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Tag Rules

Tag rules allow you to configure per-tag (workspace) settings like default layouts.

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Syntax

tagrule=property:value,property:value,...

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Available Properties

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id
integer
required
Tag ID (1-9)
tagrule=id:1,layout_name:tile
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layout_name
enum
required
Default layout for the tagAvailable layouts:
  • tile - Master-stack tiling
  • scroller - Horizontal scrolling layout
  • grid - Grid layout
  • deck - Single window deck
  • monocle - Fullscreen single window
  • center_tile - Centered master with stacks
  • vertical_tile - Vertical master-stack
  • vertical_scroller - Vertical scrolling layout
tagrule=id:1,layout_name:tile

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Tag Rule Examples

# Tag 1: Traditional tiling
tagrule=id:1,layout_name:tile

# Tag 2: Scroller layout for browsers
tagrule=id:2,layout_name:scroller

# Tag 3: Grid layout for multiple windows
tagrule=id:3,layout_name:grid

# Tag 4: Monocle for focused work
tagrule=id:4,layout_name:monocle

# Tag 5-9: More layouts
tagrule=id:5,layout_name:deck
tagrule=id:6,layout_name:center_tile
tagrule=id:7,layout_name:vertical_tile
tagrule=id:8,layout_name:vertical_scroller
tagrule=id:9,layout_name:tile

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Default Configuration

tagrule=id:1,layout_name:tile
tagrule=id:2,layout_name:tile
tagrule=id:3,layout_name:tile
tagrule=id:4,layout_name:tile
tagrule=id:5,layout_name:tile
tagrule=id:6,layout_name:tile
tagrule=id:7,layout_name:tile
tagrule=id:8,layout_name:tile
tagrule=id:9,layout_name:tile

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Layer Rules

Layer rules allow you to configure behavior for specific layer surfaces (overlays, panels, application launchers, etc.).

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Syntax

layerrule=property:value,layer_name:name

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Available Properties

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animation_type_open
enum
Override animation type when opening the layerValues: slide, zoom
layerrule=animation_type_open:zoom,layer_name:rofi
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animation_type_close
enum
Override animation type when closing the layerValues: slide, zoom
layerrule=animation_type_close:zoom,layer_name:rofi
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layer_name
string
required
Name of the layer surface to targetCommon layer names:
  • rofi - Rofi application launcher
  • waybar - Waybar status bar
  • mako - Mako notification daemon
  • Application-specific names
layerrule=animation_type_open:zoom,layer_name:rofi

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Layer Rule Examples

# Rofi launcher with zoom animation
layerrule=animation_type_open:zoom,layer_name:rofi
layerrule=animation_type_close:zoom,layer_name:rofi

# Waybar with slide animation
layerrule=animation_type_open:slide,layer_name:waybar
layerrule=animation_type_close:slide,layer_name:waybar

# Notification daemon
layerrule=animation_type_open:slide,layer_name:mako
layerrule=animation_type_close:slide,layer_name:mako

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Finding Layer Names

To find the layer name of an application:
  1. Check the application’s Wayland implementation (usually in documentation)
  2. Use compositor debugging tools
  3. Look at the application’s source code for layer-shell implementation
Common applications and their layer names:
ApplicationLayer Name
Rofirofi
Waybarwaybar
Makomako
Dunstdunst
Swaylockswaylock

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Layout Descriptions

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Tile

Traditional master-stack layout. One or more master windows on the left, stack on the right. Layout-specific settings: 
# New windows become master
new_is_master=1

# Master area takes 55% of width
default_mfact=0.55

# Number of windows in master area
default_nmaster=1

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Scroller

Horizontal scrolling layout where windows are arranged side-by-side. Layout-specific settings: 
# Number of visible windows
scroller_structs=20

# Default window width ratio
scroller_default_proportion=0.8

# Center focused window
scroller_focus_center=0

# Prefer centered positioning
scroller_prefer_center=0

# Focus window under pointer at screen edge
edge_scroller_pointer_focus=1

# Single window proportion
scroller_default_proportion_single=1.0

# Preset proportions
scroller_proportion_preset=0.5,0.8,1.0

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Grid

Arranges windows in a grid pattern.

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Deck

Stacks windows like a deck of cards, showing only the top window.

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Monocle

Maximizes a single window at a time.

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Center Tile

Centered master area with stack windows on both sides.

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Vertical Tile

Master-stack layout with vertical split (master on top).

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Vertical Scroller

Vertical scrolling layout where windows are stacked vertically.

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Layout-Specific Configuration

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Master-Stack Layouts

# New windows become master (applies to tile, vertical_tile, center_tile)
new_is_master=1

# Master area fraction (0.0 - 1.0)
default_mfact=0.55

# Number of master windows
default_nmaster=1

# Hide gaps when single window
smartgaps=0

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Scroller Layouts

# Scroller structure settings
scroller_structs=20
scroller_default_proportion=0.8
scroller_focus_center=0
scroller_prefer_center=0
edge_scroller_pointer_focus=1
scroller_default_proportion_single=1.0
scroller_proportion_preset=0.5,0.8,1.0

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Keybindings for Scroller

# Set proportion to 1.0 (full width)
bind=ALT,e,set_proportion,1.0

# Cycle through proportion presets
bind=ALT,x,switch_proportion_preset,

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Complete Rules Example

# Tag rules - different layouts for different workflows
tagrule=id:1,layout_name:tile              # General work
tagrule=id:2,layout_name:scroller          # Browsing
tagrule=id:3,layout_name:grid              # Monitoring
tagrule=id:4,layout_name:monocle           # Focus
tagrule=id:5,layout_name:tile              # Development
tagrule=id:6,layout_name:center_tile       # Writing
tagrule=id:7,layout_name:vertical_scroller # Terminals
tagrule=id:8,layout_name:deck              # Media
tagrule=id:9,layout_name:tile              # Misc

# Layer rules - custom animations for different surfaces
layerrule=animation_type_open:zoom,layer_name:rofi
layerrule=animation_type_close:zoom,layer_name:rofi
layerrule=animation_type_open:slide,layer_name:waybar
layerrule=animation_type_close:slide,layer_name:waybar

# Master-stack settings
new_is_master=1
default_mfact=0.55
default_nmaster=1
smartgaps=0

# Scroller settings
scroller_structs=20
scroller_default_proportion=0.8
scroller_focus_center=0
scroller_prefer_center=0
edge_scroller_pointer_focus=1
scroller_default_proportion_single=1.0
scroller_proportion_preset=0.5,0.8,1.0

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Switching Layouts

You can switch layouts at runtime: 
# Cycle through available layouts
bind=SUPER,n,switch_layout
This keybinding cycles through all available layouts for the current tag.

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Future Rule Types

Mango may support additional rule types in future versions, such as:
  • Window rules based on app_id or title
  • Monitor-specific rules
  • Per-window opacity and blur settings
Check the Mango Wiki for updates on new rule types.

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