How to maximize a pane in tmux?

Detailed Explanation

The pane maximization feature in tmux (often called "zoom") allows you to temporarily expand a pane to fill the entire window, making it easier to focus on a specific task, view more content, or work with complex text editors and applications.

Using the Zoom Feature

To maximize the current pane:

1. Navigate to the pane you want to maximize
2. Press Ctrl+b z
3. The pane will expand to fill the entire window
4. To restore the pane to its original size, press Ctrl+b z again

When a pane is maximized, you'll notice a "Z" indicator in the status line (if your status line is configured to show it), which helps you remember that you're in a zoomed state.

Command Line Method

You can also maximize a pane using the tmux command prompt:

# Enter command mode with Ctrl+b :, then type:
resize-pane -Z

The -Z flag toggles the zoom state of the pane. This is the same command that Ctrl+b z executes behind the scenes.

Custom Keybindings

If you want to use a different key for maximizing panes, you can set up a custom keybinding in your ~/.tmux.conf file:

# Remap zoom to Ctrl+b m
unbind z
bind m resize-pane -Z

This example changes the zoom keybinding from z to m, which some users find more intuitive (for "maximize").

Showing Zoom Status

To make it more obvious when a pane is zoomed, you can add a zoom indicator to your tmux status line by including #{?window_zoomed_flag,Z,} in your status-right or status-left configuration:

# Add to ~/.tmux.conf to show zoom status in status line
set -g status-right "#{?window_zoomed_flag,[Z],} | %H:%M %d-%b"

This will display a "[Z]" in the status line whenever a pane is zoomed, making it easier to remember that you're in a maximized state.

Use Cases for Maximizing Panes

The maximize feature is particularly useful in these scenarios:

• Editing code in a complex editor like Vim or Emacs where you need more screen space
• Viewing logs or output with long lines that wrap awkwardly in smaller panes
• Running a terminal UI application that works better with more space
• Temporarily focusing on one task without disturbing your overall window layout
• Presenting content to others when sharing your screen
• Reading documentation or man pages that benefit from more vertical space

# Add to ~/.tmux.conf
bind C-z resize-pane -Z \; copy-mode