Ratpoison

6.9easy start · #7 of 64
in Window Management Software

Free to practise onyes
Free trialnot on record
Well documentedyes
Runs where you worknot on record

Runs on Linux.

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Ratpoison is ranked #7 of 64 in window management software on The Geeks Club. It runs on Linux. There is a free plan.

Ratpoison plans and pricing

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Ratpoison Free Current stable version listed as 1.4.9 nongnu.org · 5 Oct 2026

Compared on window management software

Free plan: Yes
Platforms: Linux

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The record

Product: Ratpoison is a simple window manager modeled largely after GNU Screen.
Keyboard control: All interaction with the window manager is done through keystrokes, using a prefix map.
Frames: The screen can be split into non-overlapping frames, with windows kept maximized inside them.
Frame layout: Frames can be split horizontally or vertically, and each frame can show at most one window.
Multiple screens: Commands let users switch among X11 screens and navigate across screens.
Customization: The manual describes visual customization options for the status bar, including its font and position.
Automation: Users can attach scripts to Ratpoison events using hooks.
Command line: Ratpoison commands can be invoked non-interactively, including through its command-line interface.
Dependencies and interface: The official site describes Ratpoison as having no large library dependencies, fancy graphics, or window decorations.
Compatibility limit: The manual notes that some programs are difficult to use under Ratpoison because they are tailored to particular window management paradigms.
Downloads: The official site lists version 1.4.9 as the current stable release and links to source archives and Git.
Support: The site points users to a mailing list for bugs and development, documentation, a FAQ, a wiki, and the #ratpoison IRC channel on Libera.Chat.
License: The manual states that Ratpoison is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2 or later.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on The Geeks Club

Best Window Management Software in 2026#7 of 64

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Sources

nongnu.org/ratpoison/· checked 5 Oct 2026
nongnu.org/ratpoison/doc/Concepts.html· checked 5 Oct 2026
nongnu.org/ratpoison/doc/Multiple-Screens.html· checked 5 Oct 2026
nongnu.org/ratpoison/doc/The-Status-Bar.html· checked 5 Oct 2026
nongnu.org/ratpoison/doc/· checked 5 Oct 2026
nongnu.org/ratpoison/doc/Other-Commands.html· checked 5 Oct 2026
nongnu.org/ratpoison/doc/Using-Other-Window-Manage· checked 5 Oct 2026