---
schema_version: 1
route: /t/tmux.md
tool: "tmux"
---

# sincecutoff.com /t/tmux — tmux

- name: tmux
- kind: cli
- children: none
- homepage: <https://github.com/tmux/tmux>

Changes to the tools coding agents drive, since a model's training cutoff, each linked to its first-party source. Check installed versions and limitations before acting; a cutoff date does not establish what a model knows.
Original editorial content: [Apache 2.0](https://sincecutoff.com/v1/data-license.txt), by [0xPatrick](https://0xpatrick.dev). Preserve applicable license and [NOTICE](https://sincecutoff.com/notice.txt) attribution when redistributing. Third-party source text and examples retain their own rights. [License scope and attribution](https://sincecutoff.com/v1/license.json).
To stay current, read the changes feed: [`/v1/changes.md?tool=tmux`](https://sincecutoff.com/v1/changes.md?tool=tmux) (or `.json`), adding `since=YYYY-MM-DD` for your training cutoff. Entries for registered children are included; the registry itself is `/v1/tools.json`. How to page and save your place: [llms.txt](https://sincecutoff.com/llms.txt).

### tmux list-keys supports custom sorting and formats (2026-06-26)
- slug: tmux-list-keys-supports-custom-sorting-and-formats-3de0e05ce7f2
- score: 0.90

How to use it:

When listing key bindings in tmux 3.7, use `-O <sort-order>` to sort them and `-F <format>` to choose each output line’s format.

Examples:

```
tmux list-keys -O <sort-order> -F '<format>'
```

- why_it_matters: Sort key bindings and choose their output format when listing them.
- sources: <https://github.com/tmux/tmux/blob/3.7/CHANGES>, <https://github.com/tmux/tmux/blob/3.7/cmd-list-keys.c>
- gotchas: "Version: 3.7"; "-O <sort-order>: Selects the sort order for listed key bindings."; "-F <format>: Sets the format template used for each output line; defaults to the built-in list-keys template when omitted."; "The source states that `-O` is added to list commands, without naming them."

### tmux message-format controls status bar messages (2026-06-26)
- slug: tmux-message-format-controls-status-bar-messages-d0568918eb16
- score: 0.92

How to use it:

When customizing prompt and message display, set `message-format` to define the complete message; add `fill=yellow` to `message-style` when it should span the status line.

Examples:

```
tmux set-option -g message-format '<format>'
```

```
tmux set-option -g message-style 'fg=<colour>,bg=<colour>,fill=yellow'
```

- why_it_matters: Customize how prompts and messages appear alongside normal status bar content.
- before: Messages replaced the entire status line; the change allows them to occupy part of it and overlay normal status content.
- sources: <https://github.com/tmux/tmux/blob/3.7/CHANGES>, <https://github.com/tmux/tmux/blob/3.7/tmux.1>
- gotchas: "Version: 3.7"; "-g: Set a global session option."; "message-format: Format for the entire message, like `status-format`."; "message-style: Style for messages; include `fill` to cover the whole width. The release note gives `fill=yellow` as the default."; "fill: Style attribute used to fill the whole width; `fill=yellow` is the stated default. No documented mutually exclusive sub-keys found."; "Prerequisite: No additional prerequisites found in the cited documentation."; "Prompts and messages can occupy only part of the status bar and overlay normal status content."; "`message-style` must include `fill` to cover the whole width."

### tmux -t accepts {current} and {active} (2026-06-26)
- slug: tmux-t-accepts-current-and-active-ba85f5633c25
- score: 0.93

How to use it:

When targeting a window or pane with `-t`, use `-t '{current}'` for the current window or `-t '{active}'` for the active pane. Pick a command that accepts the corresponding target type.

Examples:

```
tmux select-window -t '{current}'
```

```
tmux select-pane -t '{active}'
```

- why_it_matters: Target the current window or active pane with `-t`.
- sources: <https://github.com/tmux/tmux/blob/3.7/CHANGES>, <https://github.com/tmux/tmux/blob/3.7/tmux.1>
- gotchas: "Version: 3.7"; "-t target-window (required): For commands needing a window target, specifies the target window; `{current}` means the current window."; "-t target-pane (required): For commands needing a pane target, specifies the target pane; `{active}` means the active pane."