Yalter has recently published the release of the composite server NIRI 25.05, which incorporates the mosaic method (tiling) layouts inspired by GNOME broadcasting similar to PaperWM. In this new release, windows are grouped into an infinitely scrollable tape on the screen. Opening a new window expands the tape, while previously added windows retain their size. The project utilizes the Wayland protocol but supports running X11 applications using the XWALAND DDX server. NIRI’s code is written in Rust and is distributed under the GPLV3 license. Packages for NIRI are available for Fedora, NixOS, Arch Linux, and FreeBSD.
A notable difference between NIRI and Paperwm is the ability of NIRI to bind windows to each monitor separately, avoiding overlap with windows on other monitors. NIRI also supports HiDPI and can function on systems with multiple GPUs. It features a built-in interface for creating and recording screenshots, with the option to exclude confidential information from recordings.
In NIRI, virtual desktops are dynamically created and displayed vertically, while the window tape scrolls horizontally. Each monitor can have its own set of virtual desktops. Users can switch between desktops and windows using touchpad gestures. When a monitor is turned off, the virtual desktop layout is saved and restored when the monitor is reconnected. Configuration settings can be adjusted through a config file, allowing for changes in parameters without restarting the composite server.
In the latest version of NIRI:
- A review mode for navigating virtual desktops and open windows has been introduced. By moving the cursor to the upper left corner or using a four-finger touchpad gesture,