Fixing MPV Corner Snapping Issues In Labwc: A Guide

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Fixing MPV Corner Snapping Issues in Labwc: A Guide

Hey guys, have you ever run into some funky window behavior when you're trying to snap your mpv player in the corners? Specifically, are you seeing some overlap with your panel, and maybe even finding it tough to get the window unstuck? Well, you're not alone! I've been wrestling with this myself, and it's a common issue when using mpv with the labwc compositor. This guide is all about diving into this problem, figuring out what's going on, and, most importantly, how to get things working smoothly. Let's get into it and sort this out so you can enjoy your videos without any window shenanigans.

The Lowdown: What's Happening with MPV and Labwc?

So, what's the deal? You're trying to snap your mpv window, and it's not playing nice. We're talking about a couple of key problems here. Firstly, the snapped mpv window's bottom edge ends up overlapping with your panel, which is a real annoyance. Secondly, and maybe even more frustrating, you might find yourself unable to simply drag the window away from the corner to unsnap it. This depends on how you have the <notifyClient> option configured in your labwc settings. Sounds familiar? Keep reading, and we'll break it all down.

Overlapping Panel: A Visual Glitch

The first thing we see is the visual problem. The mpv window just doesn't respect the space your panel occupies. It simply goes right over the top. This can be annoying since it may hide useful content from your panels.

The Sticky Window: The Unsnap Predicament

The real headache comes when you try to unsnap the window. This behavior is linked to the <notifyClient> setting in your labwc configuration. Here's the deal:

  • notifyClient=never: This is a workaround that allows you to drag the window away from the corner normally. The window behaves as expected, which means we can drag away the window without holding down any modifier keys.
  • notifyClient=always: With this setting, the window becomes stuck in the corner. You can't just click and drag to move it. You need to hold a modifier key (like the Super key) to get it to budge. This can be problematic if you are unaware of the modifier key necessity.

So basically, you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. You can either have an overlapping window or a window that won't unsnap without some extra effort.

Diving into the Details: Reproduction and Environment

Okay, let's get into the specifics of how this problem comes up. I'll walk you through the exact steps to reproduce the issue so you can see it for yourself, and we'll look at the environment where this problem arises.

Steps to Reproduce the Issue

  1. Setting the Stage: Make sure you're using a compositor setup that includes a bottom panel. This is often the xfce4-panel when using XFCE, but the exact panel might vary based on your setup. The key is to have a panel positioned at the bottom of your screen.
  2. Open mpv: Fire up your mpv player. Make sure it's running.
  3. Snap to the Corner: Drag the mpv window toward the bottom-right corner. Aim to get it to snap and quarter-tile. You may need to grab the window from the center to ensure the window's edge touches the corner.
  4. Observe and Experiment: Now, watch what happens. If you have <notifyClient>never</notifyClient>, you will likely see the overlapping. Try to drag the window away and see if you can. If you have <notifyClient>always</notifyClient>, try to drag the window away without holding a modifier key. This is where you'll find the issue.

By following these steps, you should be able to see the same behaviors I described.

Environment Details

This issue has been observed in the following environment:

  • Operating System: Arch Linux
  • Compositor: labwc
  • labwc Version: labwc-git 0.9.2.r41.gc8167c8e-1
  • Panel: xfce4-panel 4.20.5-2

It's worth noting that the exact versions might change, but the core issue seems to persist across different versions of labwc and other related components. If you're using a different setup, you might still encounter similar issues, so the solutions provided here could still be helpful.

The Heart of the Matter: Config Snippets and Workarounds

So, what's going on under the hood? Let's get into the relevant config snippets and discuss the workarounds that we can use.

The labwc Configuration

First, let's have a look at a relevant part of the labwc configuration. This is where the <snapping> options come into play. Here's a typical example:

<snapping>
    <notifyClient>never</notifyClient> <!-- Required as workaround to allow unsnapping mpv from corners -->
    <!-- Changing to 'always' breaks unsnapping without modifiers -->
</snapping>

Key Points:

  • <notifyClient>: This option affects how labwc interacts with client windows during snapping. The problem lies with what is set inside.
  • never vs. always: The value of this setting directly influences the snapping behavior. Setting it to never allows you to drag the window away normally, while setting it to always will result in the window getting stuck in the corner unless you use a modifier key.

The mpv.conf File

Besides labwc configuration, the mpv.conf file is also used to change the display of mpv. The snippet is below.

no-border		# remove border decorations

The Workaround

The workaround is simple: Use <notifyClient>never</notifyClient>. This setting, while not perfect, allows you to drag the window away from the corner normally, avoiding the sticky window issue. It is a necessary trade-off to avoid the issue.

Troubleshooting Tips and Further Exploration

Alright, let's explore some other things you can try if you are having issues.

Check your Compositor Settings

First things first, make sure your compositor is configured correctly. Ensure that the <snapping> settings are as expected, and that you understand how they influence window behavior. If you are new, read the documentation carefully.

Update Everything

Keep your system and your applications up to date. Sometimes, issues like these can be resolved with updates to labwc, mpv, or related libraries. Run your package manager and install the updates.

Experiment with Different Settings

Feel free to experiment with different settings, but be careful when doing so. Change one setting at a time, and test the behavior. This is the best way to determine the cause of the problem.

Search for Related Issues

Check online forums and bug trackers for existing reports of similar problems. There might be some solutions or workarounds that others have found. This is a very valuable tool. Search the labwc github for similar issues to mine. If no one has reported it, submit the report to the maintainers.

Wrapping Up: Living with the Quirks

So, guys, this corner snapping behavior is a bit of a pain, but with the right configuration and some understanding, we can make it work. The key takeaway is to use <notifyClient>never</notifyClient> in your labwc configuration to prevent the window from getting stuck, even though it results in some panel overlap. Always keep an eye out for updates and new information. Until then, hopefully, this guide helps you get the most out of mpv and labwc!