---
title: "Tmux"
lang: "en"
author: "Mohammad Abu Mattar"
canonical: https://mkabumattar.com/tmux
---

[Home](/)›[Cheatsheets](/cheatsheets)

Cheatsheets

# Tmux

Tmux is a terminal multiplexer for managing multiple terminal sessions, windows, and panes within a single screen. Commands for session, window, and pane management.

7 Categories20 Sections39 ExamplesPublished: 01 Jan 2023Updated: 28 Feb 2025

TmuxTerminal MultiplexerSessionsWindowsPanesDevelopment Tools

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Series

[Developer Environment & Tooling](/series/developer-environment--tooling)3/6

[PreviousScreen](/cheatsheets/screen)[NextVim](/cheatsheets/vim)

All posts in this series (6)

Cheatsheets6

1.  [Git](/cheatsheets/git)
2.  [Screen](/cheatsheets/screen)
3.  [TmuxYou are here](/cheatsheets/tmux)
4.  [Vim](/cheatsheets/vim)
5.  [VS Code](/cheatsheets/vscode)
6.  [Python Virtual Environments Cheatsheet](/cheatsheets/python-venv)

Tmux is a terminal multiplexer for managing multiple terminal sessions, windows, and panes within a single screen. This cheatsheet covers the commands, keybindings, and configuration options for everyday tmux usage.

## [Quick start](#quick-start)

Start your first tmux session with a single command:

Terminal window

```
tmux new -s development
```

Then detach with `C-b d` and reattach from anywhere with:

Terminal window

```
tmux attach -t development
```

## [Key concepts](#key-concepts)

**Sessions**: Independent workspaces that continue running even if you disconnect. Useful for keeping servers and processes running.

**Windows**: Tabs within a session. Each window is a full terminal with its own working directory and history.

**Panes**: Splits within a window. Allows multiple shells side-by-side without opening new windows.

## [Essential keybindings](#essential-keybindings)

All keybindings use the prefix key `C-b` (Ctrl+B) unless configured otherwise:

-   `C-b c` - Create new window
-   `C-b n` / `C-b p` - Next/previous window
-   `C-b %` / `C-b "` - Split vertical/horizontal
-   `C-b h/j/k/l` - Navigate panes (requires vim-style config)
-   `C-b [` - Enter scroll/copy mode
-   `C-b d` - Detach from session
-   `C-b ?` - List all keybindings
-   `C-b :` - Enter command mode

## [Popular configuration](#popular-configuration)

For vim-style navigation and mouse support, add to `~/.tmux.conf`:

Terminal window

```
# Enable 256 color supportset -g default-terminal "screen-256color"set -ga terminal-overrides ",xterm-256color:RGB"
# Enable mouseset -g mouse on
# Use vim keys for navigationsetw -g mode-keys vibind h select-pane -Lbind j select-pane -Dbind k select-pane -Ubind l select-pane -R
# Resize panes with vim keysbind H resize-pane -L 5bind J resize-pane -D 5bind K resize-pane -U 5bind L resize-pane -R 5
# Increase history limitset -g history-limit 50000
# Reload configbind r source-file ~/.tmux.conf
```

Then reload with `C-b :` and type `source-file ~/.tmux.conf`.

## [Tips for productivity](#tips-for-productivity)

1.  **Use Named Sessions**: `tmux new -s work` is easier to remember than session numbers
2.  **Create Window Groups**: Organize windows logically within sessions (editor, server, testing)
3.  **Pair Programming**: Multiple users can attach to the same session at once
4.  **Automation**: Use `tmux send-keys` in scripts to automate setup and testing
5.  **Mouse Support**: Enable `set -g mouse on` to scroll and select panes with the mouse

## [Resources](#resources)

-   Official Tmux Manual: [https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)
-   GitHub Repository: [https://github.com/tmux/tmux](https://github.com/tmux/tmux)
-   Community Wiki: [https://github.com/tmux/tmux/wiki](https://github.com/tmux/tmux/wiki)

[Getting Started](#category-getting-started)

-   [Starting Tmux](#section-starting-tmux)
-   [Basic Concepts](#section-basic-concepts)
-   [Help and Command Mode](#section-help-and-command-mode)

[Sessions](#category-sessions)

-   [Create and Attach Sessions](#section-session-creation-attachment)
-   [Session Switching and Management](#section-session-management)
-   [Detach and Reattach](#section-detach-and-reattach)

[Windows](#category-windows)

-   [Create and Navigate Windows](#section-window-creation)
-   [Manage and Rename Windows](#section-window-management)
-   [Window Selection and Monitoring](#section-window-selection)

[Panes](#category-panes)

