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Guide · Open source

How to use Zellij: install, run sessions and layouts

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Zellij is a terminal multiplexer: a program you run inside your terminal that lets you open several panes, tabs and sessions at once and keep them running in the background. This guide explains what it is, how to install it using the cargo command from the project README, and what its main features are. By the end you will know how to get it running and where to look for configuration and layouts.

Zellijzellij-org/zellij · ★ 35.9k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check your setup. Confirm you have a terminal to run Zellij in. If you plan to install with cargo, make sure a Rust toolchain is available.
  2. 2Install Zellij. Use a package for your OS if one is available. Otherwise run cargo install --locked zellij.
  3. 3Start Zellij. Open your terminal and launch zellij from the command line.
  4. 4Open panes and tabs. Split your window into panes and tabs to work on several things at once.
  5. 5Read the configuration docs. Visit the Configuration Documentation to change settings for your workflow.
  6. 6Save a layout. Describe a setup you use often as a layout so you can reuse it.

What is Zellij and who is it for?

Zellij is a workspace aimed at developers, ops-oriented people and anyone who likes working in the terminal. Programs like it are often called terminal multiplexers.

It is built to be usable out of the box, while still offering layouts, floating and stacked panes, and a plugin system that accepts plugins compiled to WebAssembly.

  • Developers who work across several terminal panes or projects at once
  • Ops-oriented people who keep long-running shell sessions open
  • Users who want a terminal setup they can save as a reusable layout

Install Zellij with cargo

The easiest way to install Zellij is through a package for your operating system. The project README links to a list of third-party install options for this.

If you have a Rust toolchain, you can compile and install Zellij with cargo. This is the only install route in the README that needs Rust.

  • If no package exists for your OS, you can download a prebuilt binary from the latest release and place it in your $PATH.
  • The README also offers a try-without-installing launch script, which is run with bash.
cargo install --locked zellij

Start Zellij and try it out

Zellij runs inside an existing terminal, so open your terminal first and then start Zellij from the command line. The project's screencasts and tutorials pages show the interface in action.

Zellij's documentation covers the keybindings and the other features in detail, so refer to it when you want to learn more.

  • Open several panes and tabs in one window
  • Keep sessions running in the background
  • Try floating and stacked panes to see how they differ

Save your setup with layouts

Layouts let you describe a terminal setup once and reuse it. The README points to the layouts documentation on the project website for details on how to write them.

Layouts suit people who open the same set of panes for each project.

Configure Zellij

Configuration is covered in the Configuration Documentation on the Zellij website. Check there for how to change settings to suit your workflow.

The README also notes a built-in web client, so you can use Zellij from a browser if you prefer.

Compare Zellij with tmux, GNU Screen and byobu

Zellij is one of several terminal multiplexers. The other projects commonly compared with it are tmux, GNU Screen and byobu.

If you already use tmux and it does everything you need, switching costs time, since you must relearn keybindings. Zellij is a better fit when you want new features or a ready-made default experience.

What people use it for

  • Running a build in one pane while editing code in another
  • Keeping several long-running shell sessions open across projects
  • Saving a standard set of panes for each project as a layout
  • Using floating or stacked panes to organise a busy terminal

Frequently asked questions

How do I install Zellij?

The easiest way is through a package for your OS. If you have a Rust toolchain, you can run cargo install --locked zellij to compile and install it. You can also download a prebuilt binary from the latest release and place it in your $PATH.

Is Zellij free?

Zellij is released under the MIT licence, as stated in the project README. The licence section of the README gives the licence as MIT.

What do I need to install Zellij?

If you install with cargo, you need a Rust toolchain. Otherwise, the README's main routes assume a package or a prebuilt binary, so you do not need Rust for those.

Is Zellij an alternative to tmux?

Zellij is a terminal multiplexer, like tmux, GNU Screen and byobu. If your tmux setup meets your needs, the README suggests staying with it, since switching means relearning keybindings.

Does Zellij replace my terminal app?

No. Zellij runs inside an existing terminal, so you still need a terminal emulator. The README notes that Zellij is not a graphical terminal emulator itself.

Can I use Zellij in a browser?

The README says Zellij includes a built-in web client, so you can use it from a browser. Check the project's web-client tutorial for how to set it up.

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Our verdict

Zellij suits developers and ops people who juggle several panes, projects or long-running sessions, and who want saved layouts and a usable default setup. If your tmux setup already does what you need, or you cannot install a package or compile Rust, you may be better off staying with what you have.

Install options & downloads