Compare software

Tiling Shell vs PaperWM: catalog facts
Tiling ShellPaperWM

Best for: GNOME users who want FancyZones-style window zones

Best for: GNOME users who want keyboard-driven scrollable tiling

Free

Free and open source.

Free

Free and open source.

Linux Linux
  • 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
  • Scrollable tiling keeps windows at useful widths
  • Runs inside GNOME Shell, no separate window manager needed
All 3 strengths for PaperWM
  • Scrollable tiling keeps windows at useful widths
  • Runs inside GNOME Shell, no separate window manager needed
  • Settings pane for keybindings and per-app window rules
  • GNOME Shell only
  • Extensions can break with new GNOME Shell releases
  • GNOME Shell only
  • Scrolling layout takes time to get used to
All 3 limitations for PaperWM
  • GNOME Shell only
  • Scrolling layout takes time to get used to
  • Extensions can break with new GNOME Shell releases
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-2.0 License: GPL-3.0
No account needed No account needed
Offline features available Offline features available
Sources for Tiling Shell

Catalog checked September 23, 2026

Sources for PaperWM

Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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