Ubuntu Copy Paste Keyboard Shortcuts: Mastering Tmux Copy Mode

When working in tmux, navigating and copying text can be a tedious process, especially if you're accustomed to using your mouse for these tasks. However, with tmux copy mode, you can unlock the power of keyboard shortcuts to easily copy and paste text. In this article, we'll explore how to utilize tmux copy mode and its various keyboard shortcuts.

Entering Tmux Copy Mode

To enter tmux copy mode, you'll need to first check your tmux configuration file and add the necessary lines to enable full-screen mode. Once enabled, you can switch to copy mode by pressing `Ctrl + b` `'`. This will allow you to navigate through your terminal history and select text using vi-copy-mode.

Tmux Copy Mode Keyboard Shortcuts

Here are some essential keyboard shortcuts for navigating tmux copy mode:

* `n`/`N`: Repeat the previous search forward/backward

* `Ctrl + y`/`u`/`b`: Scroll up a line/half screen/whole screen

* `Ctrl + e`/`d`/`f`: Scroll down a line/half screen/whole screen

* `w`/`W`/`e`/`E`/`b`/`B`: Move forward to the start/end/backward a word or WORD

* `h`/`j`/`k`/`l`: Move left/down/up/right

These shortcuts may take some getting used to, but they're designed to mimic Vim navigation keys. Although tmux copy mode doesn't translate to 100% Vim navigation keys, the overall experience is natural and intuitive.

Visual Indicator

When in copy mode, you'll notice a yellow visual indicator on the top right of your tmux window. This indicator helps you keep track of your current position within the terminal history.

Tips for Using Tmux Copy Mode

* To enable tmux copy mode, add the following lines to your tmux configuration file: `set-option -g prefix M-c` and `setw -g mode-keys vi-copy`.

* When copying text, remember that you need to switch to copy mode first, then select the text, and finally paste it.

* If you're unsure about tmux config, check out my previous article on tmux config.

By mastering tmux copy mode and its keyboard shortcuts, you can significantly improve your productivity when working in tmux. With practice, you'll find that using keyboard shortcuts is not only faster but also more efficient than relying on your mouse.

Ubuntu copy paste keyboard shortcuts