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SimulaVR

SimulaVR/Simula

A VR window manager for Linux that runs on Godot, letting you place and work with desktop app windows inside a virtual reality space.

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What is it?

Simula is a VR window manager for Linux built on the Godot engine. It displays Wayland applications as windows floating in a virtual space, so users can arrange and interact with their desktop apps while wearing a headset.

Input is handled through keyboard and mouse shortcuts, and windows become active when looked at. Shortcuts cover actions such as moving windows, scaling them, switching between eight workspaces, and capturing screenshots or video. Simula takes over the host's keyboard and mouse while running, and a single key combination releases that grab.

The project works with headsets that have monado-compatible drivers, such as HTC Vive, Vive Pro, Valve Index and Rokid Max. Installation uses the nix package manager, and a monado service runs alongside Simula to detect headsets. The project is in alpha and currently supports only Wayland applications.

Key features

  • 01Displays Linux Wayland applications as floating windows in VR
  • 02Window management shortcuts for moving, scaling and switching among eight workspaces
  • 03Gaze-based window activation and cursor control
  • 04Screenshot and video recording shortcuts
  • 05Configurable through a Dhall config file

Use cases

  • Working with desktop terminals and browsers inside a VR headset
  • Experimenting with VR desktop and window management on Linux
  • Developing or contributing to a Linux VR compositor written in Haskell and Godot

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install Simula via nix (first run may prompt to allow extra-substituters; answer y)

    nix profile install github:SimulaVR/Simula
  2. 2

    Launch Simula's monado backend in the background

    simula-monado-service &
  3. 3

    Launch Simula (it grabs mouse and keyboard; press Super + z to escape)

    simula

Things to know

  • Only works on Linux and requires the nix package manager.
  • Only compatible with headsets that have monado-compatible drivers, such as HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Rokid Max.
  • Launching Simula grabs your mouse and keyboard from the host window manager until you press Super + z.

In collections

Game development tools & engines

Topics

#vr#linux#window-manager#godot#wayland#haskell#xr

FAQ

What is Simula?
A VR window manager for Linux that runs on Godot, letting you place and work with desktop app windows inside a virtual reality space. Simula is a VR window manager for Linux built on the Godot engine. It displays Wayland applications as windows floating in a virtual space, so users can arrange and interact with their desktop apps while wearing a headset.
Is Simula free to use? What license does it have?
Simula is open source under the MIT license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is Simula still maintained?
Updated within 6 months. The last commit to Simula was on Sep 24, 2026.
What can I use Simula for?
Working with desktop terminals and browsers inside a VR headset Experimenting with VR desktop and window management on Linux Developing or contributing to a Linux VR compositor written in Haskell and Godot
How do I install Simula?
Install Simula via nix (first run may prompt to allow extra-substituters; answer y): nix profile install github:SimulaVR/Simula Launch Simula's monado backend in the background: simula-monado-service & Launch Simula (it grabs mouse and keyboard; press Super + z to escape): simula
Where can I get Simula?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/SimulaVR/Simula

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

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