Labwc 0.7.4: New Wayland Composite Server Release

Labwc has recently published version 0.7.3 of their project, Lab Wayland Compositor, which aims to develop a composite server for Wayland with features similar to the window manager Openbox. This project serves as an alternative for Wayland users seeking a similar experience to OpenBox. Following the update to version 0.7.4, Labwc has made adjustments and corrections to enhance user experience. The key features of LABWC include minimalism, compact implementation, extensive customization options, and high performance. The project is coded in SI language and falls under the GPLv2 license.

Labwc utilizes the wlroots library, which provides essential functions for organizing the work of a composite manager based on Wayland. It supports expanded Wayland protocols such as WLR-OUTPUT-MANAGEMENT for configuring output devices, layer-shell for managing the workspace shell, and Foreign-Toplevel for incorporating custom panels and window switches.

Users can connect additional features like creating screenshots, displaying desktop wallpaper, placing panels, and menus. However, animated effects, gradients, and icons (excluding window buttons) are not supported. For running X11 applications on Wayland, the use of the xwayland DDX component is recommended. Design themes, menus, and hotkeys can be configured through XML format files. Labwc provides built-in support for high pixel density screens (hidpi).

Besides the built-in root menu, users can customize it using Menu.xml and also connect third-party application menus like bemenu, fuzzel, and wofi. For panels, options include waybar, sfwbar, yambar, or lavalauncher. To manage monitor connections and settings, wlr-randr and kanshi are recommended. Screen locking can be done using swaylock.