--- title: WindowMaker alternative. An Introduction to WindowMaker description: WindowMaker is a NeXTSTEP-style window manager for Unix-like systems with a dock. SMBAct is a beginner-friendly, cross-platform tiling manager and switcher. canonical: https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/windowmaker-alternative-an-introduction-to-windowmaker/ date: 2023-06-27 locale: en --- # WindowMaker alternative. An Introduction to WindowMaker > Markdown version of https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/windowmaker-alternative-an-introduction-to-windowmaker/ > 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 WindowMaker is a NeXTSTEP-style window manager for Unix-like systems with a dock. SMBAct is a beginner-friendly, cross-platform tiling manager and switcher. WindowMaker is a window manager for X Window System, known for its lightweight and highly customizable nature. It was originally developed to emulate the look and feel of the NeXTSTEP operating system. Here are some key points about the WindowMaker window manager: - NeXTSTEP Inspiration: WindowMaker draws inspiration from the user interface of the NeXTSTEP operating system, incorporating features like the dock (known as the “Clip”) and a focus on simplicity and efficiency. It aims to provide a familiar environment for users who enjoyed the NeXTSTEP interface. - Dock and Icons: WindowMaker prominently features a dock-like panel (the “Clip”) that provides quick access to applications, system utilities, and minimized windows. Users can customize the appearance, behavior, and position of the dock, as well as add icons for launching applications. - Virtual Desktops and Workspaces: WindowMaker supports multiple virtual desktops, allowing users to organize their windows into different workspaces. This feature helps manage window clutter and improve productivity by providing separate areas for different tasks or projects. - Customization Options: WindowMaker offers extensive customization capabilities, allowing users to modify the appearance, behavior, and keybindings to suit their preferences. It supports various themes, styles, and window decorations, enabling users to create unique desktop environments. - Compatibility and Portability: WindowMaker is compatible with various Unix-like operating systems, including Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD. It integrates well with the X Window System and can be used with different desktop environments or standalone. - Learning Curve: While WindowMaker provides extensive customization options, it may have a steeper learning curve compared to more user-friendly window managers. Users who are new to tiling window managers or prefer a more traditional desktop experience may require some time to familiarize themselves with WindowMaker’s concepts and configuration. If you don’t waste your time learning and configuring WindowMaker, we can propose a user-friendly and well-supported alternative - SMBAct tiling window manager and switcher. SMBAct is an ideal choice for beginners due to its intuitive design, and comprehensive user tutorials and documentation. Notably, it is a cross-platform solution (Windows, macOS and Linux). Additionally, SMBAct boasts an array of features, excelling in multi-display setups and continuously evolving through ongoing improvements. [Here you can find detailed information about SMBAct](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/) ![How to place windows on one half and four eights of the screen](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/alternatives/tiled_windows_one_half_four_eights_layout.webp) ## Related articles - [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. - [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. - [Spectrwm alternative](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/spectrwm-alternative-introduction-to-spectrwm-window-manager/): Spectrwm is a lightweight, keyboard-driven tiling window manager configured via a file. SMBAct is a beginner-friendly cross-platform tiling tool 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. - [Fluxbox alternative](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/fluxbox-alternative-introduction-to-fluxbox-window-manager/): Fluxbox is a lightweight, configurable window manager with workspaces and window grouping. For more features, try SMBAct, a cross-platform manager and switcher. Tags: [virtual desktops](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/tags/virtual-desktops/), [customization options](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/tags/customization-options/) ## Related - HTML version of this page: https://smblob.com/products/smbact/docu/alternatives/window-manager/windowmaker-alternative-an-introduction-to-windowmaker/ - Site map for agents: https://smblob.com/llms.txt