--- title: Sway alternative. Overview of the Sway Window Manager. description: Sway is a tiling Wayland window manager compatible with i3. SMBAct is a cross-platform alternative with video tutorials, support and a built-in window switcher. canonical: https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/sway-alternative-overview-of-the-sway-window-manager/ date: 2023-06-17 locale: en --- # Sway alternative. Overview of the Sway Window Manager. > Markdown version of https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/sway-alternative-overview-of-the-sway-window-manager/ > Same content as the HTML page without navigation, styling or scripts. Cite the HTML URL. > Site structure and the full page list for agents: https://smblob.com/llms.txt Sway is a tiling Wayland window manager compatible with i3. SMBAct is a cross-platform alternative with video tutorials, support and a built-in window switcher. Sway is a tiling Wayland window manager that is designed to be compatible with the i3 window manager and provides a similar experience. It aims to be a drop-in replacement for i3 on systems that use Wayland as the display protocol. Here are some key features of Sway: - Tiling Window Management: Sway organizes windows in a tiling layout, allowing efficient use of screen space and easy window management. It supports features like stacking containers, tabbed containers, and split containers. - Wayland Compatibility: Sway is built on Wayland, a modern display protocol, and aims to provide a smooth and stable experience on Wayland-based systems. It takes advantage of the benefits offered by Wayland, such as improved security, performance, and better multi-monitor support. - i3 Compatibility: Sway is designed to be compatible with the i3 window manager, which means that if you are familiar with i3, you can easily transition to Sway without a significant learning curve. Sway supports a similar configuration format and keybindings as i3, making it convenient for i3 users to switch to a Wayland-based environment. - Customization and Configuration: Sway offers extensive customization options, allowing users to configure various aspects of the window manager according to their preferences. It provides a configuration file where users can define keybindings, colors, fonts, and other settings to personalize their Sway experience. - Multi-Monitor Support: Sway has robust support for multi-monitor setups, including handling different resolutions, positioning windows across monitors, and managing workspaces on multiple displays. - Community and Development: Sway has an active and supportive community of users and developers. Regular updates and bug fixes are released to improve the stability and functionality of the window manager. The community also provides documentation, tutorials, and resources to assist users in getting started with Sway. Sway relies on the Wayland display protocol, which means that it may not be compatible with all systems or applications that are designed for the X11 display protocol. Some older or less commonly used applications may not work well or at all with Sway. However, Sway relies on the Wayland display protocol, which means that it may not be compatible with all systems or applications that are designed for the X11 display protocol. Some older or less commonly used applications may not work well or at all with Sway. Compared to more established window managers or desktop environments, the ecosystem and available tooling for Sway may be relatively smaller. This means that finding specific plugins, themes, or extensions tailored for Sway may require more effort or may not be as abundant as those available for other window managers with a larger user base. If Sway doesn’t meet your needs and you’re in search of an alternative, we recommend considering SMBAct. SMBAct is a versatile solution that works across multiple platforms and offers a user-friendly video tutorial. It boasts quality support, regular updates, and continuous improvements. Moreover, SMBAct goes beyond being just a tiling window manager; it also functions as a convenient window switcher. [Here you can find detailed information about SMBAct](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/) ![How to position windows on six eights and one quarter of the screen](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/alternatives/tiled_windows_six_eights_one_quarter_layout.webp) ## Related articles - [Qtile alternative](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/qtile-alternative-overview-of-qtile-window-manager/): Qtile is a keyboard-driven tiling window manager configured in Python. SMBAct is a user-friendly, cross-platform window manager and switcher alternative. - [Slate alternative](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/slate-alternative-slate-advanced-window-management-for-macos/): Slate is a scriptable macOS window manager without a graphical configuration. SMBAct is a user-friendly, cross-platform window manager and switcher. - [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. - [Openbox alternative](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/openbox-alternative-an-overview-of-the-openbox-window-manager/): Openbox is a lightweight, highly customizable window manager that needs manual configuration. SMBAct is an easy-to-use window manager and switcher alternative. Tags: [Multi-monitor support](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/tags/multi-monitor-support/), [SMBAct window manager](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/tags/smbact-window-manager/) ## Related - HTML version of this page: https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/sway-alternative-overview-of-the-sway-window-manager/ - Site map for agents: https://smblob.com/llms.txt