---
name: "xcompmgr"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "xcompmgr"
version: "1.1.10-2"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/xcompmgr"
---

# xcompmgr(1)

sample X compositing manager

## NAME

xcompmgr - sample X compositing manager

## SYNOPSIS

**xcompmgr \[-d** *display***\] \[-r** *radius***\]** **\[-o** *opacity***\] \[-l** *left-offset***\]** **\[-t** *top-offset***\] \[-acCfFnsS\]**

## DESCRIPTION

**xcompmgr** is a sample compositing manager for X servers supporting the XFIXES, DAMAGE, and COMPOSITE extensions.  It enables basic eye-candy effects.

## OPTIONS

- **-d** *display*

  Specifies the display to manage.

- **-r** *radius*

  Specifies the blur radius for client-side shadows.

- **-o** *opacity*

  Specifies the opacity for client-side shadows.

- **-l** *left-offset*

  Specifies the left offset for client-side shadows.

- **-t** *top-offset*

  Specifies the top offset for client-side shadows.

- **-I** *fade-in-step*

  Specifies the opacity change between steps while fading in.

- **-O** *fade-out-step*

  Specifies the opacity change between steps while fading out.

- **-D** *fade-delta*

  Specifies the time (in milliseconds) between steps in a fade.

- **-a**

  Automatic server-side compositing.  This instructs the server to use the standard composition rules.  Useful for debugging.

- **-c**

  Client-side compositing with soft shadows and translucency support.

- **-f**

  When -c is specified, enables a smooth fade effect for transient windows like menus, and for all windows on hide and restore events.

- **-n**

  Simple client-side compositing. This is the default mode.

- **-s**

  Server-side compositing with hard-edged shadows.

- **-C**

  When -c is specified, attempts to avoid painting shadows on panels and docks.

- **-F**

  When -f is specified, also enables the fade effect when windows change their opacity, as with [transset(1)](/transset/1.md).

- **-S**

  Enables synchronous operation.  Useful for debugging.

## BUGS

Probably.  Please report any you find to https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xorg/app/xcompmgr/.

## AUTHORS

Keith Packard, with contributions from Matthew Allum, Eric Anholt, Dan Doel, Thomas Luebking, Matthew Hawn, Ely Levy, Phil Blundell, and Carl Worth.