In this tutorial we will cover step by step instructions to install Terminator Terminal on Ubuntu with screenshots to help you understand better.
Terminator, born out of the open-source ethos, extends the capabilities of conventional terminal emulators, offering an unparalleled environment for users to navigate, organize, and optimize their command line workflows. Unlike traditional terminals, Terminator allows users to split the terminal window into multiple panes, providing a multitasking powerhouse within a single interface.
At its core, Terminator simplifies complexity. It acknowledges the diverse needs of users working in a terminal-centric environment, offering an expansive toolkit that caters to both beginners and seasoned Linux enthusiasts. Its feature set includes but is not limited to:
- Multiple Terminals in One Window: Terminator's hallmark feature is the ability to host numerous terminals within a single window. This facilitates seamless multitasking, allowing users to monitor logs, run commands, and navigate directories simultaneously.
- Dynamic Splitting and Arrangement: Terminator grants users the power to dynamically split and arrange terminals, adapting to the evolving requirements of their tasks. This adaptability makes Terminator a valuable asset in scenarios where flexibility is key.
- Intuitive Navigation: Navigating through the various terminals is a breeze with Terminator. Effortlessly switch between panes, resize them, and organize your workspace with simple keyboard shortcuts and mouse interactions.
- Customization Options: Terminator empowers users with a range of customization options. Tailor the appearance, behavior, and keybindings to align with your workflow preferences, ensuring an interface that feels both familiar and efficient.
Steps to Install Terminator on Ubuntu
With the prerequisites in place, the installation process becomes a straightforward journey. Follow the step-by-step guide below to seamlessly integrate Terminator into your Ubuntu environment:
1. Open Terminal
Launch the Terminal on your Ubuntu system. You can do this by pressing `Ctrl + Alt + T` or searching for "Terminal" in the application menu.
2. Update Package List (Optional)
While not mandatory, it's a good practice to ensure your system has the latest package information. Execute the following command with sudo privilege:
sudo apt update
3. Install Terminator Terminal on Ubuntu
Use the apt command to install Terminator on your Ubuntu system:
sudo apt install terminator
4. Launch Terminator Terminal
Once the installation is complete, you can launch Terminator in various ways:
- Search for "Terminator" in the application menu and click on the icon.
- Run
terminator
command in the Terminal:
The Graphical Interface of it is like:
5. Access Terminator Preferences and Settings
Right-click on the Terminator window to access the Preferences menu. Explore customization options for appearance, fonts, colors, and keybindings.
Below are the supported preferences and options
6. Split Terminal into multiple Panes
Terminator allows you to split the terminal window into multiple panes. Experiment with horizontal and vertical splits to accommodate different tasks simultaneously.
7. Shortcut keys used for Terminator
Terminator, being a feature-rich terminal emulator, comes with various keyboard shortcuts to enhance user experience. Here is a list of some commonly used keyboard shortcuts in Terminator:
Keys Combination | Effect |
---|---|
Ctrl + Shift + O | Split Terminals Horizontally |
Ctrl + Shift + E | Split Terminals Vertically |
Ctrl + Shift + T | Open a New Tab |
Ctrl + Shift + W | Close the Current Tab |
Ctrl + Shift + N | Open a new Terminal Window |
Ctrl + Page Up/Down | Cycle through tabs |
Ctrl + Shift + X | Toggle between showing all terminals and only one |
Ctrl + Shift + Left/Right Arrow | Move to the left/right terminal |
Ctrl + Shift + Up/Down Arrow | Move to the above/below terminal |
Ctrl + Shift + C/V | Copy/Paste text within the terminal |
Ctrl + Shift + Q | Close all terminals |
Ctrl + Shift + F | Search for text in the terminal |
Ctrl + Shift + U/D | Move to the next/previous terminal with activity |
Ctrl + Shift + R | Rename the current terminal |
Ctrl + Shift + L | Open a quick Search Dialog |
Ctrl + Alt + T | Open a new terminal (system-wide shortcut, not Terminator-specific) |
These shortcuts provide a quick and efficient way to navigate, manage, and customize your Terminator sessions. Feel free to experiment with them and discover how they can streamline your terminal workflow.
8. Change the default Terminal
The update-alternatives is a tool to manage the symbolic links in /usr/bin
for different commands. It allows the system to have multiple versions or alternatives for a command and lets the user select which one should be used by default. We can use this with --config x-terminal-emulator
to configure the alternatives for the Terminal
sudo update-alternatives --config x-terminal-emulator
9. Uninstall Terminator (Optional)
If, for any reason, you need to remove Terminator from your system, use the following command:
sudo apt remove --auto-remove terminator
Press 'Y' when prompted to confirm the installation. This command removes Terminator along with its dependencies.
You have successfully installed Terminator on your Ubuntu system. Enjoy the enhanced terminal experience with its advanced features and customization options. Terminator is a versatile tool for users who require a powerful and flexible terminal emulator. Use its features to streamline your workflow and manage multiple tasks within a single terminal window.