How to customize tmux keybindings?
Quick Answer
Customize tmux keybindings by editing your ~/.tmux.conf file. Add bindings with bind-key or bind and remove them with unbind-key or unbind. The default prefix key is Ctrl+b, which you can change to something more comfortable like Ctrl+a. Reload your configuration with Ctrl+b : source-file ~/.tmux.conf.
bind-key -n C-l send-keys C-lDetailed Explanation
Tmux keybindings control how you interact with sessions, windows, and panes. The default keybindings are functional but can be customized extensively to match your workflow and preferences.
Basic Keybinding Commands
# Add a new binding bind-key k kill-window # or the shorter form bind k kill-window # Remove a binding unbind-key n # or the shorter form unbind n
In these examples, k and n are the keys being bound or unbound, while kill-window is the tmux command being assigned.
Changing the Prefix Key
Many users change the default prefix key from Ctrl+b to something more accessible:
# Change prefix to Ctrl+a (screen-like) unbind C-b set -g prefix C-a bind C-a send-prefix # Or change to Alt+b unbind C-b set -g prefix M-b bind M-b send-prefix
The send-prefix command allows you to send the prefix key to nested applications (like vim) by pressing it twice.
Key Binding Modifiers
# Bind without prefix (-n) bind -n C-l clear-history # Repeatable bindings (-r) bind -r h select-pane -L bind -r j select-pane -D bind -r k select-pane -U bind -r l select-pane -R # Define a key table (-T) bind -T copy-mode-vi v send -X begin-selection
The -n flag creates a binding that works without pressing the prefix key first. The -r flag makes a key repeatable, allowing you to press it multiple times after a single prefix key press. The -T flag defines the key table for the binding, useful for mode-specific keys.
Common Key Customizations
# Split panes with | and - unbind % bind | split-window -h unbind '"' bind - split-window -v # Reload config with r bind r source-file ~/.tmux.conf \; display "Config reloaded!" # Mouse mode toggle bind m set -g mouse on \; display "Mouse: ON" bind M set -g mouse off \; display "Mouse: OFF" # Switch between sessions bind S choose-session
These examples show how to make tmux more intuitive with logical split commands, easy config reloading, mouse mode toggling, and faster session switching.
Vim-Style Navigation
If you're a Vim user, you might prefer Vim-style navigation keys:
# Use Vim-style pane navigation bind h select-pane -L bind j select-pane -D bind k select-pane -U bind l select-pane -R # Use Vim-style pane resizing bind -r H resize-pane -L 5 bind -r J resize-pane -D 5 bind -r K resize-pane -U 5 bind -r L resize-pane -R 5
Pro Tip
Create a binding to show all current key bindings for quick reference:
# Add to ~/.tmux.conf bind ? list-keys # Or for more details bind / list-keys -a
Then press Ctrl+b ? to see all your bindings. This is especially helpful after adding custom configurations.