FancyWM: Max Width Setting For 4K Monitors

Hey everyone! Today, let's dive into an exciting feature request for FancyWM that could significantly enhance the user experience, especially for those rocking high-resolution monitors. We'll explore the problem, the proposed solution, alternatives considered, and the additional context behind this suggestion. So, buckle up and let's get started!

The Issue: Windows Taking Over 4K Monitors

So, you've got that shiny new 4K monitor, huh? Gorgeous, isn't it? But here’s the thing: sometimes, these high-resolution displays can feel a bit overwhelming when an application window decides to stretch out and occupy the entire screen. It’s like, “Hey, I'm here, and I'm taking over!” This is a common issue, particularly when you open the first application or if it’s the only one running. It’s not that it’s bad, but it’s not always the most efficient way to use your screen real estate, especially if you prefer having multiple windows side-by-side.

When dealing with a large 4K monitor, the sheer amount of screen space can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you have ample room for multiple applications, reducing the need to constantly switch between windows. This can drastically improve your workflow, allowing you to keep an eye on various tasks simultaneously. However, the default behavior of many operating systems and window managers is to maximize a window to fill the entire screen, which can negate some of the benefits of having such a large display. Instead of having a neatly arranged set of windows, you end up with one massive window that dominates everything else. This can lead to a less organized and more cluttered workspace, as you're forced to either minimize and maximize windows constantly or resort to manually resizing them, which can be quite tedious.

Furthermore, the issue is exacerbated when you consider applications that are not designed to take up the entire screen. Many applications, such as chat clients, code editors, or even web browsers, are often more efficient when confined to a smaller portion of the display. When these applications are stretched to full screen, they can become unwieldy and less productive to use. For instance, a chat client taking up the entire screen can be overkill, as it leaves a significant amount of unused space. Similarly, a code editor might become overwhelming when maximized, making it harder to focus on the relevant sections of code. In these cases, the ability to limit the maximum width of a window becomes crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient workspace. It allows users to customize the size of their applications to fit their specific needs and preferences, ensuring that the monitor's real estate is used in the most effective way possible.

The Proposed Solution: A Max Width Setting

Now, what if we could tell FancyWM, “Hey, chill out! Don't let any window go beyond 50% (or any other percentage) of my screen width”? That’s the essence of this feature request: a setting that allows users to define the maximum width a window can occupy as a percentage of the screen. Imagine the possibilities! You could effortlessly snap windows to a predefined maximum size, preventing them from hogging the entire display. This would be a game-changer for multitasking and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.

Implementing a maximum width setting in FancyWM would offer users a greater level of control over their window management. Instead of relying on manual resizing or external utilities, users could simply configure FancyWM to automatically enforce the maximum width constraint. This would not only streamline the workflow but also provide a consistent and predictable behavior across all applications. The setting could be implemented as a global option, affecting all windows, or as a per-application setting, allowing for more granular control. For instance, a user might want to limit the width of web browsers and chat clients to 50% of the screen while allowing other applications, such as image editors or video editing software, to occupy the full width when needed. This level of flexibility would cater to a wide range of use cases and preferences, making FancyWM an even more powerful and versatile window manager.

Moreover, the maximum width setting could be integrated seamlessly with FancyWM's existing tiling and layout features. Instead of conflicting with these features, it would complement them, providing an additional layer of customization. For example, users could define a maximum width and then use FancyWM's tiling capabilities to arrange multiple windows side-by-side within the constrained space. This would result in a highly organized and efficient workspace, where windows are sized and positioned optimally for the task at hand. The setting could also be exposed through FancyWM's configuration file or a graphical user interface, making it easily accessible to both novice and advanced users. The key is to ensure that the implementation is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly and easily configure the maximum width according to their needs. By providing this feature, FancyWM would not only address the specific issue of windows taking over large monitors but also enhance the overall window management experience, making it more customizable and efficient.

