Installing i3 Window Manager on Ubuntu #

i3 is a lightweight, tiling window manager that’s highly configurable and popular among developers. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to install and set it up on Ubuntu.

Installation Steps #

1. Update Your System #

Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

2. Install i3 #

Install the i3 window manager package:

sudo apt install i3

This installs the core i3 window manager. You may also want to install additional components:

sudo apt install i3-wm i3status i3lock suckless-tools

Here’s what each package does:

• i3-wm: The core window manager
• i3status: A lightweight status bar for i3
• i3lock: A simple screen locker
• suckless-tools: Includes dmenu, a fast application launcher

3. Install a Display Manager (if needed) #

If you don’t have a login screen, install one:

sudo apt install lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter

4. Select i3 at Login #

Log out of your current session. At the login screen, look for a session selector (usually a menu or button). Select i3 from the available window managers and log in.

Alternatively, if you’re using a terminal-based login, you can edit ~/.xinitrc:

echo "exec i3" >> ~/.xinitrc

Then start X with:

startx

5. Complete Initial Setup #

When you first log into i3, you’ll be prompted to generate a configuration file. Choose Yes when asked, and select your preferred modifier key (typically the Super/Windows key or Alt).

This creates ~/.config/i3/config with sensible defaults.

Essential i3 Keybindings to Know #

(Replace Mod with your chosen modifier key, usually Super/Windows key)

Post-Installation Configuration #

Install a Terminal Emulator #

i3 uses whatever terminal is configured in its config file. Install a good one:

sudo apt install alacritty

Or use the default:

sudo apt install xterm

Edit Your i3 Config #

Open the configuration file:

nano ~/.config/i3/config

Common customizations:

• Change the terminal emulator: Find the line bindsym $mod+Return exec i3-sensible-terminal and replace with your preferred terminal
• Adjust colors, gaps, and fonts
• Add custom keybindings

Install Additional Tools #

Consider installing these complementary tools:

sudo apt install feh nitrogen polybar rofi

• feh/nitrogen: Wallpaper setters
• polybar: Advanced status bar (alternative to i3status)
• rofi: Advanced application launcher (alternative to dmenu)

Troubleshooting #

Blank screen after login? Press Mod + Return to open a terminal, then troubleshoot from there.

i3 not appearing in login menu? Make sure lightdm is installed and set as your display manager:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure lightdm

Config not loading? Check for syntax errors:

i3 -C

That’s it! You now have a functional i3 setup. From here, you can customize the configuration file to match your workflow. i3’s real power comes from its keyboard-driven workflow and extensive customization options.