How to Install i3 Linux [2 Best Methods]

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Akshat

Last updated: June 14, 2024

Expert verified

Switching to a new window manager can seem challenging, especially if you’re used to the default options. If you’re looking for a way to maximize screen space and boost productivity, i3 might be the perfect fit. In this post, I will guide you through installing i3 on Ubuntu and configuring it, troubleshooting common issues, and keeping your i3 setup running smoothly. By the end, you’ll have a streamlined, efficient desktop environment that suits your workflow perfectly.

What is i3?

i3 is a tiling window manager for Linux. Unlike traditional window managers, which stack windows on top of each other, i3 arranges windows in a grid. This means you can see and manage multiple applications on your screen at once without overlapping windows. It’s lightweight, fast, and highly customizable, making it a favorite among advanced users and those who prefer keyboard shortcuts over mouse-driven interfaces.

Why Choose i3 Over Other Window Managers?

Choosing i3 over other window managers offers several advantages:

• Efficiency: i3 uses tiling to organize windows, which maximizes screen space and allows you to work more efficiently. You can see all your open applications at a glance without needing to switch between them.
• Customization: You can configure i3 to suit your workflow perfectly. From keybindings to window rules, you have complete control over how i3 behaves.
• Performance: i3 is very lightweight. It uses minimal system resources, which makes it ideal for older computers or systems with limited hardware capabilities.
• Keyboard-Driven: i3 emphasizes keyboard usage. You can manage your entire desktop without touching the mouse, which can speed up your workflow once you get used to the shortcuts.

How to Install i3 Linux

Here are the detailed steps for each method to ubuntu i3 install:

1. Installing i3 from Source

Installing i3 from source is more complex but gives you control over the installation process and allows for custom configurations. This method is ideal for advanced users who need specific features or custom setups. Follow these steps to install i3 Linux:

1. Install the necessary dependencies required to compile i3 from source.

sudo apt update

sudo apt install git gcc make pkg-config libxcb1-dev libxcb-keysyms1-dev libpango1.0-dev libxcb-util0-dev libxcb-icccm4-dev libyajl-dev libstartup-notification0-dev libxcb-randr0-dev libev-dev libxcb-cursor-dev libxcb-xinerama0-dev libxcb-xkb-dev libxkbcommon-dev libxkbcommon-x11-dev autoconf libxcb-xrm0 libxcb-xrm-dev automake

2. Clone the official i3 repository from GitHub.

git clone https://github.com/i3/i3

cd i3

3. Compile the source code and install i3 Linux.

ninja -C build

sudo ninja -C build install

4. Check the installed version to ensure i3 is properly installed.

i3 --version

2. Install i3 using APT Package Manager

Installing i3 using the APT package manager is the most straightforward and commonly used method for Ubuntu. This method ensures that you get a stable version of i3 from the official Ubuntu repositories, making the installation process simple and reliable. Follow these steps to install i3 Linux:

1. Open your Terminal window.

2. Before installing any new software, it’s crucial to update your system to make sure all existing packages are current. Type the following command:

sudo apt update

This command will fetch the list of available updates for your system’s packages.

3. Next, proceed with upgrading your packages by executing:

sudo apt upgrade

This command will download and apply updates, ensuring your system is fully up-to-date.

4. Once your system is updated, you can install the i3 window manager. In your terminal, run the following command:

sudo apt install i3

This command installs i3 along with the necessary dependencies and default configuration files.

How to Configure i3 on Ubuntu

1. After installation, log out of your current desktop session. 

2. At the login screen, click the session chooser (usually a gear icon) and select i3 from the list of available window managers. 

3. Log in as usual.

4. Upon logging into i3 for the first time, a configuration wizard will appear to help you create your initial configuration file. It will ask if you want to generate a configuration file:

5. Then select which key you prefer as your Mod key (typically the Alt or Windows key). Choose your options and proceed.

Here are some basic commands to get you started navigating in i3:

6. To open a Terminal, press Mod+Enter (Mod is the key you chose during setup, either Alt or Windows).

7. To close a window, press Mod+Shift+Q.

8. To change focus between windows, use Mod+Arrow keys (up, down, left, right).

9. To split windows horizontally, press Mod+H:

10. To split windows vertically press Mod+V:

11. To toggle fullscreen mode for a window, press Mod+F.

12. To personalize your i3 setup, you’ll want to edit the configuration file. Open this file in a text editor; for example, you can use Nano:

nano ~/.config/i3/config

The configuration file will open in Nano editor.

