Essential Hyprland Plugins for Improved Usability: Top 5 Picks

Key Notes

  • Hyprland supports powerful plugins to enhance productivity.
  • Installation requires basic understanding of terminal commands.
  • Plugins like Hy3 facilitate window management similar to i3.

Enhance Your Linux Experience with Top Hyprland Plugins

In the ever-evolving landscape of Linux window management, Hyprland stands out for its advanced features and extensibility. Discover how installing the best plugins can significantly boost your productivity and customization options.

Setting Up Your Environment for Plugins

Hyprland employs a unique plugin system that treats these extensions as direct modifications to the window manager, akin to how dwm functions with patches. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare your environment before installing any plugins.

Step 1: Install Required Dependencies

Start by installing the necessary dependencies using your package manager. If you’re using Arch Linux, run: 

sudo pacman -S

On Ubuntu, execute: 

sudo apt install

Lastly, use the built-in package manager in Hyprland for any additional setups.

Step 2: Update and Build Plugin Files

Execute the following command in your terminal to finalize your preparations: 

hyprpm update

This ensures you have the latest files required for plugin installation.

Once you’ve established the prerequisites, it’s time to explore the best plugins to enhance your Hyprland session.

1.hy3

Hy3 is a powerful extension that mimics window tiling behavior found in other popular managers like i3 and Sway. It utilizes Hyprland’s window groups to adjust split orientations dynamically.

Step 1: Install the hy3 Plugin

Run the following command to install Hy3: 

hyprpm install hy3

After installation, enable the plugin within your current session.

Step 2: Configure hy3 in Your Configuration File

Open your Hyprland configuration file with a text editor of your choice: 

nano ~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf

Locate the “general” section and change the layout variable from “dwindle” to “hy3.” Press Ctrl + O to save.

2. Hyprbars

This plugin brings back title bars that enhance window visibility, offering customization options for height, color, and fonts. You can find it here.

Step 1: Install Hyprbars

In a terminal, enter: 

hyprpm install hyprbars

Once installed, activate it using: 

hyprpm enable hyprbars

Check if title bars are visible by pressing Win + Q to launch a new terminal.

3. HyprEasymotion

This plugin enhances window selection efficiency, allowing users to navigate directly to the desired window seamlessly. More details can be found here.

Step 1: Add the HyprEasymotion Plugin

Run this command in your terminal: 

hyprpm install hypreasymotion

Activate it with: 

hyprpm enable hypreasymotion

Step 2: Configure Keybinds for Easymode

Edit your Hyprland config file to include: 

bindsym $mod+z easymode

4. Hyperexpo

This innovative plugin offers an overview of your desktops, making window management simpler. Documentation can be found here.

Step 1: Install Hyprexpo

Use the following command: 

hyprpm install hyprexpo

Step 2: Enable Hyprexpo

Insert the binding in your config file to access it, such as: 

bindsym $mod+i hyprexpo

Check functionality by pressing Win + I.

5. Virtual Desktops

This plugin simplifies desktop management by unifying workspaces across multiple monitors. Find it here.

Step 1: Install Virtual Desktops

Run the command: 

hyprpm install virtual-desktops

Step 2: Adapt Your Workspace Bindings

Access your config file and make essential modifications: 

ctrl+w workspace

Reorganize workspace bindings to utilize ‘vdesk’.

Proceed to verify the plugin’s success by pressing Win + 1 twice.

Summary

With these top Hyprland plugins, you can significantly enhance your productivity and customize your window management experience. From tiling windows to creating unified workspaces, each plugin serves a unique purpose tailored for efficiency.

Conclusion

Adopting these plugins can transform your Hyprland experience, making it more intuitive and aligned with your workflow. Explore, install, and enjoy a tailored Linux environment suited to your needs!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Hyprland?

Hyprland is a Wayland-based window manager for Linux, offering versatility and customization through plugins.

How do I install plugins in Hyprland?

You can install plugins using the Hyprland built-in package manager, typically requiring basic terminal commands to add and enable plugins.