How to Center Windows Opening in Linux Mint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Linux Mint is known for its user-friendly interface and stability, making it a favorite among Linux users. However, like any operating system, there are times when you want to tweak things to suit your preferences. One common adjustment is to have windows automatically centered when they open. Whether it’s a new terminal window or a software application, centering windows can improve your workflow and make your desktop look more organized. This guide will walk you through how to center windows in Linux Mint, providing detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Understanding window management in Linux Mint

Linux Mint uses the Cinnamon desktop environment, which is built on top of GNOME 3. Cinnamon is designed to be fast and lightweight while offering a wide range of customization options. One of these features is its window management system, which controls how windows are displayed on the screen.

By default, new windows in Linux Mint might open in different positions based on where the cursor is located or where the last window was placed. While this behavior can be convenient, it may not always suit your needs. Fortunately, there are ways to change this so that all new windows open in the center of your screen.

Method 1: Using the Cinnamon settings

The simplest way to center windows in Linux Mint is through the Cinnamon settings. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require any additional software.

1. Open Cinnamon Settings: Click on the menu button in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Type “Window” in the search bar and select “Windows” from the list.
2. Adjust Window Behavior: In the Windows settings, navigate to the “Behavior” tab. Here, you can find options for controlling how windows behave when they open.
3. Set Centering Options: Look for the option that says “Center new windows” or something similar. Enable this option to ensure that all new windows open in the center of the screen.
4. Apply the Settings: After enabling the centering option, close the settings window. The changes should take effect immediately.

This method is quick and easy, and it works well for most users. However, if you prefer more control or if the option isn’t available in your version of Cinnamon, there are other methods you can try.

Method 2: Using Devilspie2

Devilspie2 is a small utility that allows you to control the placement and behavior of windows in your desktop environment. It’s a powerful tool for users who want to customize their window management experience beyond the default settings.

Install Devilspie2: Open the terminal and run the following command to install Devilspie2:

sudo apt-get install devilspie2

Enter your password if prompted and wait for the installation to complete.

Create a Configuration Directory: Once installed, you need to create a directory to store your configuration files:

mkdir -p ~/.config/devilspie2

Create a Script to Center Windows: Now, create a script that tells Devilspie2 to center all new windows. Use your preferred text editor to create a file named center_windows.lua in the Devilspie2 directory:

nano ~/.config/devilspie2/center_windows.lua

In the text editor, paste the following script:

if (get_window_type() == "WINDOW_TYPE_NORMAL") then
    center();
end

Save the file and exit the text editor.

Test the Configuration: To test the configuration, run Devilspie2 in your terminal:

devilspie2

Open a new window, and it should automatically center on your screen.

Autostart Devilspie2: To ensure Devilspie2 runs automatically every time you log in, add it to your startup applications. Open the “Startup Applications” tool from the menu, click “Add”, and enter the following command:

devilspie2

1. Give it a name like “Center Windows” and save the configuration.

Devilspie2 is highly customizable and can be used to create various window management behaviors beyond just centering. It’s ideal for users who want more control over their desktop environment.

Method 3: Using Compiz (Advanced Users)

Compiz is a powerful compositing window manager that offers extensive customization options, including window placement. However, it’s more complex to set up than the previous methods and is generally recommended for advanced users.

1. Install Compiz: To start, install Compiz and its settings manager by running the following command:

sudo apt-get install compiz compizconfig-settings-manager

1. nce installed, launch the CompizConfig Settings Manager by searching for “ccsm” in the menu.
2. Enable the “Place Windows” Plugin: In CompizConfig Settings Manager, find and enable the “Place Windows” plugin.
3. Configure Centering: Click on the “Place Windows” plugin to configure it. Under the “Placement Mode” section, select “Centered”. This will make sure all new windows open in the center of the screen.
4. Apply and Save: After configuring the settings, close the CompizConfig Settings Manager. The changes should take effect immediately.

Compiz offers a wide range of other features, like desktop effects and animations. However, it’s essential to proceed with caution when using Compiz, as misconfigurations can lead to an unstable desktop environment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that windows are not centering as expected, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:

• Check Conflicting Settings: Ensure that no other window management settings or tools conflict with your centering configuration.
• Restart the Desktop Environment: Sometimes, a restart of the Cinnamon desktop environment or a full system reboot can resolve issues.
• Update Your System: Ensure your system and all packages are up to date, as updates can fix bugs that might be causing issues.

Conclusion

Centering windows on your Linux Mint desktop can help create a cleaner, more organized workspace. Whether you prefer using the built-in Cinnamon settings, a powerful tool like Devilspie2, or the advanced features of Compiz, you now have several methods to achieve this. Each method offers different levels of control and customization, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs.

By following this guide, you should be able to set up your Linux Mint environment to automatically center new windows, enhancing both aesthetics and usability. Happy tweaking!

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