IceWM

Spec sheet

Purpose

IceWM is a window manager for the X Window System designed for speed, simplicity, and not getting in the user’s way.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Product

IceWM is a window manager for the X Window System, designed for speed, simplicity, and minimal interference.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Platforms

The site says IceWM is available for popular Linux distributions and most BSD systems.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Support

The site directs users to report bugs on GitHub and links to manual pages, a manual, and an FAQ.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

License

IceWM and its documentation are covered by the GNU LGPL license.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Founded

1997Read 28 Sep 2026 · ice-wm.org

Accessibility of controls

The manual says IceWM generally tries to make all functions available by keyboard and mouse, with an exception for mouse focus.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Availability

The site lists IceWM as available on popular Linux distributions and most BSD systems.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Customization

IceWM is configurable and themeable, and the site says more than 450 themes are available to download.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Desktop compatibility

IceWM is usable with GNOME and KDE environments.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Desktop environments

The site says IceWM can be used with GNOME and KDE environments.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Installation

The site provides instructions to download the source archive, configure it, build it, and install it.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Integration

The manual says IceWM can run alone or with desktop environments such as GNOME, and its session program can launch the window manager, background changer, and tray.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Latest release

The website lists version 4.1.0, released on 2026-08-06, as the latest release.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Maker and origin

The site says IceWM was created by Marko Maček in 1997 using C++.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Origin

IceWM was created by Marko Maček in 1997 using C++.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Other features

Features include a taskbar, configurable keybindings, dynamic menus, tabbed windows, and optional sound effects.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Standards

The manual says IceWM is compatible with the EWMH and ICCCM window manager protocols.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Taskbar and menus

It includes a taskbar with pager, global and per-window keybindings, and a dynamic menu system.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Window controls

Windows can be managed by keyboard and mouse, iconified to the taskbar, tray, or desktop, or hidden.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Window management

It supports keyboard and mouse controls, Alt+Tab switching, a window list, and several configurable focus models.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Workspaces and displays

It supports multiple workspaces and multi-monitor setups through RandR and Xinerama.Read 11 Oct 2026 · ice-wm.org

Plans and prices

Every IceWM plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Window Management Software#8 of 658.2