Linux-tool TMUX

TMUX is a free software for Linux distributions for managing multiple terminal sessions within a console window. In the following, the installation and some general functions of the software are presented.

Compatible operating systems

The package is available for the following operating systems:

Arch Linux
Debian / Ubuntu
Fedora
RHEL / CentOS
macOS

In the following, it is presented how to install and use TMUX under Debian 12.

Installation

Update system

First, the system must be updated:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

Installation of TMUX

After this, TMUX can be installed:

apt install tmux

This may result in additional packages being installed.

Application of TMUX

TMUX is started via tmux.

A new shell is opened within TMUX. This can be split up in several areas (panels).

Screen layout

divide vertically:
```
STRG + b
```
then
```
%
```
divide horizontally:
```
STRG + b
```
then
```
"
```

Change panel

You can switch between the panels with STRG + b and the arrow keys.

Panels can be divided several times and can be used for different tasks like monitoring or stress tests.

Close panel or session

A single panel can be closed with the command exit.
The session can be separated with STRG + b and d, but continues to run in the background.

Recreate session

A separated TMUX session can be reopened with the following command:

tmux attach

Hint

The window layout is only retained when logging out of SSH if the session was previously saved with STRG + b and d. Otherwise, it will be lost.

More information

GitHub Wiki: TMUX Dokumentation on GitHub
TMUX Plugins: TMUX Plugin Repository

Author: Adrian Zillner

Adrian Zillner has been working in Technical Service at Thomas-Krenn AG since May 2025. He is responsible for supporting customers and answering questions about technical issues.

Translator: Alina Ranzinger

Alina has been working at Thomas-Krenn.AG since 2024. After her training as multilingual business assistant, she got her job as assistant of the Product Management and is responsible for the translation of texts and for the organisation of the department.