Tmux FAQ
Find answers to the most common tmux questions. From basic commands to advanced configurations, our comprehensive FAQ covers everything you need to know about the terminal multiplexer.
What is tmux?
tmux is a terminal multiplexer. It allows you to create and manage multiple terminal sessions, windows (tabs), and panes (splits) within a single terminal window, and to detach from and reattach to these sessions, keeping your work active even if you disconnect.
How to create a new window in tmux?
Press your tmux prefix (default `Ctrl-b`) followed by `c`. This creates a new window (akin to a browser tab) within the current session, providing a fresh, full-screen shell.
How to resize panes in tmux?
Press your prefix (default `Ctrl-b`), then while holding `Ctrl`, use the arrow keys (`Ctrl-Up`, `Ctrl-Down`, `Ctrl-Left`, `Ctrl-Right`) to resize by one cell. For larger adjustments, press prefix then `:`, type `resize-pane -D/U/L/R PIXELS` (e.g., `resize-pane -D 10` to make it 10 cells taller).
How to split panes horizontally and vertically in tmux?
Press your tmux prefix (default `Ctrl-b`) followed by `"` (double quote) to split horizontally, or `%` (percent sign) to split vertically. This creates a new pane below or to the right of the active one.
How to swap panes in tmux?
Press your tmux prefix (default `Ctrl-b`) followed by `{` to swap the current pane with the previous one, or `}` to swap with the next one. This rearranges pane positions within the current window.
How to close panes in tmux?
Press your tmux prefix (default `Ctrl-b`) followed by `x`. Tmux will prompt for confirmation to kill the pane. Alternatively, typing `exit` or pressing `Ctrl-d` in the pane's shell will also close it.
How to use copy mode to scroll in tmux?
Press your tmux prefix (default `Ctrl-b`) followed by `[` to enter copy mode. This allows you to scroll through the pane's history, search, and select text using keyboard navigation (arrow keys, PageUp/Down, or vi/emacs style if configured).
How to search text in tmux?
First, enter copy mode (Prefix `[`). Then, press `/` to search forward (or `?` to search backward), type your search term, and press `Enter`. Use `n` to go to the next match and `N` for the previous match.
How to use tmux send-keys command?
The `send-keys` command programmatically sends keystrokes to a target pane. From the command line, use `tmux send-keys -t session:window.pane 'your_command' Enter`. This is powerful for scripting and automating tasks within tmux.
How to exit tmux?
To detach from the current session (leaving it running), press Prefix `d`. To close a pane, press Prefix `x` or type `exit`. To terminate the entire tmux server and all sessions, run `tmux kill-server` in your terminal.
How to rename tmux sessions?
While inside a tmux session, press Prefix `$` to rename the current session. From outside tmux, or to rename any session, use the command `tmux rename-session -t old-name new-name`.
How to reload tmux configuration?
Press Prefix `:`, which opens the tmux command prompt. Then, type `source-file ~/.tmux.conf` (or the path to your config file) and press `Enter`. This applies changes from your configuration file without needing to restart tmux.
How to detach from tmux sessions?
Press your tmux prefix (default `Ctrl-b`) followed by `d`. This disconnects your client from the current tmux session, but the session and all its processes continue running in the background, ready to be reattached later.
How to list tmux sessions?
Open a terminal (either outside tmux or a new tmux window/pane) and type `tmux ls` or `tmux list-sessions`. This command will display all currently running tmux sessions, along with their names/IDs and number of windows.
How to kill a tmux session?
To terminate a specific tmux session, use the command `tmux kill-session -t session_name_or_id`. If you are inside the session you wish to kill, you can simply type `tmux kill-session` (without `-t`) to terminate the current session.
How to attach to a tmux session?
Use the command `tmux attach-session -t session_name_or_id` (or `tmux a -t name`). If there's only one session, `tmux attach` or `tmux a` is often sufficient. This reconnects your terminal to a previously detached, running tmux session.
How to move windows in tmux?
Press Prefix `:` to enter the command prompt, then use `move-window -s SOURCE_INDEX -t TARGET_INDEX`. For example, `move-window -s 2 -t 0` moves window 2 to the 0th position. You can also use `swap-window` to exchange positions.