-   [Split Panes Vertically and Horizontally](#section-pane-splitting)
-   [Navigate and Resize Panes](#section-pane-navigation-resize)
-   [Close and Manage Panes](#section-pane-manipulation)

[Copy/Paste & Scrolling](#category-copypaste-scrolling)

-   [Enter Scroll Mode and Navigate Buffer](#section-scroll-mode-buffer)
-   [Copy and Paste Text](#section-copy-paste-operations)
-   [Search in Buffer History](#section-search-in-buffer)

[Keybindings & Commands](#category-keybindings-commands)

-   [Essential Keybindings Reference](#section-common-keybindings)
-   [Command Mode and Advanced Usage](#section-command-mode-advanced)

[Configuration & Customization](#category-configuration-customization)

-   [Tmux Configuration File Basics](#section-tmux-conf-basics)
-   [Customize Status Line](#section-statusline-customization)
-   [Colors and Styling](#section-colors-styling)

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## Getting Started

Start using tmux and learn basic concepts

### Starting Tmux

Launch tmux and create your first session

#### Accessibility

Clear examples of starting tmux with different modes

#### Best Practices

-   Use descriptive session names like 'work', 'dev', 'personal'
-   Create sessions detached for automated workflows
-   Use UTF8 flag if dealing with international characters

#### Common Errors

-   **sessions already exist:** Use tmux attach to connect to existing session instead

#### Keywords

startlaunchtmuxnewsession

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Start tmux without session name

Launches tmux and creates a new default session (session 0).

Code

Terminal window

```
# Start a tmux sessiontmux
# Start tmux with UTF8 supporttmux -u
# Start with specific sockettmux -S ~/.tmux.socket
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[new session created]
```

-   Useful for quick sessions you don't plan to keep
-   Creates session with numeric identifier
-   Can reattach with tmux attach

#### Create named session

Creates a new named tmux session for better organization and easy identification.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Create new session with specific nametmux new -s mysession
# Create named session detachedtmux new -s work -d
# Create with shell commandtmux new -s dev -d "cd ~/projects && bash"
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux new -s development
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[new session created - development]
```

-   Named sessions are easier to manage than numbered
-   \-d flag starts session detached (background)
-   Can start in specific directory with shell commands

### Basic Concepts

Understand tmux structure and terminology

#### Accessibility

Visual explanation of tmux's hierarchical structure

#### Best Practices

-   Understand session/window/pane relationship
-   Use sessions for different projects
-   Use windows for different tasks within project
-   Use panes for side-by-side related work

#### Common Errors

-   **no server running:** Sessions don't exist yet; start a new one with tmux new

#### Keywords

sessionswindowspanesstructurehierarchy

[Learn more](https://github.com/tmux/tmux/wiki)

#### Understanding session, window, and pane hierarchy

Tmux organizes screen space into sessions containing windows, which contain panes.

Code

```
1Session (development)2├── Window 0 (editor)3│   ├── Pane 0 (active)4│   └── Pane 15├── Window 1 (terminal)6│   └── Pane 07└── Window 2 (build)8    ├── Pane 09    ├── Pane 110    └── Pane 2
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux list-sessions && tmux list-windows
```

Output

Terminal window

```
development: 2 windows0: editor- (2 panes)1: terminal- (1 pane)
```

-   Session contains multiple windows
-   Window contains multiple panes
-   Each pane is a separate terminal shell

#### Check tmux server status

View active sessions and tmux configuration details.

Code

Terminal window

```
# List all sessionstmux ls
# Get detailed session infotmux info
# Show versiontmux -V
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux ls
```

Output

Terminal window

```
development: 2 windows (80x24)work: 1 window (120x30)
```

-   Useful for checking what's running before attaching
-   Shows terminal dimensions for each session

### Help and Command Mode

Access built-in help and run commands

#### Accessibility

Clear navigation through help system

#### Best Practices

-   Learn core keybindings first
-   Use ? for quick reference during work
-   Explore tmux man page for advanced features

#### Common Errors

-   **unknown command:** Check keybinding with tmux list-keys

#### Keywords

helpcommandkeybindingsreference

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Access help and keybindings

Access the full help system and keybinding references within tmux.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Display keybindings help (in tmux)C-b ?
# Enter command modeC-b :
# List keybindings from shelltmux list-keys
# List all commandstmux list-commands
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux list-keys | head -20
```

Output

Terminal window

```
bind-key -T prefix C-b send-keys -X send-prefixbind-key -T prefix C-c new-windowbind-key -T prefix C-d detach-client
```

-   C-b is the default prefix key
-   Command mode allows advanced operations
-   ? and : are the keys to remember for discoverability

#### Run commands and display help

Display tmux configuration and useful information overlays.

