The K Desktop Environment

5.2. Actions (Window Placement/Size Behavior)

5.2.1. Introduction

This module lets you specify how you want KDE to place newly created windows on your desktop, how to change the "focus" between windows, and how to graphically represent windows as you move them.

5.2.2. Use

This module is divided into 3 distinct areas: Windows, Placement Policy and Focus Policy.

5.2.2.1. Windows

This section of the module has three options:

Vertical Maximization only by default

When this option is selected, any request by the user to "Maximize" a window, will cause the window to expand to fully use the verticle space on the window, but KDE will not change the horizontal space used by the window. If this option is disabled, KDE will increase the window in both horizontal and verticle directions

Display content in moving windows

When this option is selected, KDE will continue to update the contents of the window as you move it around the screen.

If this option is not selected, KDE will use show you a rectangle, which will move with your mouse. When the mouse button is released, KDE will restore the contents of the window.

Display content in resizing windows

When this option is selected, KDE will resize the contents of a window as you change the size. If this option is not selected, then KDE will show a rectangle while you are resizing, and when the mouse button is released, the contents of the window will be resized and appear within the window.

Tip

Both the "Display content in moving windows" and "Display content in resizing windows" options, consume signifigantly more processor resources when enabled, then when disabled. If you find your computer is not as responsive as you would like when moving or resizing windows, disabling one or both of these features will improve the responsiveness of KDE.

5.2.2.2. Placement Policy

The placement policy determines where a new window will appear on the desktop. There are currently three options:

  • Smart - Will try to arrange new windows to minimize overlapping as much as possible

  • Cascade - Will place the first window on the desktop with the upper left corner of the window in the upper left corner of the desktop. Each consecutive window will have the upper left corner of the window shifted down and to the right.

  • Random - Will randomly place the window on the desktop.

5.2.2.3. Focus Policy

The "focus", of the desktop refers to the window which the user is currently working on. The window with focus is often referred to as the "active window".

There are four methods KDE can use to determine the current focus:

Click to Focus

With this option, you simply click on the window to make that window acitve.

All the other options within this section have no effect when this option is chosen.

Focus follows mouse

To change the focus of a window, simply place the mouse pointer over the window. If the mouse pointer is then moved to an area of the desktop without another window, the last window retains the focus.

Focus under mouse

The window under the mouse, has the focus. If, however, the mouse pointer is in an area of the desktop that has no windows, no window will be active.

Focus strictly under mouse

Similar to Focus under mouse, but even more strict with its interpretation.

Once you have determined the focus policy, there are two more options which you can determine.

By placing a mark in front of "Auto Raise", KDE can bring a window to the front if the mouse is over that window for a specified period of time. This is very useful with the Focus follows Mouse option. You can determine the delay by using the slider bar/spin box comination.

Tip

Setting the delay too short, will cause a rapid fire changing of windows, which can be quite distracting. Most people will like a delay of 100-300 ms. This is responsive, but it will let you slide over the corners of a window on your way to your destination without bringing that window to the front.

If you do not use "Auto Raise", make sure the "Click Raise" option has a mark in front of it. You will not be happy with both "Auto Raise" and "Click Raise" disabled.

5.2.3. Section Author

This section written by:

Mike McBride