tmux Configuration and Customization/Change prefix to Ctrl-a

Replace the default prefix with a screen-style prefix.

Section: Core configuration

Change prefix to Ctrl-a

tmux
tmux
unbind C-b
set -g prefix C-a
bind C-a send-prefix
Explanation

A common customization for users migrating from GNU screen.

Learn the surrounding workflow

Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.

Related commands

Same sheet · prioritizing Core configuration
Renumber windows automatically
Keep window numbers compact after closing windows.
OpenIn sheettmuxsame section
Enable mouse support
Use mouse selection and pane/window switching.
OpenIn sheettmuxsame section
Start numbering at 1
Set windows and panes to begin at 1 instead of 0.
OpenIn sheettmuxsame section
Reload config file
Apply config changes without restarting tmux.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Move status bar to top
Place the tmux status line above panes.
OpenIn sheettmux1 tag match
Show session name on the left
Customize the left side of the status line.
OpenIn sheettmux1 tag match