> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt).
> Markdown versions of each page are available by appending .md to any URL.

# Split panes

The split panes feature allows you to divide a tab into multiple rectangular panes, each of which is a unique terminal session.

## How to use split panes

-   [macOS](#tab-panel-827)
-   [Windows](#tab-panel-828)
-   [Linux](#tab-panel-829)

-   Split panes to the right / down with `CMD-D` / `SHIFT-CMD-D` or in any direction by right-clicking on any Pane.
-   Activate the Previous / Next Pane with `CMD-[` / `CMD-]` or by clicking a pane.
-   Navigate among split panes with `OPT-CMD-ARROW`, the active pane will be marked with a triangle in the top corner.
-   Toggle Maximize Pane with `CMD-SHIFT-ENTER`.
-   Close the active Pane with `CMD-W`.
-   You can also drag and drop panes. Click and drag a Pane’s header around a given tab, drag the Pane to the tab bar to move it to another Tab, or make it into a Tab.

-   Split Panes to the right / down with `CTRL-SHIFT-D` / `CTRL-SHIFT-E` or in any direction by right-clicking on any Pane.
-   Activate the Previous / Next Pane with `CTRL-SHIFT-{` / `CTRL-SHIFT-}` or by clicking a pane.
-   Navigate among Split Panes with `CTRL-ALT-ARROW`, the active pane will be marked with a triangle in the top corner.
-   Toggle Maximize Pane with `CTRL-SHIFT-ENTER`.
-   Close the active Pane with `CTRL-SHIFT-W`.
-   You can also drag and drop panes. Click and drag a Pane’s header around a given tab, drag the Pane to the tab bar to move it to another Tab, or make it into a Tab.

-   Split Panes to the right / down with `CTRL-SHIFT-D` / `CTRL-SHIFT-E` or in any direction by right-clicking on any Pane.
-   Activate the Previous / Next Pane with `CTRL-SHIFT-{` / `CTRL-SHIFT-}` or by clicking a pane.
-   Navigate among Split Panes with `CTRL-ALT-ARROW`, the active pane will be marked with a triangle in the top corner.
-   Toggle Maximize Pane with `CTRL-SHIFT-ENTER`.
-   Close the active Pane with `CTRL-SHIFT-W`.
-   You can also drag and drop panes. Click and drag a Pane’s header around a given tab, drag the Pane to the tab bar to move it to another Tab, or make it into a Tab.

Note

You can quickly find all the **pane** shortcuts by using the [Command Palette](/terminal/command-palette/). You can also remap the shortcuts to your liking. See [Custom Keyboard Shortcuts](/getting-started/keyboard-shortcuts/#custom-keyboard-shortcuts) for more details.

### CTRL-TAB behavior

`CTRL-TAB` shortcut defaults to activate the previous / next [Tabs](/terminal/windows/tabs/). You can configure the shortcut to cycle the most recent session, including any split panes, in **Settings** > **Features** > **Keys** > **Ctrl-Tab behavior**.

## How split panes work