Setting window positions with wmctrl

[texpat]

This is on Xubuntu 14.04.1 LTS

I'm trying to automate certain aspects of my work setup, where I use several different apps and want them distributed over my screen real estate in a certain way.

I've found wmctrl and some example scripts that use it. Unfortunately wmctrl is very erratic and will sometimes work and sometimes not, which is obviously very frustrating.

So I'm looking for help: Is there a way to make wmctrl work properly? Are there alternatives? What do others do in my situation?

[kerry_s]

well xfwm is probably fighting you on placement. it has a setting in window tweaks for placement, try turning that all the way up so it only affects large windows.

[texpat]

kerry_s: Yes, I had the suspicion there may be a conflict there somewhere, but it seems wmctrl still looses out after applying your tweak.

[kerry_s]

sure it's not your script ?
can you go in to more detail on what your trying to do ? pic maybe ?

[texpat]

Sure, here's screenshot of what I'm trying to do:

Left two windows go on one screen. The right window goes on another.

Selection_010.jpg

Here's an example script I'm using:

#!/bin/bash
function get_window_id()
{
window_id=$(wmctrl -l | grep "$1" | tail -1 | cut -f1 -d" ")
}

firefox -new-window "website.html"
get_window_id "Mozilla Firefox"
wmctrl -i -r "$window_id" -e 0,0,0,950,1080

firefox -new-window "other-webseite.html"
get_window_id "Mozilla Firefox"
wmctrl -i -r "$window_id" -e 0,950,0,968,1080

libreoffice --writer "textdoc"

I don't actually use wmctrl on the last window because the window manager places it where I want it.

[dragonfly41]

There is also Window Master .. Firefox Add-on

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/fir...onitor-master/

[kerry_s]

maybe you should look into tiling wm's, xfwm4 can easily be replaced. while still keeping everything else. just a thought.

[Toz]

I use devilspie when I want to place apps in specific locations.

Also: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Devilspie

[CantankRus]

I find binding xdotool and wmctrl commands to easystroke mouse gestures invaluable.
All you need do is draw the gesture on the window you want the command to act on.
All I change in easystoke is the gesture button from 2 to 3. Feels more natural using the right mouse button.

[texpat]

maybe you should look into tiling wm's, xfwm4 can easily be replaced. while still keeping everything else. just a thought.

I played around with Awesome a while ago. Perhaps its time to give it another go.

I use devilspie when I want to place apps in specific locations.

Had a quick look at that, too. But it doesn't seem to be what I'm looking for. I want a command to bring up and position app windows. This seems to apply a default behaviour to app windows when they appear. This is not quite what I'm after. I'll have a closer look at that link you gave, though. Thanks!

I find binding xdotool and wmctrl commands to easystroke mouse gestures invaluable.
All you need do is draw the gesture on the window you want the command to act on.
All I change in easystoke is the gesture button from 2 to 3. Feels more natural using the right mouse button.

This is novel to me. Looks like it could be worth a try. Thanks!