desktop environments.

Minimal Tiling WMs

dwm, i3, bspwm

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Keyboard-driven workflow
  • Highly customizable
  • Steep learning curve
  • Requires additional tools

DWN

Best of both worlds

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Keyboard-driven workflow
  • Highly customizable
  • Interactive tutorial
  • Built-in panels and systray
  • AI integration optional
  • Notification daemon included

Desktop Environments

XFCE, GNOME, KDE

  • Feature complete
  • User-friendly
  • Heavy resource usage
  • Less customizable
  • Slower performance

Ready to Try DWN?

Install DWN Read the Docs