DisplayFusion Free plan 9.2 Visit Qtile
qtile.org
What it is
Qtile is a free tiling window manager for Linux, written and configured entirely in Python. It runs as a window manager on X11 and as a compositor on Wayland; the Wayland backend uses wlroots. Users can create layouts and widgets, use built-in commands, and define application rules, window groups and virtual desktop controls. Its command shell allows Qtile to be inspected and managed, while remote scripting can configure workspaces, manipulate windows and update status-bar widgets. The stable version can be installed from PyPI with `uv tool install qtile`. The project also provides installation guides for Arch, Fedora, Funtoo, Ubuntu/Debian, Slackware, FreeBSD and NixOS. Qtile is distributed under the MIT license. Its stated runtime aim is to support the last three CPython versions and usually the latest stable PyPy. The official release is positioned for users seeking stability; the development version has newer features but may contain bugs. Support is available through GitHub Discussions, IRC and Discord, with Discord bridged to IRC.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- Qtile is a full-featured, hackable tiling window manager written and configured in Python.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.qtile.org
- 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.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qtile.org
- License
- Qtile is distributed under the permissive MIT license.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qtile.org
- Community support
- Support is available through GitHub Discussions, IRC and Discord, with Discord bridged to IRC.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.qtile.org
- Configuration
- Qtile is written and configured entirely in Python.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qtile.org
- Customization
- Qtile is simple, small and extensible, with user-created layouts, widgets and built-in commands.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qtile.org
- Display systems
- Qtile is available as both an X11 window manager and a Wayland compositor.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.qtile.org
- Installation
- The stable version can be installed from PyPI with the command `uv tool install qtile`.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.qtile.org
- Linux distributions
- Qtile provides installation guides for Arch, Fedora, Funtoo, Ubuntu/Debian, Slackware, FreeBSD and NixOS.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.qtile.org
- Release channel
- The official site distinguishes a more stable official release from a development version that has newer features but may contain new bugs.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qtile.org
- Remote control
- Its command shell allows all aspects of Qtile to be managed and inspected.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Runtime support
- The project aims to support the last three CPython versions and usually supports the latest stable PyPy.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.qtile.org
- Scriptability
- Qtile supports remote scripting for setting up workspaces, manipulating windows and updating status-bar widgets.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Wayland dependency
- The Wayland backend uses the wlroots compositor library.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.qtile.org
Plans and prices
Free and open-source Free MIT license · Linux desktop window manager/compositor Read 30 Sep 2026 · qtile.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Runs on X11 and Wayland
- Layouts and widgets can be user-created
- Remote scripting can manage workspaces and windows
- MIT-licensed and free
- Support via Discussions, IRC and Discord
Limits
- Wayland backend uses the wlroots library
- Development version may contain new bugs
- Configuration is entirely in Python
Who it suits
Qtile suits Linux users who want a Python-configured tiling window manager or Wayland compositor and are comfortable customizing layouts, widgets or scripts. The official release is the stated choice for users who prioritize stability.
Verdict
Qtile offers substantial Python-based configuration and remote control across X11 and Wayland. Choose between the official stable release and the newer development version based on whether stability or newer features matter more.
Where Specifiction places it
- Window Management Software#30 of 657.5
