Komorebi — Tiling Window Manager for Windows

Introduction

Komorebi is a free and open-source tiling window manager for Microsoft Windows. Inspired by Linux tiling WMs like i3 and bspwm, it brings automatic window tiling, virtual workspaces, and keyboard-driven workflows to Windows desktops. It runs alongside the native Windows shell (Explorer) rather than replacing it, making it easy to adopt incrementally.

What Komorebi Does

• Automatically tiles application windows into configurable layouts (BSP, columns, rows, grid)
• Manages multiple virtual workspaces beyond the native Windows virtual desktops
• Applies per-application rules for floating, forcing specific workspaces, or ignoring windows
• Responds to hotkeys via the companion whkd (Windows Hot Key Daemon) for keyboard-driven control
• Provides a socket-based IPC interface for scripting and integration with status bars

Architecture Overview

Komorebi runs as a background process that hooks into Windows window management events. When windows are created, destroyed, or focused, komorebi recalculates the layout and repositions windows accordingly. It maintains a tree data structure representing the tiling layout per workspace per monitor. The komorebic CLI communicates over named pipes to send commands. whkd listens for global hotkeys and translates them into komorebic commands.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• Install via WinGet, Scoop, or download the MSI from GitHub releases
• Generate a starter config with komorebic quickstart which creates komorebi.json and whkd.hotkeys
• Define workspace layouts, gaps, padding, and monitor assignments in komorebi.json
• Create application-specific rules to float certain windows or assign them to workspaces
• Configure whkd.hotkeys to map keyboard shortcuts to komorebic commands for navigation and management

Key Features

• BSP (binary space partitioning) layout engine that recursively splits screen space for new windows
• Multi-monitor support with independent workspaces and layouts per display
• Window rules using process name, title, or class to customize behavior per application
• Stackable windows that group multiple apps into a single tile with tab-like switching
• Integration with status bars like Yasb and Zebar for workspace indicators and system info

Comparison with Similar Tools

• GlazeWM — Similar Windows tiler with YAML config; Komorebi offers BSP layouts and deeper scripting via IPC
• FancyZones (PowerToys) — Snap-based zones requiring manual placement; Komorebi auto-tiles dynamically
• i3/Sway — Linux tiling WMs; Komorebi brings similar concepts to Windows without WSL
• bug.n — Older AutoHotkey-based Windows tiler; Komorebi is native Rust with better performance
• Amethyst — macOS tiling WM; Komorebi is the Windows counterpart with similar philosophy

FAQ

Q: Does Komorebi replace the Windows shell? A: No. Komorebi works alongside Explorer and the taskbar. It only manages window positioning; all other Windows functionality remains unchanged.

Q: Can I use Komorebi with multiple monitors? A: Yes. Each monitor maintains its own set of workspaces with independent layouts. Windows can be moved between monitors via hotkeys.

Q: How do I exclude certain applications from tiling? A: Add float rules in komorebi.json matching the application's process name or window title. Common examples include system dialogs, splash screens, and media players.

Q: Does Komorebi work on Windows 10? A: Yes. It supports both Windows 10 and Windows 11, though some features like rounded corners and workspace animations are Windows 11 specific.

Sources

• https://github.com/LGUG2Z/komorebi
• https://lgug2z.github.io/komorebi/