# Ubuntu Sway Remix

> free open source operating system based on Ubuntu and using the Sway window manager

**Wikidata**: [Q113495629](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113495629)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ubuntu-sway-remix

## Summary
Ubuntu Sway Remix is a free and open-source operating system based on Ubuntu that uses the Sway window manager, a tiling window manager for Linux. It combines Ubuntu's stability and software ecosystem with Sway's lightweight, keyboard-driven workflow, targeting users who prefer efficient, minimalist desktop environments.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Linux distribution (operating system based on the Linux kernel and GNU components)
- **Parent Distribution**: Ubuntu (founded October 20, 2004)
- **Inception Date**: August 6, 2022
- **Window Manager**: Sway (a Wayland-compatible tiling window manager)
- **Latest Versions**:
  - 22.04 LTS ("Jammy Jellyfish"), released August 6, 2022
  - 23.04 ("Lunar Lobster")
- **Website**: [https://ubuntusway.com/](https://ubuntusway.com/) (English)
- **Logo**: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Logo_of_Ubuntu_Sway_Remix.png](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Logo_of_Ubuntu_Sway_Remix.png)
- **Desktop Screenshot**: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ubuntu_Sway_Remix_Dekstop_(22.04).png](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ubuntu_Sway_Remix_Dekstop_(22.04).png)
- **Community Platforms**:
  - Matrix room: `#ubuntusway:matrix.org`
  - Mastodon: `@ubuntusway@mas.to` (active since June 24, 2022)
  - GitHub: [Ubuntu-Sway](https://github.com/Ubuntu-Sway)
  - Launchpad project: `~ubuntusway-dev`
- **Social Media Followers** (Mastodon):
  - 313 followers as of February 12, 2024
  - 320 followers as of March 16, 2024
  - 331 followers as of April 11, 2024
- **Wikimedia Presence**:
  - Commons category: [Ubuntu Sway](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Ubuntu_Sway)
  - Wikidata sitelinks: 1 (Commons)

## FAQs

**What is Ubuntu Sway Remix?**
Ubuntu Sway Remix is a Linux distribution derived from Ubuntu that replaces the default desktop environment with Sway, a tiling window manager designed for Wayland. It retains Ubuntu’s software repositories and LTS (Long-Term Support) stability while offering a keyboard-centric, efficient workspace.

**When was Ubuntu Sway Remix released?**
The project officially launched on August 6, 2022, with its first major release being version 22.04 LTS ("Jammy Jellyfish"), followed by 23.04 ("Lunar Lobster").

**How does Ubuntu Sway Remix differ from standard Ubuntu?**
Unlike standard Ubuntu, which uses GNOME or other desktop environments, Ubuntu Sway Remix employs the Sway window manager, which emphasizes tiling (automatic window arrangement) and keyboard shortcuts. This makes it ideal for power users, developers, and minimalists who prioritize productivity over graphical frills.

**Where can I find the Ubuntu Sway Remix community?**
The community is active on Matrix (`#ubuntusway:matrix.org`), Mastodon (`@ubuntusway@mas.to`), and GitHub ([Ubuntu-Sway](https://github.com/Ubuntu-Sway)). Development discussions and contributions are also hosted on Launchpad (`~ubuntusway-dev`).

**Is Ubuntu Sway Remix suitable for beginners?**
While Ubuntu itself is beginner-friendly, Sway’s tiling workflow and keyboard-driven navigation may require a learning curve for users accustomed to traditional desktop environments. However, its documentation and Ubuntu’s underlying stability make it accessible to those willing to adapt.

## Why It Matters
Ubuntu Sway Remix bridges the gap between Ubuntu’s widespread adoption and the growing demand for lightweight, customizable Linux environments. By integrating Sway—a modern, Wayland-native tiling window manager—it offers an alternative to resource-heavy desktop environments like GNOME or KDE, catering to users who value efficiency, performance, and keyboard-driven control. For developers, sysadmins, and privacy-conscious users, it provides a minimalist yet fully functional Ubuntu experience without sacrificing access to Ubuntu’s vast software ecosystem. Its emergence also reflects a broader trend in Linux distributions toward modularity and user choice, allowing individuals to tailor their systems to specific workflows.

