Xnew
The next-generation display server built on Xorg foundations
Early DevelopmentWhy Xnew?
Xnew reimagines the traditional X11 display server with modern performance, security, and developer experience while maintaining the compatibility and flexibility that made Xorg the backbone of Linux desktops.
Enhanced Security
Comprehensive security model that prevents unauthorized pixel readback, keystroke injection, input grabs, resource ID guessing, and so on. Showing an application on your screen shouldn't give it the keys to the kingdom.
Supports Modern Displays
Native support for high-DPI displays, HDR, variable refresh rates, and multi-monitor configurations with per-monitor scaling.
Developer Friendly
Cleaner APIs, more comprehensive debugging tools, and more extensive documentation. Hot-reloading configuration and runtime introspection.
All-new Configuration
Atomic runtime reconfiguration without restarts. Hot-pluggable devices, transparent autodetection, and goodbye to fragile xorg.conf files. Configuration that adapts to your changing setup.
Backward Compatible
Supports existing X11 and Wayland applications, X11 drivers and window managers without modification.
Performance Optimized
GPU acceleration, optimized compositing pipelines, and smart memory management. Reduced latency without sacrificing visual quality.
Architecture
Xnew is built as a modular system with clear separation of concerns, making it easier to maintain, debug, and extend.
System Overview
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Server core
The main display server process handling window hierarchy, input, and rendering coordination.
Configurator
Auto-detects hardware and feeds configuration updates to the core server. We understand that one size does not fit all, so we let you swap in your own module, or a static file if you need to. Fully transparent configuration.
Window manager
Handles window decorations and controls window placement. Will support extensions to standard X11 window management, such as input coordinate mapping.
Protocol handlers
Adapter layer for Wayland and obsolete X features implemented arm's length from the server core.
Rendering Engine
GPU-accelerated compositor with support for Vulkan, OpenGL, Nvidia proprietary, and software fallback.
Development Roadmap
Xnew is currently in a planning stage. Here's the provisional development roadmap:
Development Foundation
Set up communication channels, repositories, CI/CD pipelines. Find project members. Define project goals.
Requirements definition
Identify which interfaces are compatibility constraints, and which are internal to the server.
Improved modularity
Identify which ABI is required to support all known X11 drivers and clients, and which is internal clutter. Separate modules to the extent possible.
Configuration cleanup
Xorg configuration has grown into an unusable mess and must be completely redesigned — not necessarily backwards-compatibly. Screens, GPUs and input devices may be reconfigured atomically at runtime. Auto-detection module by default, which may be replaced by a site-specific module or a static file.
Wayland client support
Why choose? Both Wayland and X clients should work.
Security redesign
A new backwards-compatible client-facing security model. Let untrusted windows display on your monitor, without letting them snoop on your passwords.
Improved monitor support
Support for monitors with different DPI, refresh rates, and color spaces, with compatibility for existing clients and window managers.
Community
Join the growing community of developers and users building the future of display servers on Linux.
Discussion
Matrix: #xnew:c-base.org
Development
GitHub: coming soon
Issues: coming soon
Pull Requests: coming soon
Resources
Wiki: coming soon
Blog: coming soon
Contributing
Xnew is open source and welcomes contributions from developers of all skill levels. Whether you're interested in core development, documentation, testing, or community support, there's a place for you.
# Contributing workflow 1. Fork the repository on GitHub 2. Create a feature branch: git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature 3. Make your changes and test thoroughly 4. Submit a pull request with a clear description # Areas where we'll need help: - Core server development (C/C++) - Testing a wide variety of hardware - Testing a wide variety of clients - Documentation and tutorials - Package maintenance for distributions
Download & Install
Xnew is currently in early development does not exist as a software package yet. We recommend building from source for the latest features and bug fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why another display server?
Wayland is a failure by design, but it's the only one that's still maintained. Xorg has been abandoned by its authors and will never support modern display technology. Xlibre is a mess that cares more about politics than code.
How is Xnew different from Xlibre?
Xnew is about bringing feature support, performance and power efficiency, and sleek modern code to the masses, not silly political arguments.
Will my existing applications work?
Yes! Xnew maintains X11 protocol compatibility, so existing applications should work without modification. We're actively testing against popular applications and desktop environments. In addition, Wayland application support is planned.
What about Wayland?
Wayland is excellent for a limited subset of applications, but its very restrictive design ensures it will never please everyone — X11 isn't going anywhere soon.
Is Xnew production ready?
Not yet. Xnew is currently in active development and should be considered experimental.
How can I help?
Join our community channels, test development builds, report bugs, contribute code, or help with documentation. Every contribution makes a difference!