How can I use Unity 2d with another window manager besides Metacity?

Question

How can I use Unity 2d with another window manager besides Metacity? (like openbox forexample)

By the way, has anyone filed bugs on metacity and compiz issues, regarding crashing and X unpredictably freezing? I know there are various flickering issues reported, one of at least is cronic. — , Aug 01 '12 at 00:10

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 19 '11 at 23:28

5

You can add compiz --replace to your startup applications. Restart your session (Log out, and then back in again) and you'll now be using Compiz.

A similar action will be used for openbox. I think it's openbox --replace

answered Jan 19 '11 at 23:28

Josh

641

score 5 · Answer 2 · edited Dec 14 '11 at 00:22

To make changes permamnent, You'll have to edit unity session file. Here's short guide for Unity2d and openbox: http://spacecat3000.blogspot.com/2011/11/replace-metacity-with-openbox-in.html

Install openbox:
sudo apt-get install openbox

Optionally install additional packages (in my case these were installed as dependencies): sudo apt-get install obconf openbox-themes
Edit /usr/share/gnome-session/sessions/2d-ubuntu.session file and replace:
DefaultProvider-windowmanager=metacity with

DefaultProvider-windowmanager=openbox
Logout, login (with Unity 2d session).

Run obconf, choose some nice theme (my was found on box-look.org and changed a little) and configure buttons position.

How can I use Unity 2d with another window manager besides Metacity?

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