prefix+r — Re-run the current layout

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prefix+r re-runs the current layout exactly as described in TOML: every region is re-placed, temporary fullscreens are cleared, and live splits are discarded.

Default chord: r · Config key: restore · Change in Settings → Hotkeys → Layout navigation

Most common scenarios

  • You manually dragged some window and want it snapped back into place.
  • You experimented with prefix+c split or prefix+z fullscreen and want the “clean” initial state back.
  • Some app starts slowly and wasn’t around when you first triggered the layout → after it finishes launching, prefix+r slots it into place per the variant.
  • A multi-window app (e.g. four Chrome windows) ended up with the wrong instances placed; prefix+r lets MRU pick again.

Trigger flow

Press prefix+r directly; no region selection or second key required.

What it clears

  • selected_region: the current binding’s region selection is cleared, so the next prefix+f / z / g / c / x falls back to region 0.
  • Temporary fullscreen flags: every region fullscreened via prefix+z returns to its original rectangle.
  • Live splits: regions split out via prefix+c while live are discarded; the layout returns to the initial region set described in TOML.
  • Cycle session: the prefix+f rotation cursor is cleared, and the next f press picks a fresh starting point.

What it does not clear

  • The config file itself doesn’t change (restore doesn’t write TOML).
  • selected_region / fullscreen / split state of other bindings are untouched.
  • Already-running app processes are untouched (no restart).
  • Mouse / keyboard focus is untouched.

Difference from re-triggering the same binding via prefix+<key>

If you pressed prefix+1 to fire binding 1 and then press prefix+1 again:

  • Equivalent to prefix+r: re-runs the same layout.
  • But the last_layout history is unchanged.

If you press prefix+r:

  • Also re-runs the current layout.
  • last_layout history is unchanged.

The practical difference is tiny; use whichever feels natural. The point of prefix+r is that it doesn’t depend on you remembering which binding key is current.

Rejection conditions

Situation Behavior
No layout has ever been triggered (current_layout is empty) Warn, silent
The current layout doesn’t match the current display set (after hot-plug) Warn, silent; pick a matching layout via prefix+w first