What are the most useful tmux keyboard shortcuts?

The most essential tmux shortcuts are: Ctrl + B, C (New window), Ctrl + B, N (Next window), Ctrl + B, P (Previous window). These cover the most frequent actions and can significantly speed up your workflow.

What is the tmux shortcut for new window?

The tmux shortcut for new window is Ctrl + B, C on Windows or Cmd + B, C on Mac. Create a new window.

How do I use keyboard shortcuts in tmux?

To use keyboard shortcuts in tmux, simply press the key combination while the application is focused. Most shortcuts work immediately without any additional setup. On Mac, replace Ctrl with Cmd and Alt with Option for most shortcuts.

How many keyboard shortcuts does tmux have?

tmux has 8 keyboard shortcuts across 1 categories on shortcut-tools.com. These cover all major features and workflows.

All Shortcuts

tmux Shortcuts & Commands — Complete Cheat Sheet (8)

Complete tmux keyboard shortcuts and commands cheat sheet for terminal multiplexing. Essential for remote server management and multi-tasking in the terminal.

About tmux

tmux is a popular DevOps/CLI tool used by professionals worldwide. Learning keyboard shortcuts can dramatically speed up your workflow — studies show shortcut users save an average of 8 days per year compared to mouse-only users.

This page covers all 8 tmux shortcuts across 1 categories: Sessions & Windows. Each shortcut includes a description to help you understand when and how to use it effectively.

💡 Pro Tips for tmux Users

Start with the essentials: Learn Ctrl + B, C (New window) and Ctrl + B, N (Next window) first — these are the most commonly used.

Practice daily: Pick 2–3 new shortcuts each day and consciously use them instead of the mouse. Within a week, they become muscle memory.

Print this cheat sheet: Keep a reference nearby until shortcuts become automatic. Focus on the Sessions & Windows category first.

CLI tip: Create shell aliases for the commands you use most. Combine them with these shortcuts for maximum efficiency.

Related Shortcut Pages

Docker npm / yarn AWS CLI PowerShell GNU Screen LazyGit

Search all tmux shortcuts interactively

Interactive Shortcut Finder

All tmux Shortcuts

Sessions & Windows

Shortcut	Action	Description
`Ctrl` + `B, C`	New window	Create a new window.
`Ctrl` + `B, N`	Next window	Go to next window.
`Ctrl` + `B, P`	Previous window	Go to previous window.
`Ctrl` + `B, %`	Vertical split	Split pane vertically.
`Ctrl` + `B, "`	Horizontal split	Split pane horizontally.
`Ctrl` + `B, D`	Detach session	Detach from session.
`Ctrl` + `B, [`	Scroll mode	Enter scroll mode.
`Ctrl` + `B, ?`	Shortcuts list	Show keyboard shortcuts.

Pro Tips

All tmux shortcuts start with Ctrl+B (the prefix key)
Use 'tmux ls' to list all sessions
Ctrl+B then [ enters scroll/copy mode
Customize your prefix key in ~/.tmux.conf

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I split the screen in tmux?

Press Ctrl+B then % for vertical split, or Ctrl+B then " for horizontal split.

How do I create a new window in tmux?

Press Ctrl+B then C to create a new window.

How do I detach from a tmux session?

Press Ctrl+B then D to detach. Reattach later with 'tmux attach'.

How do I switch between tmux panes?

Press Ctrl+B then arrow keys to move between panes.

Browse shortcuts for 230 platforms

Explore All