How to enable mouse support in tmux?
Add `set -g mouse on` to your `~/.tmux.conf` file. After saving, reload the configuration (Prefix `:` then `source-file ~/.tmux.conf`). This enables mouse clicking to select panes/windows, resizing panes by dragging borders, and scrolling with the mouse wheel.
How to enable logging in tmux?
Use the `pipe-pane` command to send a pane's output to a file. Press Prefix `:`, then `pipe-pane -o 'cat >> ~/tmux_pane.log'`. All subsequent output from that pane will be appended to the file. To stop, run `pipe-pane` again without arguments.
How to use tmux package manager (TPM)?
First, clone TPM into `~/.tmux/plugins/tpm`. Then, list your desired plugins in `~/.tmux.conf` (e.g., `set -g @plugin 'tmux-plugins/tmux-sensible'`). Finally, press Prefix `I` (capital i) from within tmux to install them.
How to enable vim mode in tmux?
Add `set-window-option -g mode-keys vi` to your `~/.tmux.conf` file. After reloading the config, this enables vi-style key bindings for navigating in copy mode (e.g., `h,j,k,l` for movement, `/` for search) and for editing in the command prompt.
How to rotate panes in tmux?
Press Prefix `Ctrl-o` to rotate panes in the current window clockwise. Each pane moves to the position of the next pane in sequence. Press Prefix `Alt-o` (or `Meta-o`) to rotate counter-clockwise.
How to swap windows in tmux?
Press Prefix `:` to enter the command prompt, then use `swap-window -s SOURCE_INDEX -t TARGET_INDEX`. For example, `swap-window -s 1 -t 0` will exchange the positions of window 1 and window 0.
What is the tmux prefix key and how to use it?
The prefix key (default `Ctrl-b`) signals to tmux that the following keystroke is a tmux command, not input for the application in the pane. Press the prefix followed by the command key (e.g., `c` for new window, `d` to detach).
How to move a pane to a new window in tmux?
Press Prefix `!` (exclamation mark). This command, `break-pane`, takes the current pane and moves it into its own new window within the same session.
How to source tmux config file?
Press Prefix `:`, which opens the tmux command prompt. Then, type `source-file ~/.tmux.conf` (or the path to your config file) and press `Enter`. This reloads and applies any changes made to your tmux configuration immediately.
How to maximize a pane in tmux?
Press Prefix `z` (zoom). This toggles the current pane between its normal size and occupying the full window space. Press Prefix `z` again to restore the previous layout.
How to renumber windows in tmux?
Add `set-option -g renumber-windows on` to your `~/.tmux.conf` file. After reloading the configuration, tmux will automatically renumber windows sequentially when a window is closed, preventing gaps in window numbering.
How to capture pane content in tmux?
Press Prefix `:`, then type `capture-pane -pS -` to print the entire scrollback history of the current pane to stdout. To save to a file, use `capture-pane -pS - -E - > ~/pane_output.txt` (captures from start to end of history).
How to adjust escape-time in tmux?
Add `set-option -sg escape-time N` to your `~/.tmux.conf`, where `N` is the delay in milliseconds (e.g., `0` or `10`). A lower value reduces the delay tmux waits for an escape sequence, improving responsiveness with applications like Vim that use the Esc key.
How to change the default shell in tmux?
Add `set-option -g default-shell /path/to/your/shell` (e.g., `set-option -g default-shell /bin/zsh`) to your `~/.tmux.conf`. New windows and panes created after reloading the config will use this specified shell.
How to manage command history in tmux?
Tmux maintains a scrollback buffer for each pane. Access this history by entering copy mode (Prefix `[`). The size of this buffer is controlled by the `history-limit` option in your `~/.tmux.conf` (default is 2000 lines).
How to increase scrollback buffer in tmux?
Add `set-option -g history-limit NUMBER` (e.g., `set-option -g history-limit 10000`) to your `~/.tmux.conf`. This sets the maximum number of lines kept in the scrollback history for each pane. Reload the config for changes to apply to new panes.
How to use predefined layouts in tmux?
Press Prefix `Spacebar` to cycle through common pane layouts (e.g., even-horizontal, even-vertical, main-horizontal, tiled). You can also select a specific layout with Prefix `:` then `select-layout layout-name` (e.g., `select-layout tiled`).
