The following default binds are configured by the header file config.def.h.

[Shift]+[Alt]+[Enter] - launch terminal
[Alt]+[p] - dmenu for running programs like the x-www-browser

By default there are 9 tags (~workspaces).

Launch a few terminals [Shift]+[Alt]+[Enter] and dwm will tile the windows between the master and stack. A new terminal appears on the master window. Existing windows are pushed upon a stack to the right of the screen. [Alt]+[Enter] toggles windows between master and stack.

To move a terminal pane/tile/window to another tag you select the window by hovering over the window. Then execute the bind [Shift]+[Alt]+[2] to move the window to the 2 tag. [Alt]+[2] moves your focus to tag 2.

As stated in the dwm manpage, you can click tags with the left mouse button and simulating [Alt]+[tag number], but you can also click another tag with the right mouse button in order to bring those windows additionally into your current focus.

To kill a window:

[Shift]+[Alt]+[c]

By default dwm is in tiled layout mode. Ensure it is tiled mode with:

[Alt]+[t]

You should also notice the []= symbol between the tag numbers and the title bar.

dwm has two further layout modes, floating ><> [Alt]+[f] and monocle [M] [Alt]+[m]. Monocle is good for ensuring a window is kept maximized and focused. This is useful in web kiosk environments and watching flash videos. Further layout modes can be included through patches.

Floating layout will be familiar to Windows users. Use [Alt]+[mouse button] to move or resize a window.

To quit dwm cleanly:

[Shift]+[Alt]+[q]

To launch dwm, ideally you should setup an xinitrc.