# Picom

> standalone compositor for Xorg

**Wikidata**: [Q119084274](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q119084274)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picom)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/picom

## Summary
Picom is a standalone compositor for the X Window System used for managing window effects and transparency in Xorg-based environments. It provides lightweight window compositing capabilities specifically designed for the Xorg platform.

## Key Facts
- Picom is licensed under Mozilla Public License, version 2.0 and MIT License
- It is built using the Meson build system and written in the C programming language
- The software is available for the X Window System platform
- Version 1.0 was released on September 10, 2018, with multiple subsequent stable releases through 2019
- Picom is available in Gentoo as the package x11-misc/picom
- The source code is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/yshui/picom
- The official website is https://picom.app/

## FAQs
### Q: What is Picom?
A: Picom is a standalone compositor for the X Window System, specifically designed for managing window effects and transparency in Xorg-based environments.

### Q: What license governs Picom?
A: Picom is dual-licensed under Mozilla Public License, version 2.0 and MIT License, providing flexibility for users and developers.

### Q: When was the first stable version of Picom released?
A: Version 1.0 was released on September 10, 2018, with subsequent stable versions (2.0 through 7.1) released in the following months and years.

### Q: Where can I find documentation and support for Picom?
A: Documentation is available through ArchWiki, Gentoo Wiki, and the official website at https://picom.app/, while support issues can be reported on GitHub.

## Why It Matters
Picom serves an important role in the X Window System ecosystem by providing a lightweight solution for window compositing. It addresses the need for efficient window management with visual effects like transparency and shadows without the resource overhead of heavier compositors. Its dual licensing model and open-source nature make it accessible to a wide range of users and developers, while its active development cycle demonstrates its relevance in the Linux desktop environment. For users of Xorg-based systems, Picom offers a practical option for enhancing desktop aesthetics without compromising system performance.

## Notable For
- Picom is distinguished as a lightweight standalone compositor specifically designed for Xorg, contrasting with heavier window management solutions
- It utilizes the Meson build system, representing a more modern approach compared to traditional autotools in the Linux ecosystem
- The project demonstrates rapid development cycles with multiple stable releases in a short timeframe (2018-2019)
- Picom's dual licensing under both Mozilla Public License, version 2.0 and MIT License provides exceptional flexibility for different use cases

## Body
### Overview
Picom is a standalone compositor for the X Window System, designed to manage window effects such as transparency, fading, and shadows in Xorg-based environments. It provides lightweight window compositing capabilities without the resource requirements of heavier alternatives.

### License
Picom is dual-licensed under Mozilla Public License, version 2.0 and MIT License. This licensing approach provides flexibility for both users and developers, allowing the software to be used in a wide range of contexts and applications.

### Versions
Picom has had several stable releases since its initial release in 2018. The version history includes:
- Version 1 (released on September 10, 2018)
- Version 2 (released on September 14, 2018)
- Version 3 (released on October 21, 2018)
- Version 4 (released on November 19, 2018)
- Version 5 (released on December 9, 2018)
- Version 5.1 (released on February 6, 2019)
- Version 6 (released on March 23, 2019)
- Version 6.2 (released on March 27, 2019)
- Version 7 (released on July 18, 2019)
- Version 7.1 (released on August 1, 2019)

### Technical Details
- Platform: X Window System
- Build System: Meson
- Programming Language: C
- Instance of: Software
- Operating System: Q3251801
- Gentoo Package: x11-misc/picom
- Source Code Repository: https://github.com/yshui/picom
- Issue Tracker: https://github.com/yshui/picom/issues
- GitHub Project ID: Q186055
- GitHub Namespace ID: Q364

### Community and Documentation
- Website: https://picom.app/
- ArchWiki Article: Picom
- Gentoo Wiki Article: Picom
- Wikipedia: Picom (in English)
- GitLab Topic ID: picom
- AlternativeTo Software ID: picom
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/11v05jg8dt
- Copyright Status: Copyrighted

## References

1. [Release 1. 2018](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v1)
2. [Release 2. 2018](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v2)
3. [Release 3. 2018](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v3)
4. [Release 4. 2018](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v4)
5. [Release 5. 2018](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v5)
6. [Release 5.1. 2019](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v5.1)
7. [Release 6. 2019](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v6)
8. [Release 6.2. 2019](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v6.2)
9. [Release 7. 2019](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v7)
10. [Release 7.1. 2019](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v7.1)
11. [Release 7.2. 2019](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v7.2)
12. [Release 7.3. 2019](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v7.3)
13. [Release 7.4. 2019](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v7.4)
14. [Release 7.5. 2019](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v7.5)
15. [Release 8. 2020](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v8)
16. [Release 8.1. 2020](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v8.1)
17. [Release 8.2. 2020](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v8.2)
18. [Release 9. 2022](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v9)
19. [Release 9.1. 2022](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v9.1)
20. [Release 10. 2022](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v10)
21. [Release 10.1. 2022](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v10.1)
22. [Release 10.2. 2022](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v10.2)
23. [Release 11. 2024](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v11)
24. [Release 11.1. 2024](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v11.1)
25. [Release 11.2. 2024](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v11.2)
26. [Release 12. 2024](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v12)
27. [Release 12.1. 2024](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v12.1)
28. [Release 12.2. 2024](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v12.2)
29. [Release 12.3. 2024](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v12.3)
30. [Release 12.4. 2024](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v12.4)
31. [Release 12.5. 2024](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v12.5)
32. [Release 13. 2026](https://github.com/yshui/picom/releases/tag/v13)
33. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/yshui/picom)