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iTerm2 shortcuts for Mac

28 shortcuts · 4 categories

iTerm is a customizable and feature-rich terminal emulator for MacOS, offering features like split panes, hotkey windows, and full Unicode support. Download iTerm2

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Mac keyboard shortcuts for iTerm2

Tab Management

  • New tab⌘ (command) + t Add →
  • Close tab or window⌘ (command) + w Add →
  • Previous/next tab⌘ (command) + ← Add →
  • Previous/next tab⌘ (command) + → Add →

Split Panes

  • Go to split pane by direction⌘ (command) + ⌥ (option) + ↑ Add →
  • Go to split pane by direction⌘ (command) + ⌥ (option) + ↓ Add →
  • Go to split pane by direction⌘ (command) + ⌥ (option) + ← Add →
  • Go to split pane by direction⌘ (command) + ⌥ (option) + → Add →
  • Split window vertically (same profile)⌘ (command) + d Add →
  • Split window horizontally (same profile)⌘ (command) + ⇧ (shift) + d Add →
  • Split window horizontally (new profile)⌥ (option) + ⌘ (command) + h Add →
  • Split window vertically (new profile)⌥ (option) + ⌘ (command) + v Add →
  • Go to split pane by order of use⌘ (command) + ] Add →
  • Maximize a pane⌘ (command) + ⇧ (shift) + ↵ Add →
  • Resize pane⌃ (control) + ⌘ (command) + ↑ Add →
  • Resize pane⌃ (control) + ⌘ (command) + ↓ Add →
  • Resize pane⌃ (control) + ⌘ (command) + ← Add →
  • Resize pane⌃ (control) + ⌘ (command) + → Add →
  • Broadcast command to all panes in window⌘ (command) + ⌥ (option) + i Add →

Window Management

  • Cycle iterm windows⌘ (command) + ` Add →
  • Fullscreen⌘ (command) + ↵ Add →
  • Find cursor⌘ (command) + / Add →

Text Management

  • Enter copy mode⇧ (shift) + ⌘ (command) + c Add →
  • Enter character selection mode in copy mode⌃ (control) + v Add →
  • Copy text in copy mode⌃ (control) + k Add →
  • Search as you type⌃ (control) + r Add →
  • Cancel the search and restore original line⌃ (control) + g Add →
  • Clear the screen/pane⌘ (command) + k Add →

Download Keyboard Cheat Sheet for iTerm2 for Mac

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Cheat sheet

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FAQ

What are the most useful iTerm2 shortcuts?

The most essential iTerm2 shortcuts are Cmd+T to open a new tab, Cmd+D to split vertically, and Cmd+Shift+D to split horizontally. Use Cmd+Option+Arrow to navigate between split panes, Cmd+Number to jump to a specific tab, and Cmd+W to close a tab or window. For fullscreen, press Cmd+Enter, and Cmd+Shift+Enter to maximize the current pane temporarily.

How do I split panes and navigate in iTerm2?

Press Cmd+D to split the window vertically (side by side) or Cmd+Shift+D to split horizontally (top and bottom). Navigate between panes with Cmd+Option+Arrow keys, or use Cmd+] and Cmd+[ to cycle through panes by order of use. To move a pane with the mouse, hold Cmd+Alt+Shift and drag. Resize panes with Ctrl+Cmd+Arrow keys.

How do I manage tabs and windows in iTerm2?

Create a new tab with Cmd+T and close the current one with Cmd+W. Jump to a specific tab using Cmd+Number (e.g., Cmd+2 for the second tab). Navigate tabs with Cmd+Left/Right Arrow or cycle iTerm windows with Cmd+` (backtick). Press Cmd+Enter to toggle fullscreen, and Cmd+Shift+Enter to temporarily maximize a pane within a split layout. To move a pane to a different tab, right-click it and select 'Move Session to Split Pane.'

iTerm2 keyboard shortcuts not working - how to fix?

If iTerm2 shortcuts aren't working, first check Preferences > Profiles > Keys to see if custom key bindings are overriding defaults. Verify that the $TERM environment variable is set to xterm-256color or xterm-new by running 'echo $TERM'. Some apps like Webex have global key mappings that conflict — check if closing those apps resolves the issue. Also check macOS System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts to ensure shortcuts aren't being intercepted system-wide.