Command Mode and Prompt
The tmux command prompt is an interactive way to run tmux commands from inside any session. It is the equivalent of a built-in CLI for tmux management.
Ctrl+b : opens a command prompt at the bottom of your screen. Anything you type here is a tmux command — no tmux prefix needed.
Opening Command Mode
| Default Shortcut | Modification Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|---|
Ctrl+b : | Ctrl+Space : | Open command prompt |
A : prompt appears at the bottom of the screen. Type your command and press Enter.
Common Commands via the Prompt
# create a new window named "logs"
:new-window -n logs
# split current pane horizontally
:split-window -h
# rename current session
:rename-session newname
# set an option
:set -g mouse on
# reload config
:source-file ~/.tmux.conf
# kill current pane
:kill-pane
# kill current window
:kill-window
# switch to a session
:switch-client -t work
Running Commands from the Shell
Every command that works in the prompt also works from your shell with tmux <command>:
# These are equivalent:
# [inside tmux prompt] :new-window -n logs
# [from shell] tmux new-window -n logs
The prompt form is convenient when you are already inside a session.
Tab Completion in Command Mode
Tmux command mode supports tab completion for command names. Press Tab to complete command names.
Command Mode History
Press ↑ in command mode to cycle through previously entered commands.
Useful One-Liners via Prompt
# Display current time in the status line temporarily
:display-message "Time: #{b:pane_current_command} at #{b:session_name}"
# Move current window to index 0
:move-window -t 0
# Swap two panes
:swap-pane -s 0 -t 1
# Apply layout preset
:select-layout main-vertical
# Set history limit for current session
:setw -g history-limit 50000
# Send a command to another pane without focusing it
:send-keys -t work:logs "ls" Enter
Running Multiple Commands at Once (Shell)
From the shell, chain commands with \;:
tmux new-window -n build \; send-keys "make all" Enter
From the prompt, you can also chain:
:new-window -n build \; send-keys "make all" Enter