How to set up and use tmux (Cheat Sheet)

Jun Takemura · November 25, 2024

Set up tmux

Install it:

sudo apt install tmux

Add this to your ~/.bashrc (or ~/.zshrc if you use zsh):

if [[ -z $TMUX ]]; then
    tmux
fi

This automatically starts tmux when you open a terminal.

Note: If you use powerlevel10k, set this code before the instant prompt preamble.

How to use

Splitting

To split terminal vertically, press Ctrl-b, release them and then press %. For horizontal split, press " instead of %'. Make sure to release the keys before you press % or ”`.


Coomand Cheat Sheet

tmux Command Cheat Sheet

Session Management

Start tmux:

tmux

Create a new session:

tmux new -s <session-name>

List sessions:

tmux ls

Attach to a session:

tmux attach -t <session-name>

Detach from a session:

Ctrl-b d

Kill a session:

tmux kill-session -t <session-name>

Window Management

Create a new window:

Ctrl-b c

Switch between windows:

Ctrl-b <window-number>

Rename a window:

Ctrl-b ,

(then type the name) Close a window:

Ctrl-b &

Pane Management

Split horizontally:

Ctrl-b "

Split vertically:

Ctrl-b %

Switch between panes:

Ctrl-b <arrow-keys>

(or use Ctrl-b o to cycle through) Resize pane:

Ctrl-b

then: or (resize horizontally) or (resize vertically) Kill a pane:

Ctrl-b x

Miscellaneous

Command prompt:

Ctrl-b :

(for advanced commands like kill-pane, rename-session, etc.) Scroll through history:

Ctrl-b [

(use arrow keys or PgUp/PgDn to scroll, then press q to quit) Synchronize panes:

Ctrl-b :

then type:

setw synchronize-panes on

Copy-Paste Mode

Enter copy mode:

Ctrl-b [

Start selection:

Space

Copy selection:

Enter

Paste:

Ctrl-b ]

Twitter, Facebook