Qtile
What it is
Qtile is a tiling window manager for Linux that is written and configured in Python. It runs as an X11 window manager or as a Wayland compositor, with the Wayland backend using wlroots. Users can create layouts and widgets, use built-in commands, and configure application rules, window grouping, and virtual desktop controls. Its command shell allows Qtile to be managed and inspected, while remote scripting can set up workspaces, manipulate windows, and update status-bar widgets. Installation guides cover Arch, Fedora, Funtoo, Ubuntu/Debian, Slackware, FreeBSD, and NixOS; the stable version can also be installed from PyPI with `uv tool install qtile`. Qtile is distributed under the MIT license. The project aims to support the last three CPython versions and usually supports the latest stable PyPy. Its official release is intended for users seeking stability, while the development version has newer features and may include bugs. Community support is available through GitHub Discussions, IRC, and Discord.
For and against
For
- Written and configured entirely in Python
- Available for X11 and Wayland
- Supports user-created layouts and widgets
- Remote scripting can manipulate windows and workspaces
- Distributed under the MIT license
Against
- Wayland backend uses the wlroots library
- Development version may contain new bugs
- Project aims to support only the last three CPython versions
The verdict
Qtile provides Python-based configuration, customization, and remote control for a Linux tiling desktop. Users can choose the more stable official release or the newer development version, which may contain bugs.
Who it suits
Qtile suits Linux users who want to configure a tiling window manager in Python and customize layouts, widgets, or window behavior. The official release is aimed at users who prioritize stability; the development version is for those seeking newer features or planning to hack on Qtile.
Plans and prices
Free and open-source
MIT license · Linux desktop window manager/compositor
Read 30 Sep 2026 · qtile.org
On the record
- Community support
- Support is available through GitHub Discussions, IRC and Discord, with Discord bridged to IRC.docs.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Configuration
- Qtile is written and configured entirely in Python.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Customization
- Qtile is simple, small and extensible, with user-created layouts, widgets and built-in commands.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Display systems
- Qtile is available as both an X11 window manager and a Wayland compositor.docs.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Installation
- The stable version can be installed from PyPI with the command `uv tool install qtile`.docs.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- 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.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- License
- Qtile is distributed under the permissive MIT license.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Linux distributions
- Qtile provides installation guides for Arch, Fedora, Funtoo, Ubuntu/Debian, Slackware, FreeBSD and NixOS.docs.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Release channel
- The official site distinguishes a more stable official release from a development version that has newer features but may contain new bugs.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Remote control
- Its command shell allows all aspects of Qtile to be managed and inspected.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Runtime support
- The project aims to support the last three CPython versions and usually supports the latest stable PyPy.docs.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Scriptability
- Qtile supports remote scripting for setting up workspaces, manipulating windows and updating status-bar widgets.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Wayland dependency
- The Wayland backend uses the wlroots compositor library.docs.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- What it does
- Qtile is a full-featured, hackable tiling window manager written and configured in Python.docs.qtile.org · read 30 Sep 2026
