How to Use tmux for Terminal Multiplexing

By Admin · Feb 25, 2026 · Updated Apr 23, 2026 · 228 views · 1 min read

What Is tmux?

tmux is a terminal multiplexer — it lets you run multiple terminal sessions inside one window, detach and reattach sessions, and keep processes running after disconnecting from SSH.

Installation

sudo apt install -y tmux    # Ubuntu/Debian
sudo dnf install -y tmux    # Rocky/Alma Linux

Essential Commands

# Start a new session
tmux

# Start a named session
tmux new -s myproject

# Detach from session (keeps it running)
# Press: Ctrl+b, then d

# List sessions
tmux ls

# Reattach to a session
tmux attach -t myproject

# Kill a session
tmux kill-session -t myproject

Window Management

All commands start with the prefix Ctrl+b:

Key	Action
`Ctrl+b c`	Create new window
`Ctrl+b n`	Next window
`Ctrl+b p`	Previous window
`Ctrl+b 0-9`	Switch to window by number
`Ctrl+b ,`	Rename current window
`Ctrl+b &`	Close current window

Pane Splitting

Key	Action
`Ctrl+b %`	Split vertically
`Ctrl+b "`	Split horizontally
`Ctrl+b arrow`	Navigate between panes
`Ctrl+b z`	Toggle pane zoom (fullscreen)
`Ctrl+b x`	Close current pane

Why Use tmux on a VPS?

Persistent sessions — processes survive SSH disconnects
Multi-tasking — monitor logs while editing files
Long-running tasks — start a build and detach safely
Pair programming — multiple users can attach to the same session