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COSMIC vs Tiling Shell: catalog facts
COSMIC	Tiling Shell
Best for: Use System76's desktop environment with configurable workspaces and window tiling	Best for: GNOME users who want FancyZones-style window zones
Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Combines desktop panels with workspace controls Supports tiling and floating workflows	Custom tiling layouts in the style of FancyZones Windows 11 style snap assistant All 3 strengths for Tiling Shell Custom tiling layouts in the style of FancyZones Windows 11 style snap assistant Multiple monitor support
Requires a distribution and graphics stack that support the current COSMIC release.	GNOME Shell only Extensions can break with new GNOME Shell releases
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-2.0
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for COSMIC github.com/pop-os/cosmic-epoch Catalog checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Tiling Shell github.com/domferr/tilingshell Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.