Code

Terminal window

```
# In tmux, run command to show messageC-b :
# Display clock in sessionC-b t
# Show pane numbersC-b q
# Exit help or clock press any key
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux show-options -g
```

Output

Terminal window

```
aggressive-resize offallow-same-window onbase-index 0bell-action any
```

-   \[object Object\]
-   \[object Object\]
-   Exit overlays with any key or Escape

## Sessions

Work with tmux sessions for isolated workspaces

### Create and Attach Sessions

Create new sessions and attach to existing ones

#### Accessibility

Clear distinction between new, attach, and detach operations

#### Best Practices

-   Create session for each major project
-   Detach before closing terminal (C-b d)
-   Use descriptive names for easy recall

#### Common Errors

-   **session not found:** Use tmux ls to see available sessions

#### Keywords

newattachsessioncreateconnect

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Create and attach to new session

Creates a new named session and attaches immediately unless using -d flag.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Create new session with default nametmux new -s mysession
# Create session in background (detached)tmux new -s background -d
# Create session and run commandtmux new -s nodejs -d "node server.js"
# Create with specific working directorytmux new -s project -d -c ~/projects/myapp
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux new -s devwork
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[new session created - devwork]
```

-   Without -d, you're immediately attached to the new session
-   \-d useful for automation and batch operations
-   \-c sets initial working directory

#### Attach to existing session

Connects to an existing session, restoring the full terminal state.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Attach to session by nametmux attach -t mysession
# Attach to last sessiontmux attach
# Attach to session by numbertmux attach -t 0
# Attach read-onlytmux attach -t session -r
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux attach -t development
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[attached to development session]
```

-   Must use exact session name or number
-   \-r flag makes it read-only (no input)
-   Default is most recently used session

### Session Switching and Management

Switch between sessions and manage multiple sessions

#### Accessibility

Clear processes for switching and managing sessions

#### Best Practices

-   Regularly list sessions to stay organized
-   Rename sessions to reflect current state
-   Kill unused sessions to reduce server memory

#### Common Errors

-   **can't find session:** Verify session name exists with tmux ls

#### Keywords

switchlistrenamekilldetach

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Switch between sessions

Quickly switch between different sessions from command line or interactively.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Switch to named sessiontmux switch -t mysession
# From inside tmux, cycle through sessionsC-b (    # Previous sessionC-b )    # Next session
# List and select session interactivelytmux choose-session
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux switch -t work
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[switched to work session]
```

-   C-b ( and ) cycle through open sessions
-   Useful for toggling between two sessions

#### List and manage sessions

View all active sessions, rename, and remove sessions as needed.

Code

Terminal window

```
# List all sessionstmux ls# ortmux list-sessions
# Rename sessiontmux rename-session -t old newname
# Kill specific sessiontmux kill-session -t sessionname
# Kill all sessions except currenttmux kill-session -t '!^'
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux ls
```

Output

Terminal window

```
development: 3 windowswork: 2 windowstesting: 1 window (current)
```

-   Sessions persist until explicitly killed or tmux server stops
-   Renaming helps organize long-running sessions
-   Kill-session useful for cleanup after pairing sessions

### Detach and Reattach

Detach from sessions and manage disconnections

#### Accessibility

Clear explanation of detach/reattach workflow

#### Best Practices

-   Always detach instead of killing terminal
-   Reattach from another terminal to recover work
-   Use detach to switch between local and remote work

#### Common Errors

-   **can't attach from multiple locations:** Sessions do attach from multiple clients by design, but resize may differ

#### Keywords

detachconnectionbackgroundreattach

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Detach from session

Safely detach from session, keeping it running in background.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Detach from current session (in tmux)C-b d
# Force detach all clients except specifiedtmux detach-client -t session -a
# Detach all clients from all sessionstmux kill-server
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux detach-client -t development
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[detached from development]
```

-   C-b d is most common way to detach
-   Session continues running after detach
-   Useful for keeping processes running over SSH

#### Manage connections and windows

View client connections and session metadata.