How to switch to next window in tmux?
Press Prefix `n` to move to the next window in sequence. Similarly, Prefix `p` moves to the previous window, and Prefix `NUMBER` (e.g., Prefix `0`) jumps directly to the window with that index.
How to rename windows in tmux?
Press Prefix `,` (comma). Tmux will display a prompt at the bottom of the screen, allowing you to type a new name for the current window. Press `Enter` to confirm the new name.
How to fix 'failed to connect to server' error in tmux?
This error typically means no tmux server is currently running. Start a new session with `tmux new-session` (or simply `tmux`). If a server should be running, check for issues like a dead server process or problems with the tmux socket (usually in `/tmp/tmux-UID/`).
How to use popup windows in tmux?
Use the `display-popup` command (requires tmux 3.2+). For example, press Prefix `:` then type `display-popup -E 'htop'`. Popups are temporary, often centered, overlay windows useful for quick commands or displaying transient information.
How to rearrange panes in tmux?
Swap panes with Prefix `{` (previous) or `}` (next). Cycle through panes with Prefix `o`. Cycle layouts with Prefix `Spacebar`. For specific moves, use `join-pane` (e.g., Prefix `:` `join-pane -s SOURCEPANE -t TARGETPANE`) to move one pane to another's location.
How to use the tmux set command?
The `set-option` (or `set`) command configures tmux settings. Use `set -g OPTION VALUE` for global server options, `setw -g OPTION VALUE` for global window options, and `set OPTION VALUE` for session options. These are typically placed in `~/.tmux.conf` or used at the tmux command prompt.
How to detach other clients from tmux sessions?
Press Prefix `D` (capital D). Tmux will present a list of all clients connected to the current session. You can then select a client to detach, or choose to detach all other clients, leaving your current client connected.
How to use tmux control mode?
Start tmux with the `-CC` flags (e.g., `tmux -CC new-session`). This mode allows external applications to interact with tmux programmatically by sending commands and receiving notifications, enabling advanced scripting and integration.
How to join panes in tmux?
The `join-pane` command moves a source pane to a target location. Example: Prefix `:` `join-pane -s session:window.pane -t target_session:target_window`. This can merge panes or move them between windows/sessions.
How to work with nested tmux sessions?
To send a command to an outer tmux session when inside a nested one, press the prefix key of the inner session twice, then the command (e.g., `Ctrl-b Ctrl-b c`). The first prefix is consumed by the inner session and passed as a literal prefix to the outer one.
How to display CPU usage in tmux?
Add a command output to your status bar in `~/.tmux.conf` use plugins like `tmux-plugins/tmux-cpu` via TPM.
tmux vs nohup: What's the difference?
`nohup` makes a single command immune to hangups and redirects its output, allowing it to run after you log out. `tmux` provides a full, persistent terminal environment with multiple windows and panes that survives disconnections, allowing interactive reattachment to all running processes.
How to configure allow-passthrough in tmux?
Set `set-option -g allow-passthrough on` in your `~/.tmux.conf`. This experimental feature allows certain terminal escape sequences (often for advanced colors or graphics) to bypass tmux processing and be sent directly to the underlying terminal emulator.
How to move to the next pane in tmux?
Press Prefix `o` to cycle focus to the next pane in sequence. Alternatively, Prefix `ARROW_KEY` (Up, Down, Left, Right) moves focus to the pane in the specified direction. Prefix `q` followed by a pane number also selects a pane.
How to use tmux with SSH connections?
Connect to your remote server via SSH, then start a tmux session (e.g., `tmux new -s remote_work`). If your SSH connection drops, the tmux session and its processes remain running on the server. Reconnect via SSH and attach using `tmux attach -t remote_work`.
How to clear a pane in tmux?
To clear the visible screen content in a pane, use your shell's clear command (often `Ctrl-L` or typing `clear`). To clear tmux's scrollback history for the current pane, press Prefix `:` and then type `clear-history`.
How to display a clock in tmux?
Press Prefix `t` to display a large digital clock overlay in the current pane. Press any key to dismiss it. For a persistent clock, configure it within your tmux status bar using time format specifiers in `~/.tmux.conf`.
