Introduction

DWM (Dynamic Window Manager) is a minimalist and highly efficient window manager for X11. Its primary goal is to provide a fast, dynamic, and customizable environment for advanced users who want to manage their workspaces with maximum flexibility and control. Unlike traditional desktop environments, DWM emphasizes simplicity and performance, giving users the ability to customize it to their exact needs.

This build of DWM is configured to suit my workflow, featuring custom scripts and keybindings, optimized for a seamless experience. In this guide, you'll find step-by-step instructions for installing, configuring, and customizing DWM to make it your own. Whether you're a DWM veteran or a first-time user, this guide should help you get the most out of this powerful window manager.

Screenshot

How to Install DWM

First, Install Dependencies

The following dependencies are required to build DWM:

• git: The version control system used to manage the source code.
• gcc: The C compiler.
• make: The build tool.
• libX11: The X11 library.
• libXft: fonts in X.
• libXinerama: support for multiple monitors.

Debian/Ubuntu

sudo apt install build-essential git libx11-dev libxft-dev libxinerama-dev

Arch Linux

sudo pacman -S base-devel git libx11 libxft libxinerama

Fedora

sudo dnf install @development-tools git libX11-devel libXft-devel libXinerama-devel

Void Linux

sudo xbps-install -S base-devel git libX11-devel libXft-devel libXinerama-devel

Once they install the dependencies with their package manager or by compiling the dependencies, they can install dwm by running the following commands:

Clone This Repository

git clone https://github.com/Ferchupessoadev/dwm.git

Build and Install

cd dwm
sudo make clean install

Autostart Scripts

Copy the autostart.sh file to ~/.local/share/dwm/autostart.sh because DWM will run it:

mkdir -p ~/.local/share/dwm
cp -r autostart.sh ~/.local/share/dwm/autostart.sh

Copy the dwmbar folder to ~/.config/dwmbar because autostart.sh will run it:

cp -r dwmbar ~/.config/dwmbar

Running DWM with a Display Manager

If you use a display manager (e.g., LightDM, GDM, SDDM), create a session file:

Create /usr/share/xsessions/dwm.desktop with the following content:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=DWM
Comment=Dynamic Window Manager
Exec=dwm
Type=Application

How to Create a Shortcut in DWM

// config.def.h

static const Key keys[] = {
    /* modifier                     key        function        argument */
    {MODKEY, XK_d, spawn, SHCMD("dmenu_run")},
    {MODKEY, XK_r, spawn, SHCMD("dmenu_run_desktop -c -l 10")},
    {MODKEY, XK_Return, spawn, SHCMD("st")},
    {MODKEY, XK_g, spawn, SHCMD("chromium")},
    // others keys
};

For more information, visit the official DWM website.