Code

Terminal window

```
# List all clients connected to sessiontmux list-clients
# Details about specific sessiontmux display-message -t session -p
# Show session activitytmux list-clients -t session
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux list-clients
```

Output

Terminal window

```
/dev/pts/0: 0 (80 x 24) [UTF8]/dev/pts/1: 1 (120 x 30) [UTF8]
```

-   Multiple clients can be attached to same session
-   Useful for pair programming
-   Different connections can have different window sizes

## Windows

Manage multiple windows within a tmux session

### Create and Navigate Windows

Create new windows and move between them

#### Accessibility

Clear keybinding reference for window navigation

#### Best Practices

-   Use descriptive window names
-   Create windows for different tasks (editor, server, test)
-   Use number keys for frequent windows

#### Common Errors

-   **window doesn't exist:** Create window first with C-b c or use list-windows to check

#### Keywords

new-windowwindowscnpnavigate

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Create new window

Creates new window in current or specified session and switches to it.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Create new window (in tmux)C-b c
# Create window with nameC-b : new-window -n editor
# Create window and run commandtmux new-window -t session:1 -n server "npm start"
# Create before current windowC-b : new-window -b -n name
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux new-window -t development -n editor
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[new window created: editor]
```

-   C-b c is fastest way to create window
-   Windows appear as numbered tabs at bottom
-   Each window is independent shell environment

#### Navigate windows

Navigate between windows using keybindings or command line.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Go to next windowC-b n
# Go to previous windowC-b p
# Go to specific window by number (0-9)C-b 0    # Go to window 0C-b 1    # Go to window 1
# Go to last active windowC-b l
# List windows and selectC-b w
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux select-window -t development:1
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[switched to window 1]
```

-   C-b n and p cover most everyday window switching
-   Number keys 0-9 jump directly to window
-   C-b l toggles between two most recent windows

### Manage and Rename Windows

Rename, move, and organize windows

#### Accessibility

Clear commands for window manipulation

#### Best Practices

-   Keep window count manageable (5-7 windows)
-   Rename windows to their purpose
-   Close unused windows to reduce clutter

#### Common Errors

-   **can't kill last window:** Create new window first before killing last one

#### Keywords

renamemoveswapkillwindow

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Rename and reorder windows

Rename windows for better organization and flexibility.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Rename current window (in tmux)C-b ,
# Rename window via commandtmux rename-window -t session:0 newname
# Move window to different positiontmux move-window -t session:0 -s session:1
# Swap windowstmux swap-window -t session:0 -s session:1
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux rename-window -t development:0 editor
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[window renamed from 0 to editor]
```

-   C-b , is quick rename within tmux
-   Renaming is visual only, doesn't affect functionality
-   Useful for distinguishing similar windows

#### List and close windows

View window list, details, and close windows when no longer needed.

Code

Terminal window

```
# List windows in sessiontmux list-windows -t session
# Get detailed window infotmux display-message -t session -p "#{window_name}"
# Kill current window (in tmux)C-b &
# Kill specific windowtmux kill-window -t session:0
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux list-windows -t development
```

Output

Terminal window

```
0: editor* (2 panes) [80x24]1: server (1 pane) [80x24]2: test (1 pane) [80x24]
```

-   C-b & kills current window with confirmation
-   Asterisk (\*) indicates active window
-   Closing last window closes session

### Window Selection and Monitoring

Select windows and monitor activity

#### Accessibility

Interactive methods for selecting windows

#### Best Practices

-   Use window activity monitoring for servers
-   Set meaningful window names to identify at a glance
-   Monitor important windows during pairing sessions

#### Common Errors

-   **activity monitoring not showing:** Enable with set-window-option monitor-activity on

#### Keywords

selectactivitymonitorliststatus

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Use window list and selection menu

Interactively select windows or monitor them for activity.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Show window list menu (in tmux)C-b w
# Choose window interactivelytmux choose-window
# Monitor window for activitytmux set-window-option -t session:0 monitor-activity on
# Show window activity in status bartmux set-window-option -t session monitor-silence 30
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux choose-window
```

Output

Terminal window

```
(0) editor(1) server*(2) test
```

-   C-b w shows window list with arrow navigation
-   Space or Enter selects window
-   Monitor activity useful for long-running processes

## Panes

Split and manage panes within windows

### Split Panes Vertically and Horizontally

Create pane layouts and split orientations

#### Accessibility

Clear visual reference for split directions

#### Best Practices

-   Split for related tasks (editor + server output)
-   Keep splits to 2-3 panes for readability
-   Use layouts to organize complex window structures

#### Common Errors

-   **panes too small:** Resize with C-b HJKL or adjust split percentage

#### Keywords

splitpaneverticalhorizontallayout

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Split panes vertically and horizontally

