Tmux Cheat Sheet — Terminal Multiplexer Windows & Panes

Quick reference for tmux prefix keys (Ctrl+b), split panes, window navigation, detaching, and session management.

Sessions & Detach

tmux new -s <name>

Start a brand new named tmux session

Ctrl+b then d

Detach cleanly from session (leaves long-running processes alive in background)

tmux attach -t <name>

Reattach to an existing background tmux session

tmux ls

List all running tmux sessions on the host machine

Ctrl+b then %

Split current pane vertically (left and right)

Ctrl+b then "

Split current pane horizontally (top and bottom)

Ctrl+b then Arrow Keys

Switch active focus between adjacent panes

Ctrl+b then z

Toggle zoom on current pane to full screen and back

Ctrl+b then c

Create a brand new full window within the current session

Ctrl+b then [

Enter scrollback history navigation mode (press q to exit)