---
title: "Compiz alternative. Compiz: A Powerful Compositing Window Manager"
description: Compiz is a Linux compositing window manager with wobbly windows, a 3D desktop cube and plugins. SMBAct is a simpler, lightweight window switching alternative.
canonical: https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/compiz-alternative-compiz-a-powerful-compositing-window-manager/
date: 2023-08-26
locale: en
---

# Compiz alternative. Compiz: A Powerful Compositing Window Manager

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Compiz is a Linux compositing window manager with wobbly windows, a 3D desktop cube and plugins. SMBAct is a simpler, lightweight window switching alternative.

Compiz is a powerful compositing window manager that brings a wide range of visually stunning and interactive features to the Linux desktop. Some of the notable features of Compiz include:

- Window Effects: Compiz offers a plethora of window effects, such as window scaling, wobbly windows, animations, and transparency. These effects enhance the visual appeal of the desktop environment and make window management more engaging.
- Desktop Cube: Compiz introduces a 3D desktop cube that allows users to navigate between multiple virtual desktops. Each face of the cube represents a different desktop, providing a unique and intuitive way to organize and switch between applications.
- Expo and Scale Plugins: The Expo plugin provides a bird’s-eye view of all open windows, making it easier to locate and switch between them. The Scale plugin offers a similar functionality but presents windows in a scaled-down format, allowing for quick window selection.
- Window Snapping and Tiling: Compiz enables users to easily arrange windows by snapping them to the edges of the screen or tiling them in a predefined layout. This feature improves productivity by facilitating efficient window management.
- Desktop Effects: In addition to window effects, Compiz includes various desktop effects such as the Fire effect, Water effect, and Magic Lamp effect. These effects add a touch of visual flair to the desktop environment, making it more dynamic and engaging.
- Plugin System: Compiz has a flexible plugin system that allows users to customize and extend its functionality. There are numerous plugins available, ranging from utility plugins for window management to visual effects plugins for desktop customization.
- Integration with Window Managers: Compiz can be used as a standalone window manager or integrated with existing window managers such as GNOME and KDE. This versatility allows users to enjoy the benefits of Compiz while retaining the familiar interface of their preferred window manager.

While Compiz offers an extensive array of features and visual effects, SMBAct can be a good alternative for users who prefer a simpler and more lightweight window management solution focused on keyboard-based window switching. SMBAct’s emphasis on efficiency and cross-platform compatibility makes it a suitable choice for users seeking a streamlined and versatile window management tool.

[Here you can find detailed information about SMBAct](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/)

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## Related articles

- [KWin alternative](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/kwin-alternative-overview-of-kwin-window-manager/): KWin is the default KDE Plasma window manager, with tiling, compositing, virtual desktops and window rules. SMBAct is a cross-platform alternative.
- [Enlightenment alternative](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/enlightenment-alternative-enlightenment-a-comprehensive-and-customizable-desktop-environment/): Enlightenment is a window manager and full desktop environment with effects and gadgets. If it feels too complex, SMBAct is a user-friendly tiling alternative.
- [Gala alternative](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/gala-alternative-comparison-of-gala-and-smbact-window-managers/): Gala is the elementary OS window manager, with compositing effects and workspaces. SMBAct is a cross-platform window manager alternative beyond elementary OS.
- [IceWM alternative](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/icewm-alternative-icewm---lightweight-and-customizable-window-manager/): IceWM is a fast, lightweight X11 window manager with a taskbar and virtual desktops, good for older hardware. SMBAct is an easier, cross-platform alternative.
- [UltWin alternative](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/ultwin-alternative-ultwin-enhancing-window-management-on-windows/): UltWin is a Windows window manager with Desk View and live previews. SMBAct adds keyboard window control, fuzzy search for windows and cross-platform support.

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