Create side-by-side (vertical) or stacked (horizontal) pane layouts.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Split current pane vertically (left-right)C-b %
# Split current pane horizontally (top-bottom)C-b "
# Split vertically with commandtmux split-window -h -t session:0 "top"
# Split horizontally with specific sizetmux split-window -v -t session:0 -l 10
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux split-window -h
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[pane 0 and 1 created]
```

-   C-b % for vertical split (new pane on right)
-   C-b " for horizontal split (new pane below)
-   Splits are always of current pane

#### Create complex pane layouts

Use preset layouts or create complex splits through scripting.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Display preset layoutsC-b Space    # Cycle through layouts
# Pre-defined layouts# even-horizontal, even-vertical, main-horizontal# main-vertical, tiledtmux select-layout -t session:0 main-horizontal
# Create custom split scripttmux new-window -t session \  && tmux split-window -h \  && tmux split-window -v -p 25
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux select-layout even-horizontal
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[layout changed to even-horizontal]
```

-   C-b Space cycles through available layouts
-   Layouts auto-arrange panes
-   Keeps window setups consistent across sessions

### Navigate and Resize Panes

Move focus between panes and resize them

#### Accessibility

Intuitive vim-like navigation for pane movement

#### Best Practices

-   Use vim navigation for consistency with editor
-   Resize panes to focus on most important content
-   Keep working pane visible and readable

#### Common Errors

-   **h/j/k/l keys not working:** Configure vim-style bindings in tmux.conf

#### Keywords

navigatemoveresizefocushjkl

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Navigate between panes

Navigate between panes using vim-like keybindings or direct selection.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Move to pane in direction (vim-like navigation)C-b h    # Move leftC-b j    # Move downC-b k    # Move upC-b l    # Move right
# Cycle through panesC-b o    # Go to next paneC-b ;    # Go to previously active pane
# Select pane by numberC-b q    # Show pane numbers then press number
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux select-pane -t session:0.1
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[focused on pane 1]
```

-   Requires vim-style navigation setup
-   Default keys might be different without config
-   C-b q shows pane numbers for direct access

#### Resize panes

Adjust pane sizes to focus on important areas.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Resize pane in direction (uppercase HJKL)C-b H    # Resize leftC-b J    # Resize downC-b K    # Resize upC-b L    # Resize right
# Resize with command linetmux resize-pane -t session:0.0 -U 5  # Up 5 linestmux resize-pane -t session:0.0 -R 10 # Right 10 cols
# Make equal sizeC-b =    # Distribute panes evenly
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux resize-pane -t development:0.0 -U 10
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[pane resized]
```

-   Requires vim-style bindings setup
-   C-b = distributes space evenly
-   Useful for comparing output side-by-side

### Close and Manage Panes

Remove, move, and organize panes

#### Accessibility

Multiple methods for pane removal and manipulation

#### Best Practices

-   Close panes instead of windows for minor changes
-   Use break-pane to promote pane to window
-   Keep pane count under 10 for manageability

#### Common Errors

-   **can't close last pane:** Close window instead with C-b &

#### Keywords

closekillbreakjoinswappane

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Close and remove panes

Remove panes or reorganize them across windows.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Close current pane (in tmux)C-b x      # Kill pane with confirmation
# Kill pane via commandtmux kill-pane -t session:0.0
# Break pane into new windowC-b !
# Join pane from another windowtmux join-pane -s session:0.0 -t session:1
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux kill-pane -t development:0.1
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[pane 1 closed]
```

-   C-b x offers confirmation before killing
-   Breaking pane creates new window from it
-   Joining pane combines windows

#### Swap and manage pane layout

Reorganize pane positions within a window layout.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Swap current pane with nextC-b {    # Move pane leftC-b }    # Move pane right
# Swap specific panestmux swap-pane -t session:0.0 -s session:0.1
# Show pane layouttmux display-message -t session:0 -p "#{window_layout}"
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux swap-pane -t development:0.0 -s development:0.1
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[panes swapped]
```

-   C-b { and } change pane order visually
-   Useful for reordering without closing

## Copy/Paste & Scrolling

Manage text copying, pasting, and buffer navigation

### Enter Scroll Mode and Navigate Buffer

Access and scroll through text history

#### Accessibility

Clear step-by-step process for text selection

#### Best Practices

-   Use mouse for quick text selection
-   Learn keyboard navigation for scripting
-   Switch between mouse and keyboard depending on the task

#### Common Errors

-   **mouse selection not working:** Enable with 'set -g mouse on' in tmux.conf

#### Keywords

scrollbufferhistorynavigationtext

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Enter scroll mode and navigate

