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Mango provides 12 flexible window layouts that can be switched dynamically and configured per tag. Each layout is optimized for different workflows and screen arrangements.

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Available Layouts

Tile

Master-stack tiling layout with configurable master window and stack area

Scroller

Horizontal scrolling layout perfect for wide monitors and code review

Monocle

Single window occupies entire screen, cycles through windows

Grid

Automatic grid arrangement that adapts to number of windows

Deck

Card-style layout with master window and stacked background windows

Center Tile

Master window centered with stacked windows on both sides

Vertical Tile

Vertical master-stack arrangement for portrait monitors

Vertical Grid

Grid layout optimized for vertical arrangements

Vertical Scroller

Vertical scrolling layout for stacked workflows

Vertical Deck

Vertical variant of deck layout

Right Tile

Master window on right side with stack on left

TGMix

Mixed tiling and grid layout combining best of both

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Layout Configuration

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Setting Default Layouts Per Tag

Each tag can have its own default layout configured in config.conf: 
# Layout options: tile, scroller, grid, deck, monocle, center_tile, 
# vertical_tile, vertical_scroller, vertical_grid, vertical_deck, 
# right_tile, tgmix

tagrule=id:1,layout_name:tile
tagrule=id:2,layout_name:scroller
tagrule=id:3,layout_name:grid
tagrule=id:4,layout_name:monocle
tagrule=id:5,layout_name:deck

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Switching Layouts

Switch between layouts dynamically: 
# Cycle through available layouts
bind=SUPER,n,switch_layout

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Master-Stack Layouts

Layouts like tile, vertical_tile, center_tile, and right_tile use a master-stack paradigm with configurable parameters.

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Master-Stack Configuration

# New windows become master window
new_is_master=1

# Master area takes 55% of screen
default_mfact=0.55

# Number of windows in master area
default_nmaster=1

# Smart gaps (disable when single window)
smartgaps=0

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Tile Layout

The classic tiling window manager layout:
  • Master window on the left
  • Stack windows arranged vertically on the right
  • Perfect for code editing with reference material
Key Features:
  • Configurable master area size via default_mfact
  • Support for multiple master windows via default_nmaster
  • Automatic reflow when windows are added/removed

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Center Tile Layout

Master window centered with symmetrical stack areas:
  • Master window in the center
  • Stack windows split between left and right sides
  • Ideal for focused work with peripheral references

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Vertical Tile Layout

Vertical variant of tile layout:
  • Master window on top
  • Stack windows arranged horizontally below
  • Optimized for ultra-wide monitors

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Right Tile Layout

Mirrored version of tile layout:
  • Master window on the right
  • Stack windows on the left
  • Useful for left-handed workflows or specific monitor arrangements

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Scroller Layouts

Scroller layouts arrange windows in a scrollable row or column, perfect for reviewing multiple items sequentially.

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Scroller Configuration

# Maximum windows visible at once
scroller_structs=20

# Default window proportion (80% of available space)
scroller_default_proportion=0.8

# Keep focused window centered
scroller_focus_center=0

# Prefer centering windows when possible
scroller_prefer_center=0

# Focus window under pointer at screen edges
edge_scroller_pointer_focus=1

# Single window takes full space
scroller_default_proportion_single=1.0

# Preset proportions for quick switching
scroller_proportion_preset=0.5,0.8,1.0

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Scroller Layout (Horizontal)

Windows arranged in a horizontal scrollable row:
  • Side-by-side window arrangement
  • Smooth scrolling animations
  • Configurable window proportions
Keybindings: 
# Set window proportion to 100%
bind=ALT,e,set_proportion,1.0

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

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Vertical Scroller Layout

Windows arranged in a vertical scrollable column:
  • Top-to-bottom arrangement
  • Same proportion controls as horizontal scroller
  • Great for document review workflows

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Grid Layouts

Grid layouts automatically arrange windows in optimal grid patterns.

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Grid Layout

Automatic grid arrangement:
  • Dynamically calculates optimal rows and columns
  • All windows equal size
  • Adapts as windows are added or removed
Use Cases:
  • Monitoring dashboards
  • Multiple terminal sessions
  • Image galleries
  • Video call layouts

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Vertical Grid Layout

Grid optimized for vertical arrangements:
  • Prioritizes vertical splits
  • Better for portrait monitors
  • Same automatic sizing as standard grid

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Deck Layouts

Deck layouts emphasize one primary window with others stacked behind.

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Deck Layout

Card-style window stacking:
  • One visible master window
  • Other windows stacked behind (visible as borders)
  • Switch focus to bring windows forward
  • Minimal screen clutter
Best For:
  • Presentations
  • Single-tasking workflows
  • Limited screen space

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Vertical Deck Layout

Vertical variant of deck:
  • Master window position adjusted for vertical layout
  • Same stacking behavior
  • Optimized for portrait displays

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Monocle Layout

Full-screen single window layout:
  • One window visible at a time
  • Other windows hidden
  • Cycle through windows to switch view
  • Maximum screen real estate
Ideal For:
  • Focused work requiring full screen
  • Media consumption
  • Presentations
  • Gaming or full-screen applications
# Switch between windows in monocle
bind=SUPER,Tab,focusstack,next

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TGMix Layout

Hybrid layout combining tile and grid:
  • Flexible arrangement adapting to window count
  • Combines master area with grid stack
  • Automatically optimizes for different window counts

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Layout Gaps

All layouts support configurable gaps between windows and screen edges.

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Gap Configuration

# Inner horizontal gap between windows
gappih=5

# Inner vertical gap between windows
gappiv=5

# Outer horizontal gap (screen edges)
gappoh=10

# Outer vertical gap (screen edges)
gappov=10

# Hide gaps when only one window
smartgaps=0

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Gap Controls

# Increase gaps
bind=ALT+SHIFT,X,incgaps,1

# Decrease gaps
bind=ALT+SHIFT,Z,incgaps,-1

# Toggle gaps on/off
bind=ALT+SHIFT,R,togglegaps

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Per-Tag Layout Persistence

Mango remembers the layout for each tag independently. When you switch layouts on tag 1, it doesn’t affect tag 2’s layout.
This allows you to:
  • Configure different workflows per tag
  • Have coding layout on tag 1
  • Browser/reference layout on tag 2
  • Communication layout on tag 3
  • Media/entertainment on tag 4

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Layout Animations

All layout transitions support smooth animations: 
# Enable animations
animations=1

# Layout transition duration (milliseconds)
animation_duration_move=500

# Animation curve for smooth motion
animation_curve_move=0.46,1.0,0.29,1

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Dynamic Layout Switching

Mango allows switching layouts without disrupting your workflow:
  1. Instant Switch: Press layout switch keybinding
  2. Smooth Animation: Windows animate to new positions
  3. State Preserved: Window focus and order maintained
  4. Per-Tag Memory: Each tag remembers its last layout

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Best Practices

Match Layout to Task

Use tile for coding, grid for monitoring, monocle for focus work

Configure Per Tag

Set different default layouts for different tag purposes

Learn Hotkeys

Master layout switching and window navigation shortcuts

Adjust Gaps

Fine-tune gaps for your visual preferences and screen size

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