Alternatives Considered: PowerToys FancyZones

Of course, there are other ways to tackle this issue. The user mentions using Microsoft's PowerToys FancyZones, which is a fantastic tool for creating custom window layouts. FancyZones allows you to define zones on your screen and snap windows to them. It’s a great alternative, and it works well. However, the beauty of having this feature integrated directly into FancyWM is that it would eliminate the need for an external dependency. It would be one less tool to install and configure, streamlining the user experience.

PowerToys FancyZones is indeed a robust solution for managing window layouts, especially on high-resolution displays. It allows users to divide their screen into custom zones and quickly snap windows into these predefined areas. This can be particularly useful for creating complex window arrangements and maintaining a consistent layout across multiple applications. However, relying on an external tool like FancyZones also comes with its own set of considerations. One of the main drawbacks is the added complexity of managing another application. It requires installing PowerToys, configuring FancyZones, and ensuring that it works seamlessly with FancyWM. This can be a hurdle for users who prefer a more streamlined and integrated experience. Additionally, external tools may not always be as tightly integrated with the core functionality of the window manager, which can lead to inconsistencies or compatibility issues.

Integrating a maximum width setting directly into FancyWM would offer several advantages over using an external tool like FancyZones. First and foremost, it would simplify the user experience by eliminating the need for an additional application. Users could configure the maximum width directly within FancyWM's settings, making it a more intuitive and straightforward process. This also reduces the potential for conflicts or compatibility issues between different tools. Furthermore, a built-in maximum width setting could be optimized specifically for FancyWM's architecture and features, ensuring a seamless and efficient integration. This could lead to better performance and a more consistent behavior compared to relying on an external tool that may not be fully aware of FancyWM's internal workings. By providing this functionality natively, FancyWM would not only address the specific issue of window sizing but also enhance its overall value proposition as a comprehensive and self-contained window management solution.

Additional Context: The 4K Monitor Dilemma

The heart of the matter lies in the experience with 4K monitors. The user points out that when an application is opened on a 4K monitor, especially as the first application, it tends to fill the entire screen. While this isn't inherently a problem, it can become one when you want to have multiple applications visible simultaneously. To achieve a balanced layout, you often need to open another application to force the first one to resize. This workaround isn’t ideal, and a max width setting would provide a more elegant and efficient solution.

The dilemma with 4K monitors stems from the sheer amount of screen real estate they offer. With four times the resolution of a standard 1080p display, 4K monitors provide a vast canvas for applications to occupy. While this can be a boon for productivity, it also introduces challenges in terms of window management. The default behavior of many operating systems and applications is to maximize windows to fill the available space, which can lead to a cluttered and overwhelming workspace on a 4K monitor. Instead of having a clear and organized layout, users often find themselves juggling multiple full-screen windows, constantly minimizing and maximizing them to switch between tasks. This can disrupt the workflow and reduce overall efficiency.

The issue is further compounded by the fact that not all applications are designed to scale well on 4K displays. Some applications may appear too large or too small, while others may suffer from visual artifacts or performance issues. This can make it difficult to find the optimal window size and placement for each application, adding to the frustration of managing windows on a high-resolution monitor. The lack of a built-in mechanism to limit the maximum width of windows exacerbates this problem. Users are forced to rely on manual resizing or external tools to prevent windows from taking over the entire screen, which can be a time-consuming and cumbersome process.

A max width setting in FancyWM would provide a much-needed solution to this dilemma. By allowing users to define a percentage-based limit on window width, it would ensure that applications do not expand beyond a manageable size, even on a 4K monitor. This would enable users to create a more balanced and organized workspace, where multiple applications can be visible and accessible simultaneously. The setting would also promote a more consistent and predictable window management experience, regardless of the application being used. By addressing the specific challenges of window management on 4K monitors, this feature would significantly enhance the usability and appeal of FancyWM for users with high-resolution displays.

In Conclusion

So, there you have it! A max width setting for FancyWM seems like a fantastic addition, offering a more streamlined and efficient way to manage windows on high-resolution monitors. It addresses a real pain point and provides a more elegant solution than relying on external tools or manual resizing. Let’s hope the FancyWM developers consider this feature request. It would be a huge win for users looking to maximize their productivity and maintain a clean workspace. What do you guys think? Let's discuss in the comments below!