Archiving Same Window in dwm

How to Archive Same Window Visible in a Specific Tag(s) in dwm

Abstract: Learn how to archive the same window visible in a specific tag(s) in dwm, a dynamic window manager for Linux. This article provides step-by-step instructions and tips to efficiently manage your windows using dwm.

Created: 2023-10-22 by

dwmm is a dynamic window manager for X. It is lightweight, fast, and highly customizable. One of its great features is the ability to organize windows into tags. In this article, we will learn how to archive the same window visible in a specific tag or tags in dwm.

By default, dwm does not have a built-in feature to archive the same window in multiple tags. However, we can achieve this functionality by making a small modification to the dwm source code and recompiling it. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds!

Step 1: Download the dwm source code

The first step is to download the dwm source code. You can find the latest version on the official website or on GitHub. Once you have downloaded the source code, extract it to a directory of your choice.

Step 2: Modify the dwm source code

Next, we need to make a modification to the dwm source code to enable the feature of archiving the same window in multiple tags. Open the dwm.c file in a text editor of your choice.

Look for the following line of code:

static void tag(const Arg *arg)

Below this line, add the following code:

if (selmon->sel && arg->ui > 0) { selmon->sel->tags = arg->ui; arrange(selmon); }

This code snippet checks if there is a selected window and if the argument passed to the tag function is greater than zero. If both conditions are true, it updates the tags of the selected window with the argument value and arranges the windows accordingly.

Step 3: Recompile and install dwm

After making the necessary modifications, save the dwm.c file and close it. Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you extracted the dwm source code.

Run the following command to compile and install dwm:

sudo make clean install

This command will compile the modified dwm source code and install the updated dwm binary on your system.

Step 4: Using the new feature

Now that you have installed the modified version of dwm, you can start using the new feature to archive the same window in multiple tags.

To archive the same window in multiple tags, follow these steps:

  1. Select the window you want to archive by clicking on it.
  2. Hold down the MODKEY (by default, it is the Alt key) and press the number keys corresponding to the tags you want the window to be visible in. For example, if you want the window to be visible in tags 1, 2, and 3, hold down the MODKEY and press 1, 2, and 3 on your keyboard.
  3. The window will now be visible in the selected tags. You can switch between tags using the MODKEY and the number keys.

This is how you can archive the same window in a specific tag or tags in dwm. Enjoy the improved productivity and organization that this feature brings!

Conclusion

dwm is a powerful and lightweight window manager that can be customized to suit your needs. By making a small modification to the dwm source code, we have enabled the feature of archiving the same window in multiple tags. This allows for better organization and productivity when working with multiple windows. Follow the steps outlined in this article to enable and use this feature in dwm.

References

Reference Link
dwm - dynamic window manager https://dwm.suckless.org/
dwm on GitHub https://github.com/dwm

Explore our wide range of tech support articles to enhance your knowledge and troubleshoot various issues with ease.

    Latest News

    Generating SSH Key Failed on Windows 11 (Simplified Chinese)
    Generating SSH Key Failed on Windows 11 (Simplified Chinese)

    This article provides solutions for the issue of SSH key generation failure on Windows 11 in Simplified Chinese. Learn how to resolve this problem and continue with your Git installation.

    Read More
    Windows 11: Duplicate and Extend Displays in a Home Office Setup
    Windows 11: Duplicate and Extend Displays in a Home Office Setup

    Learn how to duplicate and extend displays in a home office setup using Windows 11. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to optimize your workspace comfort.

    Read More
    Increase Timeout Limit in Firefox
    Increase Timeout Limit in Firefox

    Learn how to increase the timeout limit in Firefox to avoid high network latency issues causing the browser to hit the timeout limit while loading pages.

    Read More
    Creating Non-Persistent Shadow Copy Backups on Windows 11 Pro
    Creating Non-Persistent Shadow Copy Backups on Windows 11 Pro

    Learn how to create non-persistent shadow copy backups on Windows 11 Pro using WSL and Google Cloud Storage, solving the issue of WSL seeing open Windows files locked.

    Read More
    HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen8: DHCP Server Not Pinging Gateway
    HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen8: DHCP Server Not Pinging Gateway

    This article provides a solution for connecting an HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen8 running a fresh install of Linux Mint 22.1, using an Ethernet cable previously used with an HP laptop, which has proven internet connectivity, but fails to connect with the DHCP server not pinging the gateway.

    Read More
    Disabling Tenor GIF selector window in Emoji picker on Windows 11
    Disabling Tenor GIF selector window in Emoji picker on Windows 11

    Learn how to disable the Tenor GIF selector window in the Emoji picker on Windows 11, which starts flashing distracting animations when invoked.