How to create tmux startup scripts?
Write a shell script that uses tmux commands to define sessions, windows, and panes. For example: `tmux new-session -d -s mysession`; `tmux new-window -t mysession -n editor`; `tmux split-window -h -t mysession:editor`; `tmux send-keys -t mysession:editor.0 'vim' C-m`. Running this script will set up your environment.
How to switch between tmux sessions?
Press Prefix `s` to display an interactive list of current sessions. Use arrow keys to select a session and `Enter` to switch. Alternatively, Prefix `(` switches to the previous session and Prefix `)` switches to the next session.
How to create a custom status bar in tmux?
Customize by setting `status-left`, `status-right`, `status-style`, `window-status-format`, etc., in `~/.tmux.conf`. Use variables like `#{session_name}`, `#{window_index}`, color codes (`#[fg=blue]`), and embedded shell command outputs (`#(...)`).
How to customize tmux keybindings?
Use the `bind-key` command in your `~/.tmux.conf` file. For example, `bind-key r respawn-pane` binds `Prefix r` to the `respawn-pane` command. Use `unbind-key` to remove default bindings. Reload the config to apply changes.
How to synchronize panes in tmux?
Press Prefix `:` to enter the command prompt, then type `setw synchronize-panes on`. Any input typed into one pane will then be duplicated across all other panes in the current window. Use `setw synchronize-panes off` to disable.
How to run multiple tmux servers with different sockets?
Use the `-L` flag to create separate tmux servers: `tmux -L work new-session` creates a 'work' server, while `tmux -L personal new-session` creates a 'personal' server. Each server maintains its own sessions independently, useful for isolating different projects or environments.
How to configure window size behavior in tmux?
Set `window-size` option to control how tmux handles multiple clients: `set -g window-size smallest` (default), `largest` (uses largest client), `latest` (uses most recent client), or `manual` (fixed size). Configure in `~/.tmux.conf` with `set-option -g window-size latest`.
How to set up alerts and monitoring in tmux?
Enable window monitoring with `setw monitor-activity on` for activity alerts, `setw monitor-bell on` for bell alerts, and `setw monitor-silence 30` for silence alerts (30 seconds). Visual alerts appear in the status bar when conditions are met in background windows.
How to use working directories in tmux?
Set a default working directory for new sessions with `tmux new-session -c /path/to/directory`. For individual panes/windows, use `tmux new-window -c /path` or `tmux split-window -c /path`. The `-c` flag sets the working directory for the new process.
How to configure clipboard integration in tmux?
Enable clipboard integration with `set-option -g set-clipboard on` in `~/.tmux.conf`. For better compatibility, use `set-option -g set-clipboard external` and ensure your terminal supports OSC 52 escape sequences. This allows copying from tmux to system clipboard automatically.
How to fix modifier key issues in tmux?
If Ctrl, Alt, or Shift keys aren't working properly, add `set-option -g extended-keys on` to your `~/.tmux.conf`. Also ensure your terminal supports extended key sequences. For specific terminal compatibility, check `terminal-features` and `terminal-overrides` options.
How to use tmux formats for customization?
Tmux formats use `#{}` syntax for dynamic content. Examples: `#{session_name}` for session name, `#{window_index}` for window number, `#{pane_current_path}` for current directory. Use in status bars: `set-option -g status-right '#{session_name} #{window_index}'`.
How to pipe pane output to external commands?
Use `pipe-pane` to send pane output to external commands. Example: `pipe-pane -o 'cat >> ~/session.log'` logs all output to a file. Use `pipe-pane 'grep ERROR | mail [email protected]'` to filter and send errors via email. Stop with `pipe-pane` (no arguments).
How to respawn panes and manage process exit behavior?
Use `respawn-pane` to restart a command in the current pane without recreating it: `respawn-pane -k 'htop'`. Set `remain-on-exit on` to keep panes open when processes exit, allowing you to see exit status and respawn easily. Toggle with `setw remain-on-exit on/off`.
How to create custom key tables in tmux?
Create custom key tables for grouped commands. Define with `bind-key -T mytable h previous-window` then switch to the table with `bind-key Space switch-client -T mytable`. This creates temporary key modes, similar to vim's command modes.
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