How do I install Karousel on KDE Plasma?

First, install the required QML module (e.g., qml-module-org-kde-notifications on Ubuntu), then download the latest release and extract it to ~/.local/share/kwin/scripts/. Alternatively, clone the repo and run 'make install' if you have npm, node, and tsc installed.

Karousel vs i3 for ultrawide monitors?

Karousel is integrated into KDE and offers scrollable columns with user-controlled widths, while i3 is a standalone tiling WM with more features but less native KDE integration. Karousel is better for KDE users wanting a seamless experience, whereas i3 is more versatile across different desktop environments.

How to change column widths in Karousel?

Use Meta+Ctrl++ to increase width, Meta+Ctrl+- to decrease, or Meta+R to cycle through preset widths. You can also equalize visible column widths with Meta+Ctrl+X, as detailed in the key bindings table.

Does Karousel work with multiple monitors?

No, Karousel explicitly does not support multiple screens, as stated in the limitations. It's designed for single-screen setups, particularly ultrawide monitors, and won't function properly across displays.

How to fix key binding conflicts in Karousel?

Configure the shortcuts in KDE System Settings under KWin's keyboard shortcuts section. You'll need to manually remap any that clash with default KDE bindings, such as Meta+D or Meta+A, to avoid interference.

Can I use Karousel with GNOME or other desktop environments?

No, Karousel is specifically designed for KDE's KWin window manager and relies on KDE-specific QML modules and integration. It won't work on other DEs like GNOME without significant modification or compatibility layers.

Open-Awesome

Karousel

GPL-3.0TypeScriptv0.17

A scrollable tiling script for KDE's KWin window manager that arranges windows in horizontally scrollable columns, ideal for ultrawide screens.

GitHub

1.2k stars45 forks0 contributors

What is Karousel?

Karousel is a scrollable tiling script for KDE's KWin window manager that organizes application windows into horizontally scrollable columns. It solves the problem of inefficient window management on ultrawide screens by allowing users to control column widths and scroll through windows instead of maximizing them.

Target Audience

KDE Plasma users, especially those with ultrawide monitors, who want a tiling window manager with scrollable columns and fine-grained control over window layouts.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Karousel for its unique scrollable tiling approach, seamless KDE integration, and extensive keyboard-driven workflow, offering a specialized alternative to traditional tiling window managers for wide screens.

Overview

Scrollable tiling Kwin script

Use Cases

Best For

Managing multiple application windows on ultrawide monitors
KDE Plasma users seeking a tiling window manager alternative
Keyboard-centric desktop workflows with extensive shortcuts
Scrolling through window columns when screen width is exceeded
Adjusting column widths manually instead of auto-maximizing
Integrating tiling features into KDE without replacing the entire window manager

Not Ideal For

KDE users with multi-monitor setups seeking seamless tiling across all screens
Users who heavily utilize KDE's virtual desktops or activities for window management
Non-KDE desktop environment users looking for a tiling window manager solution

Pros & Cons

Pros

Ultrawide-Optimized Tiling

Specifically designed for wide screens, it allows horizontal scrolling of window columns when they don't fit, making it ideal for ultrawide monitors as highlighted in the README.

Manual Width Control

Users can adjust column widths with keyboard shortcuts like Meta+Ctrl++/-, providing fine-grained layout control instead of automatic maximization.

Extensive Keyboard Navigation

Offers comprehensive shortcuts for moving windows, columns, focus, and scrolling, configurable through KDE System Settings, enabling a keyboard-centric workflow.

Native KDE Integration

Built as a KWin script, it integrates smoothly with KDE Plasma, allowing configuration via standard KDE settings without replacing the entire window manager.

Cons

No Multi-Screen Support

As admitted in the limitations, it doesn't support multiple screens, which is a critical flaw for users with more than one monitor.

Limited Virtual Desktop Compatibility

Doesn't support windows on all desktops or multiple activities, restricting its use in complex KDE environments that rely on these features.

Key Binding Conflicts

Several default shortcuts clash with KDE's standard key bindings, requiring manual remapping and adding to the setup complexity, as noted in the README.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Kvantum

A Linux SVG-based theme engine for Qt

Stars2,034

Forks164

Last commit1 month ago

Window AppMenu Applet

Plasma 5 applet in order to show the window appmenu

Stars413

Forks30

Last commit2 years ago

Dynamic Wallpaper Engine

Dynamic wallpaper plugin for KDE Plasma

Stars384

Forks21