    Read More
    Troubleshooting Webcam Upgrade on Windows 11 N Pro
    Troubleshooting Webcam Upgrade on Windows 11 N Pro

    This article provides a solution for the error encountered while upgrading a computer running Windows 11 N Pro, as the upgrade is not officially supported due to the lack of TPM. The issue starts when attempting to launch the Windows Camera app.

    Read More
    Setting up Office PC Server with Raspberry Pi: Multihop SSH Tunnel Reverse Forward Tunnel
    Setting up Office PC Server with Raspberry Pi: Multihop SSH Tunnel Reverse Forward Tunnel

    Learn how to set up an Office PC Server with a Raspberry Pi using a Multihop SSH Tunnel Reverse Forward Tunnel. This guide will walk you through the process of connecting your home PC (192.168.1.42) to a Raspberry Pi and opening an SSH remote tunnel. Follow this tutorial to securely access your office server from home.

    Read More
    Why does the mouse cursor trail on older Windows versions?
    Why does the mouse cursor trail on older Windows versions?

    Older versions of Windows sometimes cause the mouse cursor to trail, leaving copies of the cursor on the screen as it moves. This can be a problem when the computer is running slowly.

    Read More
    Optimizing ChatGPT Web App Performance in Firefox
    Optimizing ChatGPT Web App Performance in Firefox

    This article provides tips and tricks to improve the performance of a ChatGPT web app in Firefox without losing functionality. Long conversations and slow typing input delays are common issues addressed in this article.

    Read More
    Troubleshooting HDR Luminance Levels Mapping/Scaling while Playing HDR on PC
    Troubleshooting HDR Luminance Levels Mapping/Scaling while Playing HDR on PC

    This article provides solutions for issues encountered while playing downloaded HDR content on PC, such as incorrect luminance levels, mapping, or scaling. Common problems include games and YouTube not supporting HDR, even when setup is correct.

    Read More
    Conditional Formatting: Chart Title Greyed
    Conditional Formatting: Chart Title Greyed

    This article explains how to use Conditional Formatting in a chart, but the chart title is greyed out. Here's how to resolve this issue...

    Read More
    VeraCrypt Dual Boot Setup Disappears After Windows Reinstallation
    VeraCrypt Dual Boot Setup Disappears After Windows Reinstallation

    This article provides a solution for the issue where the VeraCrypt dual boot setup disappears after a Windows reinstallation.

    Read More
    Options for Installing NVME PCIe Adapter on IBM System x3650 M3 Type 9745KPG
    Options for Installing NVME PCIe Adapter on IBM System x3650 M3 Type 9745KPG

    Recently purchased an old IBM System x3650 M3 Type 9745KPG without drives. Wanting to install an NVME PCIe adapter for read support. What are the options?

    Read More
    Transparent Selection in Microsoft Paint Windows 11
    Transparent Selection in Microsoft Paint Windows 11

    Learn how to use the Transparent Selection option in Microsoft Paint Windows 11 for seamless image editing. Follow this guide to make your editing experience more efficient.

    Read More
    Inspiron 155000 Black Screen Boot Loop
    Inspiron 155000 Black Screen Boot Loop

    A Dell Inspiron 155000 laptop is stuck in a boot loop while charging and downloading a file. The laptop returns 'Found laptop', and turning the charging lights blinks 3 amber and 1 white.

    Read More
    Check Bitvise SSH Server License Validity Period on Windows 10
    Check Bitvise SSH Server License Validity Period on Windows 10

    Bitvise SSH Server license has expired and the server stops working, causing loss of access to remote computers. Check the current license validity date to plan ahead.

    Read More
    Preserving Layers Saving in Microsoft Paint on Windows 11
    Preserving Layers Saving in Microsoft Paint on Windows 11

    Learn how to preserve layers when saving an image in Microsoft Paint on Windows 11 to avoid flattening and losing the ability to edit the image.

    Read More
    Change Time Windows CMD Without Admin Rights
    Change Time Windows CMD Without Admin Rights

    Learn how to change the system time in Windows CMD without requiring admin rights using GitHub's Action Runner and Clock Sync.

    Read More
    How to Transpose Rows/Columns in Notepad++ using Python Script Plugin
    How to Transpose Rows/Columns in Notepad++ using Python Script Plugin

    Learn how to transpose rows or columns in Notepad++ using the Python Script plugin. This article provides a step-by-step guide to install and use the plugin for efficient data manipulation.

