How to Install and Configure MATE on Arch Linux

For users who enjoy the simplicity, power, and efficiency of a tiling window manager, i3 WM is a compelling choice. Known for its minimalism and keyboard-driven workflow, i3 allows users to maximize screen real estate and maintain a distraction-free desktop experience.

Unlike traditional desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, or MATE, i3 is a window manager — not a full desktop suite — which means it doesn’t come bundled with utilities, file managers, or compositors. This lean approach is perfect for users who prefer to build their environment from the ground up.

In this article, we’ll walk through the complete process of installing and configuring i3 WM on Arch Linux, covering everything from setting up dependencies to customizing your environment for productivity.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure:

• Arch Linux is already installed
• You have internet access
• A user with sudo privileges exists
• You’re comfortable using the terminal

Step 1: Update Your System

Keeping your system updated ensures you’re installing the latest versions of packages.

sudo pacman -Syu

If there are kernel or driver updates, a reboot is a good idea:

reboot

Step 2: Install Xorg

Since i3 relies on Xorg for graphical display, install it first:

sudo pacman -S xorg-server xorg-apps xorg-xinit

Also install your appropriate video driver:

• Intel:

  sudo pacman -S xf86-video-intel
  

• AMD:

  sudo pacman -S xf86-video-amdgpu
  

• NVIDIA (open-source):

  sudo pacman -S xf86-video-nouveau
  

Optional but recommended:

sudo pacman -S mesa

Step 3: Install i3 Window Manager

Now install i3 WM and essential components:

sudo pacman -S i3-wm i3status i3lock dmenu xterm

• i3-wm: Core window manager
• i3status: Displays system info in the bar
• i3lock: Simple screen locker
• dmenu: Lightweight launcher
• xterm: Default terminal

If you prefer a modern launcher:

sudo pacman -S rofi

Step 4: Install a Terminal, Launcher, and Utilities

You can customize your setup with your favorite terminal emulator and tools:

• Terminal:

  sudo pacman -S alacritty
  

  or

  sudo pacman -S kitty
  

• File Manager:

  sudo pacman -S thunar
  

• Network Manager:

  sudo pacman -S network-manager-applet networkmanager
  sudo systemctl enable NetworkManager.service
  

• Web Browser:

  sudo pacman -S firefox
  

Step 5: Configure .xinitrc or Use a Display Manager

Option A: Use .xinitrc and startx

If you don’t want a graphical login screen, use .xinitrc:

nano ~/.xinitrc

Add the following line:

exec i3

Save and exit, then launch i3 with:

startx

Option B: Use a Display Manager (e.g., LightDM)

Install LightDM:

sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter

Enable and start LightDM:

sudo systemctl enable lightdm
sudo systemctl start lightdm

LightDM will provide a GUI login, and you can select i3 from the session menu.

Step 6: Initial i3 Setup

The first time you log into i3, it prompts you to:

• Choose a modifier key: Use Mod1 (Alt) or Mod4 (Super/Windows).
• Generate a default config at ~/.config/i3/config

Choose your options and press Enter. You can now begin using i3.

Useful shortcuts:

• Mod+Enter: Launch terminal
• Mod+d: Open dmenu (application launcher)
• Mod+Shift+e: Exit i3

Step 7: Customize i3 Configuration

Your configuration file is located at:

~/.config/i3/config

Open it with a text editor:

nano ~/.config/i3/config

Set a Wallpaper

Install a wallpaper setter:

sudo pacman -S feh

Then add this to your config:

exec --no-startup-id feh --bg-scale /path/to/your/wallpaper.jpg

Autostart Applications

Example:

exec --no-startup-id nm-applet
exec --no-startup-id volumeicon
exec --no-startup-id picom

Step 8: Add Compositor and Notifications

Add a Compositor for Transparency and Effects

Install picom:

sudo pacman -S picom

Start it in your i3 config:

exec --no-startup-id picom --config ~/.config/picom.conf

You can create a custom config file at ~/.config/picom.conf.

Enable Notifications

sudo pacman -S dunst

Then add to your i3 config:

exec --no-startup-id dunst

Step 9: Set Up a Status Bar

By default, i3 uses i3status, but you can enhance it with:

• i3blocks:

  sudo pacman -S i3blocks
  

• polybar (advanced users):

  sudo pacman -S polybar
  

To use i3blocks, replace the i3bar section in ~/.config/i3/config:

bar {
  status_command i3blocks
}

You can edit ~/.config/i3blocks/config to add or remove blocks like CPU, memory, disk, etc.

Step 10: Additional Tips and Packages

Sound Control

Install:

sudo pacman -S pulseaudio pulseaudio-alsa pavucontrol

Add to i3 config:

exec --no-startup-id pavucontrol

Volume and Brightness Keys

Bind volume keys:

bindsym XF86AudioRaiseVolume exec --no-startup-id pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ +5%
bindsym XF86AudioLowerVolume exec --no-startup-id pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ -5%
bindsym XF86AudioMute exec --no-startup-id pactl set-sink-mute @DEFAULT_SINK@ toggle

Brightness control (laptops):

sudo pacman -S brightnessctl

Add key bindings:

bindsym XF86MonBrightnessUp exec brightnessctl set +10%
bindsym XF86MonBrightnessDown exec brightnessctl set 10%-

Clipboard Manager

sudo pacman -S clipit

Conclusion

Installing and configuring i3 on Arch Linux offers a hands-on, minimalistic computing experience that’s both lightweight and highly customizable. While it may have a steeper learning curve than full desktop environments, the productivity and efficiency gains are well worth it for many users.

Whether you’re looking to revive old hardware, streamline your workflow, or take full control over your desktop, i3 WM is an excellent choice on Arch Linux. The flexibility of Arch allows you to build exactly the environment you need — and i3 fits perfectly into that philosophy.