Enter scroll mode to view terminal history and select text.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Enter scroll/copy mode (in tmux)C-b [
# Navigate while in scroll modeArrow keys          # Move up/down/left/rightPage Up/Page Down   # Scroll by pageHome/End            # Jump to start/endg/G                 # Jump to beginning/end
# Exit scroll modeq                   # Quit scroll mode
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux send-keys -t session 'C-b' '['
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[scroll mode activated - use arrows to navigate]
```

-   C-b \[ enters scroll/copy mode for viewing history
-   Once in mode, use vi keys (hjkl) or arrows to navigate
-   ESC or q exits without copying

#### Enable mouse support for scrolling

Enable mouse support for modern terminal interaction and scrolling.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Enable mouse support in tmux.confset -g mouse on
# With mouse enabled:Scroll wheel          # Scroll up/downClick and drag        # Select text (auto-copies)Middle click          # Paste selectedRight click           # Show context menu
# Disable mouse for specific sessiontmux set -t session mouse off
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux set -g mouse on
```

Output

Terminal window

```
mouse on
```

-   Mouse mode makes tmux more intuitive for newcomers
-   Can toggle per session or globally
-   Click-to-select is faster than keyboard

### Copy and Paste Text

Select, copy, and paste text between panes

#### Accessibility

Clear step-by-step process for copy-paste workflow

#### Best Practices

-   Use Space and Enter for quick copy-paste
-   Check buffers if paste doesn't show expected text
-   Clear old buffers to preserve memory

#### Common Errors

-   **pasted wrong text:** Check buffer list with tmux list-buffers

#### Keywords

copypasteselectionbufferclipboard

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Copy text in scroll mode

Select text in scroll mode and copy for pasting elsewhere.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Enter scroll modeC-b [
# Position cursor and start selectionSpace               # Start selection at cursor
# Move to end of text (vim navigation or arrows)Move with h/j/k/l or arrows
# Copy selectionEnter               # Copy and exit mode
# Paste copied text (in tmux)C-b ]
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
echo 'Copy mode workflow'
```

Output

Terminal window

```
Copy mode workflow
```

-   Space starts selection, Enter copies and exits
-   Works across panes and windows
-   Copied text stays in tmux buffer

#### Paste and manage buffers

Store multiple copied items and paste from specific buffers.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Paste from buffer (in tmux)C-b ]
# List all bufferstmux list-buffers
# Show specific buffertmux show-buffer -b buffer-id
# Paste specific buffertmux paste-buffer -b buffer-id
# Clear all bufferstmux delete-buffer -b buffer-id
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux list-buffers
```

Output

Terminal window

```
0: 245 bytes1: 128 bytes2: 512 bytes
```

-   Tmux maintains buffer history
-   Most recent copy is buffer 0
-   Useful for pasting multiple items without re-copying

### Search in Buffer History

Find text within terminal history

#### Accessibility

Intuitive search through terminal output

#### Best Practices

-   Increase history-limit for debugging long processes
-   Use capture-pane to save output for analysis
-   Build search patterns into workflow

#### Common Errors

-   **search not finding text:** Make sure you're in scroll mode, then use C-s for search

#### Keywords

searchfindbufferhistorypattern

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Search within scroll buffer

Find specific text within terminal output history.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Enter scroll mode firstC-b [
# Start forward searchC-s         # Enter search mode, type pattern
# Start backward searchC-r         # Search backwards
# Navigate search resultsn           # Go to next matchN           # Go to previous match
# Exit searchEscape      # Return to scroll modeq           # Quit scroll mode completely
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
echo 'Search mode: C-b [ then C-s for forward search'
```

Output

Terminal window

```
Search mode active
```

-   C-s for forward search, C-r for backward
-   n and N navigate between matches
-   Case-sensitive by default

#### Search across pane history

Export terminal history or adjust buffer size for longer history.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Capture entire pane history to filetmux capture-pane -t session:0.0 -p > history.txt
# Capture with layouttmux capture-pane -t session:0.0 -p -e > formatted.txt
# Clear historytmux clear-history -t session:0.0
# Set history sizeset -g history-limit 50000
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux capture-pane -t development:0 -p | head -20
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[previous terminal output...][previous terminal output...][previous terminal output...]
```

-   Default history limit is 2000 lines
-   Increase for long-running sessions
-   \-e flag preserves colors in captured output

## Keybindings & Commands

Keybindings and command mode usage

### Essential Keybindings Reference

Most frequently used keybindings for daily work

#### Accessibility

Organized reference table for keybindings

#### Best Practices

-   Memorize the ten core keybindings you use every day
-   Use ? when you forget a keybinding
-   Customize keybindings to match your editor

#### Common Errors

-   **keybinding does nothing:** Make sure prefix (C-b) is shown in terminal or run tmux list-keys

#### Keywords

keybindingsshortcutsprefixcommandsc-b

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Core session and window keybindings

Quick reference for the tmux keybindings used most often.