    Read More
    File Complaint Expedia
    File Complaint Expedia

    Learn how to file a complaint with Expedia. This guide covers steps for filing a complaint on Linux, Windows, and MacOS platforms.

    Read More
    Unable to Connect Home Sky Broadband Network on Win10 Laptop: WiFi/Ethernet not valid IP configuration
    Unable to Connect Home Sky Broadband Network on Win10 Laptop: WiFi/Ethernet not valid IP configuration

    This article provides solutions for Win10 laptop users who are unable to connect their home Sky Broadband network due to the 'WiFi/Ethernet not valid IP configuration' error.

    Read More
    Change Visited Link Color in Firefox (Latest Update: April 2025, v138.0)
    Change Visited Link Color in Firefox (Latest Update: April 2025, v138.0)

    Learn how to change the visited link color in Firefox with the latest update (April 2025, v138.0). This article provides step-by-step instructions to customize your Firefox browser.

    Read More
    Resolved Dispute Expedia
    Resolved Dispute Expedia

    Learn how to resolve disputes with Expedia effectively. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

    Read More
    Since upgrading to Windows 11, how to use Ctrl-Alt-Delete to login?
    Since upgrading to Windows 11, how to use Ctrl-Alt-Delete to login?

    After upgrading to Windows 11, the Ctrl-Alt-Delete key combination no longer brings up the prompt to enter a PIN (logging into Windows). No indication is given when the keys are pressed.

    Read More
    Cron Won't Start VirtualBox VM: A Solution
    Cron Won't Start VirtualBox VM: A Solution

    In this article, we will discuss a solution to a common issue where Cron won't start a VirtualBox VM. This problem can occur on various operating systems, and we will provide a solution that should work across Linux, Windows, and MacOS.

    Read More
    Block Internet Access for VLAN using EdgeRouter X5
    Block Internet Access for VLAN using EdgeRouter X5

    This article will guide you on how to block Internet access for a VLAN using EdgeRouter X5. By the end of this article, you will learn how to isolate your printer from the Internet while connected to a specific VLAN.

    Read More
    Export Command Line Column Task Manager Data to CSV
    Export Command Line Column Task Manager Data to CSV

    Learn how to export the Task Manager's memory usage data to a CSV file using the command line. This guide covers Windows, Linux, and macOS.

    Read More
    Configuring OS/Browser to Open Certain File Extensions in Specific Websites (Browser-Specific) - Tech Support
    Configuring OS/Browser to Open Certain File Extensions in Specific Websites (Browser-Specific) - Tech Support

    Learn how to configure your operating system and browser to open specific file extensions in certain websites, making it easier to handle old computers and access modern web applications.

    Read More
    Recommendation for Weird/Big Multi-Monitor KVM Setup
    Recommendation for Weird/Big Multi-Monitor KVM Setup

    This article provides a recommendation for a weird/big multi-monitor KVM setup using a Thunderbolt port and drive. It will guide you through the process of setting up a desktop replacement with six screens, ensuring a seamless and efficient work environment.

    Read More
    Running rsync on Windows using MSYS2: Source/Dest Path Formats
    Running rsync on Windows using MSYS2: Source/Dest Path Formats

    This article provides instructions on how to use rsync on Windows with MSYS2, converting Windows source/dest paths to a Linux-compatible format. This allows syncing through rsync.

    Read More
    Automating Keyboard Shortcuts with PowerShell and Task Scheduler
    Automating Keyboard Shortcuts with PowerShell and Task Scheduler

    Learn how to automate keyboard shortcuts using PowerShell and Task Scheduler. This guide will show you how to create and schedule a PowerShell script that sends specific keystrokes to open applications.

    Read More
    Splitting Multiline Text Words - PowerShell
    Splitting Multiline Text Words - PowerShell

    Learn how to split multiline text words using PowerShell. This article provides a simple solution to the problem of splitting text at specific characters, even when they are followed by whitespace. Try the provided script to effortlessly split your multiline text.

    Read More
    Creating a User-Defined Snippets Repository in Kate
    Creating a User-Defined Snippets Repository in Kate

    This article provides a step-by-step guide on creating and setting up a user-defined snippets repository in Kate, a powerful and feature-rich text editor. Follow these instructions to streamline your coding experience.

    Read More
    Creating a Spreadsheet List with Addresses and Tickbox for Payment Received
    Creating a Spreadsheet List with Addresses and Tickbox for Payment Received

    Learn how to create a spreadsheet list with addresses and a tickbox for payment received. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step to organize your data effectively.

    Read More