Compiz is an OpenGL-accelerated compositing window manager for the X11 windowing system. It combines conventional window management with a flexible effects system that can transform the appearance and behaviour of the desktop.
Rather than simply drawing application windows directly onto the screen, Compiz processes redirected window contents and combines them into the final desktop image. This allows it to provide transparency, animated transitions, window transformations and other visual effects.
Compiz is particularly well known for its desktop cube, wobbly windows and animated window switching. Its functionality is organised through plugins, allowing users to enable the features they want and configure how they behave.
The project has several development branches, including the Ubuntu-maintained Compiz implementation and Compiz Reloaded, which continues development of the earlier codebase.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- OpenGL-accelerated compositing for X11 desktops.
- Extensible plugin architecture for graphical effects and window management functionality.
- Desktop Cube effect for visualising and switching between virtual desktops.
- Wobbly Windows effect for animated movement and resizing.
- Scale effect for displaying an overview of open application windows.
- Animated window minimisation, restoration and switching effects.
- Configurable window transparency, fading and opacity.
- Desktop zoom and magnification functionality.
- Customisable keyboard shortcuts and mouse bindings for activating effects.
- Window movement, resizing and placement management.
- Support for window decorations through compatible decorator components.
- Annotate effect for drawing directly over the desktop.
- Water and other optional graphical effects for desktop customisation.
- Configuration of available functionality through compatible Compiz settings tools.
- Support for multiple virtual desktops and desktop navigation.
Website: launchpad.net/compiz
Support:
Developer: David Reveman and contributors
License: GNU General Public License v2.0
Compiz is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
| Compositing Window Managers | |
|---|---|
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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