13. Here, you can start customizing shortcuts, window behavior, colors, status bar settings, and more. For instance, to change the default Mod key to the Windows key, find the line that starts with set $mod and change it to:

set $mod Mod4

After execution the command will change the default Mod key to Windows key.

14. After making changes to your configuration, you can reload i3 without restarting your session to apply these changes. To do this, press Mod+Shift+R.

4 Tips to Keep Your i3 Window Manager Smooth and Efficient

Keeping your i3 window manager running smoothly involves regular maintenance and some tweaks. Here are four routine tips to help ensure that your i3 environment remains efficient and responsive:

• 🔄 Regularly Update Your System: Frequently update your Linux distribution and i3 with sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. This enhances system security, ensures software compatibility, and improves stability and performance, providing an optimal computing environment.
• 🧹 Clean Up Configuration Files: Regularly review and declutter your ~/.config/i3/config files. Removing outdated or unused configurations speeds up startup times and simplifies system management, making it easier to troubleshoot issues.
• 🔍 Monitor System Resources: Use tools like htop or conky to monitor CPU and memory usage. Identifying and managing resource-heavy processes ensures smooth operation of your i3 environment, prevents slowdowns, and aids in making informed decisions about system upgrades and optimization.
• 🔄 Backup Important Files: Ensure the safety of your i3 settings and scripts with regular backups using tools like rsync or tar. For instance, back up your configuration directory with tar -czvf i3-config-backup.tar.gz ~/.config/i3/ and store it securely, allowing quick recovery if problems arise.

Troubleshooting Common i3 Installation Issues

After installing the i3 window manager, you might encounter some common issues. Addressing these effectively ensures a smoother experience. Here’s a quick guide to four most typical problems and their solutions:

• 🖥️ No Login Option for i3: Sometimes, i3 might not appear as an option on your login screen after installation. This usually means the installation didn’t integrate i3 into your display manager. To fix this, in Terminal type sudo apt install --reinstall i3. This command reinstalls i3 and usually resolves the issue by correctly registering it with your display manager.
• ⌨️ Key Bindings Not Working: If you find that your keyboard shortcuts or key bindings are not responding, there might be errors in your configuration file. Open your ~/.config/i3/config file in a text editor like Nano by typing nano ~/.config/i3/config. Check for any syntax errors or incorrect commands. Ensure that the Mod key (usually Alt or Windows key) is defined correctly at the top of the file and that none of the bindings are overlapping or conflicting with each other.
• 🔊 No Sound: If you don’t hear any sound after installing i3, you may need to install or configure your sound manager. Open your Terminal and install pulseaudio and pavucontrol by typing sudo apt install pulseaudio pavucontrol. These applications manage your sound settings. After installation, reboot your system or restart i3 to initialize PulseAudio, which should resolve most sound issues.
• 📺 Dual Monitors Not Configured: Setting up multiple monitors can be tricky in i3. First, check your monitor configuration by typing xrandr in your Terminal. This command displays all connected monitors and their statuses. To configure your monitors manually, use xrandr to activate and set the position of each monitor.

Install i3 Ubuntu: Summing Up

In this article, I provided a step-by-step guide to installing and configuring i3 on Ubuntu. I have covered methods using APT and source installation, as well as troubleshooting common errors. I also included tips to keep your i3 window manager running smoothly, ensuring an efficient and customized setup for your Linux system.

If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring related topics:

• Learn how to resolve the “You Have Held Broken Packages” error to fix installation issues.
• Discover ways to create desktop shortcuts on Ubuntu for a more efficient workflow.
• Explore installing the GNOME Desktop Environment on Linux to manage multiple environments.

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