i3gaps

i3gaps is a fork of the i3 window manager designed to introduce gaps between windows. Gaps, in this context, refer to the empty space that can be configured to appear between adjacent windows and also around the border of the screen. This visual separation can improve readability and aesthetic appeal for users who find the default tiling behavior of i3 too cramped.

The primary motivation behind i3gaps was to add this customizable spacing without significantly altering the core functionality and philosophy of i3. It maintains i3's focus on tiling, keyboard-driven operation, and minimalist design. Users can control the size of the inner gaps (between windows) and the outer gaps (around the screen's perimeter) through i3's configuration file.

Beyond simple spacing, i3gaps also offers features like smart gaps, which can dynamically adjust or remove gaps in certain situations, such as when only one window is present on a workspace. This helps maintain efficient screen real estate. Like i3, i3gaps is highly configurable and appeals to users who prefer a keyboard-centric workflow and a clean, organized desktop environment. It is often seen as a direct alternative for those who like i3 but desire the addition of visual spacing.