Sway IPC Python Library

pysway

A Python library to interact with the Sway window manager via its IPC interface.

Features

• Query the current layout tree of Sway.
• Get information about views (windows), outputs, inputs, and seats.
• Run Sway commands programmatically.
• Subscribe to real-time events like workspace changes, view focus, output updates, and more.

Requirements

• Python 3.6+
• Running inside a Sway session

Installation

install from source:

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/pysway.git 
cd pysway
pip install -e .

Usage Examples

Get the Current Layout Tree

from pysway.ipc import SwayIPC

sway = SwayIPC()
tree = sway.get_tree()
print(tree)

Get Focused View

focused = sway.get_focused_view()
if focused:
    print(f"Focused View ID: {focused['id']}")
    print(f"Title: {focused.get('name')}")

List All Views

views = sway.list_views()
for v in views:
    print(f"ID: {v['id']}, Title: {v['name']}, App ID: {v.get('app_id', 'N/A')}")

🎮 Monitor Real-Time Events

Run the built-in event monitor:

python -m scripts.event_monitor

Or use it in code:

from scripts.event_monitor import SwayIPC

ipc = SwayIPC()
ipc.subscribe(["workspace", "window"])  # or ipc.subscribe() to watch all events

while True:
    event = ipc.read_next_event()
    if event:
        print("Event received:", event)

Supported Commands

Method

Description

get_tree()

Get full layout tree

get_focused_view()

Get currently focused window

list_views()

List all open views

run_command(cmd)

Execute raw Sway command

list_outputs()

List connected displays

focus_output(id)

Focus an output by ID

subscribe(events)

Subscribe to one or more IPC events

Event Types

You can subscribe to these event types:

• workspace
• window
• output
• mode
• barconfig_update
• binding
• shutdown
• tick
• bar_state_update
• input

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please read our contribution guidelines before submitting a PR.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.