Code

```
1SESSION/ATTACH2C-b d           Detach from session3C-b (           Previous session4C-b )           Next session5
6WINDOWS7C-b c           New window8C-b n           Next window9C-b p           Previous window10C-b l           Last active window11C-b w           List windows12C-b ,           Rename window13C-b &           Kill window14
15PANES16C-b %           Split vertical17C-b "           Split horizontal18C-b h/j/k/l     Navigate (vim)19C-b HJKL        Resize (vim)20C-b o           Next pane21C-b x           Kill pane22C-b Space       Cycle layouts23C-b !           Break pane to window24C-b {/}         Move pane left/right
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux list-keys | grep -E 'bind-key.*C-b' | head -20
```

Output

Terminal window

```
bind-key -T prefix c new-windowbind-key -T prefix d detach-clientbind-key -T prefix % split-window -hbind-key -T prefix " split-window -v
```

-   C-b is default prefix (press before each binding)
-   Vim keys (h/j/k/l) available with configuration
-   Numbers 0-9 navigate directly to windows

#### Copy/paste and utility keybindings

Keybindings for text manipulation and information displays.

Code

```
1COPY/PASTE2C-b [           Enter scroll mode3C-b ]           Paste buffer4Space           Start selection5Enter           Copy selection6C-s             Search forward7C-r             Search backward8
9DISPLAY/INFO10C-b ?           List keybindings11C-b :           Enter command mode12C-b t           Display clock13C-b q           Show pane numbers14C-b $           Rename session
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux list-keys -T copy-mode | head -15
```

Output

Terminal window

```
send-keys -X copy-selectionsend-keys -X scroll-upsend-keys -X search-forward
```

-   Some bindings only work in copy mode
-   ? shows help within tmux, useful for discovery
-   t displays clock overlay (press any key to exit)

### Command Mode and Advanced Usage

Enter command mode to run tmux commands directly

#### Accessibility

Clear command syntax with examples

#### Best Practices

-   Learn basic keybindings before command mode
-   Use command mode for one-off operations
-   Move frequent commands to keybindings

#### Common Errors

-   **unknown command:** Check command name with tmux list-commands

#### Keywords

commandmodeadvancedsend-keysbind

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Access and use command mode

Command mode allows advanced operations like sending keystrokes to panes.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Enter command mode (in tmux)C-b :
# Examples of commandssend-keys -t session:0.0 "ls -la" Enterset -g mouse onbind-key custom-key send-keys "command" Enter
# Get help for commandhelp command-name
# Source configuration filesource ~/.tmux.conf
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux send-keys -t development "pwd" Enter
```

Output

Terminal window

```
/home/user/projects
```

-   send-keys runs commands in specified pane
-   Enter key needed to execute commands sent
-   Useful for automation scripts

#### Bind custom keys and utilities

Customize keybindings and run complex commands through command mode.

Code

Terminal window

```
# List all custom bindingstmux list-keys
# Unbind a keytmux unbind-key name
# Bind custom commandtmux bind-key R "send-keys -t session:0 'reload' Enter"
# Run external command from tmuxC-b :run "external-command"
# Execute tmux session setup scripttmux source-file ~/.tmux/setup.sh
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux list-commands | wc -l
```

Output

Terminal window

```
135
```

-   Hundreds of tmux commands available
-   Custom bindings go in tmux.conf
-   Scripts can automate session setup

## Configuration & Customization

Customize tmux behavior and appearance

### Tmux Configuration File Basics

Set up your tmux.conf for custom settings

#### Accessibility

Clear explanation of configuration file structure

#### Best Practices

-   Keep tmux.conf well-commented
-   Test config changes in separate session first
-   Use reload frequently during setup

#### Common Errors

-   **bad format or unknown command:** Check syntax, use: tmux source-file to see errors

#### Keywords

configconfigurationtmux.confsetoption

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Create and structure tmux.conf

Create ~/.tmux.conf to customize tmux behavior globally.

Code

~/.tmux.conf

```
# Set default terminal (24-bit color support)set -g default-terminal "screen-256color"set -ga terminal-overrides ",xterm-256color:RGB"
# Set default shellset -g default-shell /bin/bash
# Set base index (0 or 1)set -g base-index 0setw -g pane-base-index 0
# Set history limitset -g history-limit 10000
# Mouse supportset -g mouse on
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
cat ~/.tmux.conf | head -10
```

Output

Terminal window

