i3-msg Command Reference
i3-msg: Send Messages to i3 Window Manager
The i3-msg command is a powerful utility for interacting with the i3 window manager from the command line. It allows you to send commands and messages to i3, enabling you to automate tasks, create custom keybindings, and manage your window layout dynamically.
Basic i3-msg Usage
The general syntax for i3-msg is straightforward. You provide the command you want to send to i3 within single quotes.
Common i3-msg Commands
Here are some of the most frequently used commands with i3-msg:
Reload i3 Configuration
To apply changes made to your i3 configuration file without restarting the entire window manager, use the reload command.
# Reload i3wm configuration.
i3-msg 'reload'Restart i3 Window Manager
If you need to perform a full restart of the i3 window manager, for instance, after significant configuration changes or to resolve issues, use the restart command.
# Restart i3wm.
i3-msg 'restart'Further i3-msg Commands and Resources
The i3-msg command supports a wide array of messages beyond just reloading and restarting. You can manipulate windows, workspaces, containers, and more. For a comprehensive list of available commands and detailed explanations, refer to the official i3 documentation.