Summary of copy-mode for copying with vi operation in tmux

When connecting to a remote Ubuntu via SSH and working on tmux, it is very convenient to be able to copy using Vim-like operations. In this article, we will use copy-mode in tmux to introduce how to select and copy strings using just the keyboard without using the mouse.

Prerequisite environment

• Windows Terminal (client side)

• SSH connection destination is Ubuntu

• tmux version 1.9 or higher recommended

tmux initial settings (.tmux.conf)

By writing the following contents in ~/.tmux.conf, vi operation and mouse support will be possible.

# Vim風キーバインドを有効に
setw -g mode-keys vi

# マウス操作を有効に（必要に応じて）
set -g mouse on

For the settings to take effect, run the following within a tmux restart or session:

tmux source-file ~/.tmux.conf

Keyboard copy procedure using copy-mode

1. enter copy-mode

   Ctrl + b → [
   

2. Move the cursor (Vim style)

   • h, j, k, l: Move left/down/up/right

   • w, b : Move by word

   • 0, $ : Start of line, end of line

   • g, G: beginning, end of buffer

3. Start range selection

   Space
   

4. Confirm copy

   Enter
   

5. When pasting

   Ctrl + b → ]
   

About copying to Windows side

The tmux buffer is located on the Ubuntu side, so it cannot be copied directly to the Windows clipboard.

Alternative:

• Copy with Windows Terminal mouse selection + right click

• Export to a file on tmux and obtain with scp or VSCode Remote

• Send to the host side using xclip or wl-copy on the Linux side (if there is a GUI)

summary

operation	Content
Ctrl + b → [	enter copy-mode
Vim operations (hjkl, w, b, etc.)	Move cursor
Space	Start range selection
Enter	copy selection
Ctrl + b → ]	Paste the copied content (inside tmux)

If you know and get used to this operation, you will be able to work more efficiently on tmux. I definitely want to get used to it.

Article information

author:

Mr. Takagi

Post date:

2025-05-20

Record of using Mockoon to quickly launch REST API Stub   Get a free PostgreSQL environment with Supabase