Windows Terminal is a powerful command-line tool that lets you run multiple shells like PowerShell and Command Prompt in a single window. With some simple customizations, you can transform Windows Terminal into a productivity powerhouse. This guide will walk you through the most useful ways to personalize and optimize Windows Terminal to fit your workflow.
Create Custom Profiles for Different Shells
One of Windows Terminal’s best features is the ability to create profiles for different command-line tools. This allows you to quickly switch between shells without opening separate windows.
Step 1: Open Windows Terminal and click the dropdown arrow, then select “Settings”.
Step 2: In the left sidebar, click “Add new profile”.
Step 3: Choose a name for your profile and select the command line application you want to use (e.g. PowerShell, WSL, Azure Cloud Shell).
Step 4: Customize other settings like starting directory, icon, and color scheme.
Step 5: Click “Save” to add the new profile.
Now you can easily launch your custom profile from the dropdown menu or assign it a keyboard shortcut.
Enable Quake Mode for Quick Access
Quake mode lets you instantly open Windows Terminal from anywhere with a keyboard shortcut. This feature is great for quickly running commands without disrupting your workflow.
Step 1: Open Windows Terminal settings.
Step 2: Go to “Actions” in the left sidebar.
Step 3: Find the “toggleQuakeMode” action and assign it a keyboard shortcut (the default is Win + `).
Step 4: Save your settings.
Now you can press the shortcut to instantly open Windows Terminal in a half-screen overlay, and press it again to hide it.
Customize Tab Appearance and Behavior
Windows Terminal allows extensive customization of tabs to help you stay organized when working with multiple shells.
Step 1: Right-click on any tab to access options for renaming, changing color, or duplicating the tab.
Step 2: To change default tab behavior, open Settings and go to the “Appearance” section.
Step 3: Adjust settings like “Tab width mode” to control how tabs are sized and displayed.
Step 4: Toggle options like “Show acrylic in tab row” for a more transparent look.
Customizing your tabs makes it easier to identify different shells at a glance and manage your workspace more efficiently.
Set a Custom Color Scheme
Changing the color scheme can reduce eye strain and make text more readable. Windows Terminal comes with several built-in schemes, but you can also create your own.
Step 1: Open Settings and select “Color schemes” in the left sidebar.
Step 2: Choose an existing scheme to modify or click “Add new” to create a custom one.
Step 3: Adjust colors for elements like background, foreground, cursor, and selection.
Step 4: Save your scheme and apply it to specific profiles or set it as the default.
Experiment with different color combinations to find a scheme that works best for your eyes and preferences.
Add a Custom Background Image
A background image can make your terminal more visually appealing and help distinguish between different profiles.
Step 1: Open Settings and select the profile you want to customize.
Step 2: Go to the “Appearance” tab.
Step 3: Under “Background image”, click “Browse” to select an image file.
Step 4: Adjust settings like opacity and stretch mode to fine-tune the appearance.
Step 5: Save your changes.
Choose an image that won’t interfere with text readability. Subtle patterns or low-opacity landscapes often work well.
Enable Transparent Background
A transparent background can help Windows Terminal blend in with your desktop and make it easier to see underlying windows.
Step 1: Open Settings and select the profile you want to customize.
Step 2: Go to the “Appearance” tab.
Step 3: Toggle on “Enable acrylic material” and adjust the opacity slider.
Step 4: Save your changes.
Start with a higher opacity and gradually decrease it until you find the right balance between transparency and readability.
Customize the Cursor
Changing the cursor shape and color can make it easier to locate in your terminal window.
Step 1: Open Settings and select the profile you want to customize.
Step 2: Go to the “Appearance” tab.
Step 3: Under “Cursor shape”, choose from options like bar, underscore, or vintage.
Step 4: Optionally, set a custom cursor color.
Step 5: Save your changes.
Experiment with different cursor styles to see which one you find most comfortable and visible.
Modify Fonts and Text Rendering
Choosing the right font can significantly improve readability and reduce eye strain during long coding sessions.
Step 1: Open Settings and select the profile you want to customize.
Step 2: Go to the “Appearance” tab.
Step 3: Under “Text”, choose a font face, size, and weight.
Step 4: Optionally, enable font ligatures for a more polished look.
Step 5: Save your changes.
Consider using a monospaced font designed for coding, such as Cascadia Code or Fira Code, which often include programming ligatures.
Add Custom Key Bindings
Creating custom key bindings can speed up your workflow by providing quick access to frequently used commands or actions.
Step 1: Open Settings and go to the “Actions” tab.
Step 2: Click “Add new action” at the bottom of the list.
Step 3: Choose an action from the dropdown menu (e.g., “newTab”, “copy”, “paste”).
Step 4: Assign a key binding to the action.
Step 5: Save your changes.
Create key bindings for actions you perform frequently, such as opening new tabs, splitting panes, or switching between profiles.
By customizing Windows Terminal with these tips, you’ll create a more efficient and personalized command-line environment. Experiment with different settings to find the perfect setup for your needs, and don’t be afraid to fine-tune as you go along. Happy terminal customizing!