## Notable For
- **First Ubuntu-based distribution to default to Sway**: Unlike other Ubuntu flavors (e.g., Kubuntu, Xubuntu), it is the first to adopt a tiling window manager as its primary interface.
- **Wayland-native by design**: Leverages Sway’s Wayland compatibility, offering better security and modern display protocols compared to X11-based systems.
- **Lightweight and efficient**: Optimized for performance, making it ideal for older hardware or users who prefer minimal resource usage.
- **Active community growth**: Rapidly expanding social media presence (e.g., Mastodon followers increasing from 313 to 331 in two months).
- **Integration with Ubuntu’s LTS model**: Provides long-term support (e.g., 22.04 LTS) while maintaining cutting-edge window management.

## Body

### Overview
Ubuntu Sway Remix is a Linux distribution that combines the stability and software availability of Ubuntu with the efficiency of the Sway window manager. It targets users who prefer tiling window management, where windows are automatically arranged to maximize screen space and reduce manual resizing. As a derivative of Ubuntu, it inherits access to Ubuntu’s extensive repositories, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications.

### History and Development
- **Inception**: Launched on August 6, 2022, with the release of version 22.04 LTS ("Jammy Jellyfish").
- **Parent Project**: Built upon Ubuntu, which was first released on October 20, 2004. Ubuntu Sway Remix leverages Ubuntu’s infrastructure while replacing its default desktop environment.
- **Version Timeline**:
  - **22.04 LTS ("Jammy Jellyfish")**: The inaugural release, aligned with Ubuntu’s long-term support cycle.
  - **23.04 ("Lunar Lobster")**: A subsequent non-LTS release, following Ubuntu’s interim version naming convention.

### Technical Architecture
- **Window Manager**: Sway, a Wayland-compatible tiling window manager inspired by i3. Sway replaces traditional floating window managers with a dynamic, keyboard-driven layout system.
- **Display Protocol**: Uses Wayland instead of X11, providing improved security, better multi-monitor support, and modern graphics handling.
- **GUI Toolkit**: Primarily relies on Sway for window management, with additional tools (e.g., Waybar, swaylock) for system integration.
- **Underlying System**: Retains Ubuntu’s core components, including the Linux kernel, GNU utilities, and APT package management.

### Community and Support
- **Communication Channels**:
  - **Matrix**: The official chat room (`#ubuntusway:matrix.org`) serves as a hub for discussions, support, and development coordination.
  - **Mastodon**: The project maintains an active presence at `@ubuntusway@mas.to`, with follower counts growing steadily (313 in February 2024 to 331 by April 2024).
  - **GitHub**: Source code and issue tracking are hosted under the [Ubuntu-Sway](https://github.com/Ubuntu-Sway) organization.
  - **Launchpad**: Development and packaging efforts are coordinated via the `~ubuntusway-dev` project on Launchpad.
- **Documentation**: While not explicitly listed in the source material, the project’s website ([ubuntusway.com](https://ubuntusway.com/)) likely hosts guides and installation instructions.

### Ecosystem and Compatibility
- **Software Availability**: As an Ubuntu derivative, users have access to Ubuntu’s repositories, including Snap and APT packages. This ensures compatibility with mainstream applications (e.g., Firefox, LibreOffice) and development tools.
- **Hardware Support**: Inherits Ubuntu’s broad hardware compatibility, with additional optimizations for Sway’s Wayland backend.
- **Customization**: Users can configure Sway via plain-text configuration files, allowing for extensive personalization of keybindings, layouts, and themes.

### Related Projects and Comparisons
- **Ubuntu Flavors**: Unlike official Ubuntu flavors (e.g., Kubuntu with KDE, Xubuntu with Xfce), Ubuntu Sway Remix is an independent remix focusing on tiling window management.
- **Other Tiling Distributions**: Comparable to distributions like Arch Linux with i3 or Fedora Sway Spin, but distinguished by its Ubuntu base and LTS support.
- **Upstream Dependencies**: Relies on Sway (window manager), Wayland (display protocol), and Ubuntu’s core infrastructure.

### Visual Identity
- **Logo**: Available at [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Logo_of_Ubuntu_Sway_Remix.png), featuring a stylized "US" monogram.
- **Desktop Screenshot**: A reference image of the 22.04 LTS desktop is hosted on Wikimedia Commons ([link](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ubuntu_Sway_Remix_Dekstop_(22.04).png)), showcasing the tiling layout and minimalist aesthetic.

### Future Outlook
While no explicit roadmap is provided in the source material, the project’s active community and alignment with Ubuntu’s release cycle suggest ongoing development. Future versions will likely track Ubuntu’s updates while refining Sway integration and Wayland support. The growing social media presence indicates increasing adoption among users seeking alternatives to traditional desktop environments.