```
set -g default-terminal "screen-256color"set -ga terminal-overrides ",xterm-256color:RGB"set -g mouse on
```

-   use 'set' for session options, 'setw' for window options
-   \-g flag for global, -t for specific target
-   \-a flag appends/adds to option
-   Loaded on tmux start

#### Reload and apply configuration

Apply configuration changes without restarting tmux server.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Reload configuration (in tmux)C-b : source-file ~/.tmux.conf
# Or from shelltmux source-file ~/.tmux.conf
# Check specific optiontmux show-options -g | grep history
# Show all optionstmux show-options -g
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux source-file ~/.tmux.conf
```

Output

Terminal window

```
[configuration reloaded]
```

-   source-file is safe command to reload
-   Changes apply immediately to new panes/windows
-   Existing panes may need refresh

### Customize Status Line

Configure the bottom-of-window status bar

#### Accessibility

Clear examples of status line formatting

#### Best Practices

-   Keep status line readable with minimal clutter
-   Show key info like host, session, time
-   Use colors sparingly for focus

#### Common Errors

-   **status showing wrong format:** Check syntax with tmux show-options -g

#### Keywords

statusstatuslinebarformatappearance

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Configure left and right status

Set what the status bar shows on the left and on the right.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Simple status formatset -g status-left "[#S]"set -g status-right "#H | %a %d %b %H:%M"
# Complex left status with colorsset -g status-left "#[bg=blue,fg=white] #S #[default]"
# Add window list in middleset -g status-justify centre
# Window status formattingsetw -g window-status-format "#[fg=white] #I: #W "setw -g window-status-current-format "#[bg=green,fg=black] #I: #W #[default]"
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux show-options -g | grep status
```

Output

Terminal window

```
status onstatus-bg defaultstatus-justify leftstatus-left [#S]status-right #H | %a %d %b %H:%M
```

-   #S = session name, #W = window name
-   #H = hostname, #h = short hostname
-   #I = window index, #P = pane index

#### Add status line variables and colors

Add dynamic information and status indicators to the status bar.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Show git branchset -g status-right '#{pane_current_path} | #(cd #{pane_current_path} && git symbolic-ref --short HEAD 2>/dev/null || echo "no-git")'
# Show battery and timeset -g status-right "#(battery) | %H:%M %d-%b-%y"
# Window activity notificationssetw -g window-status-activity-style "fg=red,bg=default"setw -g monitor-activity on
# Highlight important windowssetw -g window-status-bell-style "fg=yellow,bg=red"
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux show-options -g status-right
```

Output

Terminal window

```
#H | %a %d %b %H:%M
```

-   Use
-   Watch for performance impact of commands
-   Activity monitoring helps find updated windows

### Colors and Styling

Apply colors and text attributes to UI elements

#### Accessibility

Comprehensive reference for color and attribute options

#### Best Practices

-   Use high contrast for readability
-   Limit color palette to 3-4 main colors
-   Test on different terminals

#### Common Errors

-   **colors look wrong or washed out:** Check default-terminal setting, may need 256color or RGB support

#### Keywords

colorsattributesstylingforegroundbackground

[Learn more](https://linux.die.net/man/1/tmux)

#### Apply colors and attributes

Apply color schemes to tmux UI components and text.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Standard colorsset -g status-bg blackset -g status-fg white
# Named colors for windowsetw -g window-status-current-bg greensetw -g window-status-current-fg black
# 256 color palettesetw -g window-status-bg colour234      # Dark graysetw -g window-status-fg colour248      # Light gray
# RGB hex colors (if supported)setw -g pane-border-lines heavysetw -g pane-border-style "fg=#444444"
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
tmux show-options -g status-bg
```

Output

Terminal window

```
status-bg black
```

-   \[object Object\]
-   \[object Object\]
-   \[object Object\]

#### Apply text attributes and combinations

Combine colors with text attributes such as bold and underline.

Code

Terminal window

```
# Text attributes#[bold]          Bold text#[underscore]    Underlined#[italics]       Italics (if terminal supports)#[dim]           Dimmed text#[fg=red]        Red text#[bg=yellow]     Yellow background#[default]       Reset to defaults
# Combinations in status lineset -g status-left "#[fg=white,bg=blue,bold] #S #[default]"setw -g window-status-current-format "#[fg=black,bg=green,bold] #W #[default]"
# For pane stylingsetw -g pane-active-border-fg greensetw -g pane-border-fg colour240
```

Execution

Terminal window

```
echo 'Colors: black, red, green, yellow, blue, magenta, cyan, white'
```

Output

Terminal window

```
Colors list for terminal display
```

-   Always use
-   Test colors in your terminal first (256 vs true color)
-   Some attributes may not work in all terminals

Was this useful?

## Tags

#Tmux#Terminal Multiplexer#Sessions#Windows#Panes#Development Tools

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