tmux Keybindings

Note

The prefix key is Ctrl + Space. Shortcuts listed as Prefix + X require pressing the prefix first, then the key. Shortcuts without “Prefix” are bound directly (no prefix needed).

Tip

After first time invoking tmux, press Ctrl + Space then Shift + I to initialize tmux setup for first time.

Session

Shortcut	Action
Prefix + r	Reload tmux config

Windows (Tabs)

Shortcut	Action
Shift + Left	Switch to previous window
Shift + Right	Switch to next window
Alt + H	Switch to previous window
Alt + L	Switch to next window

Splitting Panes

Shortcut	Action
Prefix + "	Split pane horizontally (opens in current directory)
Prefix + %	Split pane vertically (opens in current directory)
Prefix + i	Split pane horizontally
Prefix + o	Split pane vertically

Navigating Panes

Shortcut	Action
Prefix + H	Select left pane
Prefix + L	Select right pane
Prefix + K	Select upper pane
Prefix + J	Select lower pane
Alt + Left	Select left pane
Alt + Right	Select right pane
Alt + Up	Select upper pane
Alt + Down	Select lower pane

Resizing Panes

Shortcut	Action
Alt + Ctrl + Left or Alt + Ctrl + H	Resize pane left (-2)
Alt + Ctrl + Right or Alt + Ctrl + L	Resize pane right (+2)
Alt + Ctrl + Up or Alt + Ctrl + K	Resize pane up (-2)
Alt + Ctrl + Down or Alt + Ctrl + J	Resize pane down (+2)

Copy Mode (vi-style)

Tip

Enter copy mode with Prefix + [. Exit with q.

Shortcut	Action
Prefix + [	Enter copy mode
v	Begin selection
Ctrl + V	Toggle rectangle selection
y	Copy selection to clipboard (tmux-yank)
q	Exit copy mode

Mouse Support

Mouse mode is enabled. You can:

• Scroll through pane history with the scroll wheel.
• Click to select panes and windows.
• Click and drag to select and copy text (copied to clipboard via tmux-yank).

Sending the Prefix

Shortcut	Action
Prefix + Ctrl + Space	Send prefix to the inner application