Using the Grid plugin in Compiz

Recently I’ve been introduced to the Grid plugin in Compiz – this is a fantastic little plugin that snaps your windows to predefined positions on the screen. After using it for the last couple of weeks I can’t imagine going back to not using it.

To get access to it you will need to install the compiz settings manager, and load Compiz’s “Fusion Plugins Extra”:

sudo apt-get install \
    compizconfig-settings-manager \
    compiz-fusion-plugins-extra

Once you’ve done this simply enable it:

1. System, Preferences, CompizConfig Settings Manager
2. In the Filter box in the top left, type in “grid”
3. Tick the box to enable it and click “Close” (bottom left)

Now try using Ctrl-Alt and numbers on your keypad. CA-9 will snap a window into the top right corner (press it a few more times to get different sizes) and CA-8 will make it snap to the top half of the screen (the number is the position on the screen, you’ll get the gist of it).

Check out this demo video:

Happy Ubuntuing!