KDE Mover-Sizer: A Complete User’s GuideKDE’s Mover-Sizer is a small but powerful utility built into the Plasma desktop that makes window manipulation faster, more flexible, and more consistent across different applications. Whether you prefer keyboard-driven workflows, precision resizing, or quick mouse gestures, Mover-Sizer gives you multiple ways to move and resize windows without relying on window borders or titlebars. This guide explains what Mover-Sizer does, how it works, configuration options, practical tips, and advanced workflows.
What is Mover-Sizer?
Mover-Sizer is a built-in Plasma feature that lets you move and resize windows using a modifier key plus mouse actions (clicks, drags, or scroll) or keyboard shortcuts. It appears as a translucent overlay with a central grab point and directional indicators when activated, and it supports precise, freeform, and edge-aligned adjustments.
Key benefits:
- Works even for borderless or custom-decorated windows.
- Combines moving and resizing in one interface.
- Supports both mouse and keyboard controls for accessibility and speed.
- Integrates with other Plasma window management features (tiling, snapping, shortcuts).
Activating Mover-Sizer
By default, Mover-Sizer is triggered with the Meta (Windows) key + right mouse button (this may vary by distribution and KDE version). You can also bind it to other combinations.
To check or change the activation:
- Open System Settings → Workspace → Window Management → Window Behavior (or Window Actions in some versions).
- Look for the “Inner Window, Titlebar & Frame” or “Window Actions” section.
- Find the action labeled “Activate Mover/Resizer” (or similar) and assign your preferred modifier key plus mouse button or a keyboard shortcut.
Tip: Many users prefer Meta + Left-click or Alt + Middle-click depending on muscle memory and desktop layout.
Basic controls
Once Mover-Sizer is active, a translucent overlay appears; here’s how to use the main controls:
Mouse controls
- Click and drag the central grab point to move the window freely.
- Click and drag a directional handle (edge/corner) to resize in that axis or direction.
- Middle-click on the overlay to toggle between move and resize modes (behavior depends on KDE version).
- Scroll the mouse wheel while hovering over an edge handle to nudge the window size by small increments.
Keyboard controls
- Arrow keys: nudge the window position or size (with a modifier).
- Shift/Control modifiers: increase the step size for larger nudges or keep proportions while resizing.
- Esc: cancel the current operation and restore the window to its prior size/position.
Exact keys and modifiers can differ across Plasma releases; check System Settings → Shortcuts if you want to remap them.
Precision and snapping
Mover-Sizer integrates with Plasma’s snapping and tiling:
- While resizing or moving, windows can snap to screen edges, other windows, or grid guidelines — useful for building tidy layouts.
- Holding a modifier (commonly Shift or Control) often disables snapping for pixel-perfect placement.
- Use grid or outline snapping in combination with keyboard nudges for high-precision layouts.
If you need exact pixel sizes:
- Use Mover-Sizer to approximate size and position.
- Open the window’s “More Actions” → “Configure Special Application Settings” and set exact geometry rules for that app (size/position).
Customizing behavior
System Settings offers options to fine-tune Mover-Sizer:
- Activation key/button: choose which modifier and mouse button trigger the overlay.
- Movement/resize increments: set keyboard nudge step sizes in Window Management → Shortcuts or Window Behavior.
- Edge resistance and snap distance: adjust how close windows need to be to snap to edges or other windows.
- Touchpad and multi-button mouse behavior: adapt activation for single-button touchpads or multi-button mice.
For power users, KWin scripting and window rules (Window Management → Window Rules) can complement Mover-Sizer by automating placement, sizing, or behavior for specific applications.
Workflow examples
- Rapid two-pane layout:
- Use Mover-Sizer to drag one window to left edge until it snaps to half-screen; repeat for another window on the right.
- Optionally use keyboard shortcuts (Meta + Left/Right) for even faster snapping.
- Precise toolbar-less app positioning:
- Activate Mover-Sizer (Meta + Right-click), hold Shift to disable snapping, and use arrow keys for pixel nudges until aligned with UI elements.
- Floating and stacking mix:
- Use Mover-Sizer’s resize handles to create smaller floating tools while leaving main apps tiled, then save that arrangement with a session or window rule.
Troubleshooting
- Mover-Sizer not appearing: verify the activation mapping in System Settings → Window Actions. Conflicting global shortcuts (desktop search, compositor toggles) can block the trigger.
- Overlay disappears immediately: check for compositing issues or high-CPU lag. Toggle “Enable compositor on startup” or switch rendering backend (X11 vs. Wayland) to test.
- Snapping behaves unexpectedly: reduce edge resistance or increase snap distance in Window Behavior. Also check for installed window management scripts that might override behavior.
- Borderless apps ignore Mover-Sizer: some applications with custom toolkits may bypass standard window decorations. Use KWin window rules to force normal decoration or size/position settings.
Mover-Sizer on Wayland vs X11
Mover-Sizer functions on both X11 and Wayland, but behavior can differ:
- Wayland may enforce stricter app constraints, meaning some low-level geometry operations are restricted.
- On X11, KWin has full control over window geometry; more third-party tools and scripts may be available.
- If you rely on advanced KWin scripts, verify Wayland compatibility before switching.
Advanced tips
- Combine with KWin scripts: automate complex tiling or restore multi-monitor layouts after docking/undocking.
- Use Window Rules to remember exact positions for apps you frequently place with Mover-Sizer.
- Map a keyboard-only activation (no mouse) for accessibility: assign a hotkey that opens Mover-Sizer and use arrow keys for placement.
- Create profiles for different tasks (coding, streaming, design) by scripting window positions and toggling them with keyboard shortcuts.
Summary
Mover-Sizer is a compact, efficient tool that enhances window control in KDE Plasma. By learning its activation, mouse/keyboard controls, and how it interacts with snapping and window rules, you can dramatically speed up daily workflows and achieve precise layouts without extra utilities.
If you want, I can: show step-by-step screenshots for your Plasma version, give exact shortcut recommendations, or provide KWin script examples to automate layouts.
Leave a Reply