Select files from a pipeline
Pipe any list into fzf and interactively pick a line.
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find . -type f | fzfNotes
fzf reads from standard input, so any command that prints lines can become an interactive picker.
fzf Basics: Search, Select, and Script Output
Core fzf usage patterns for filtering lists, selecting items, and integrating the result into shell workflows.
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Core usage
Use fzf as a standalone fuzzy selector in shell pipelines.
Open the selected file in an editor
Capture the selected value and open it with $EDITOR.
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vim "$(find . -type f | fzf)"Notes
Classic pattern for launching your editor on a fuzzy-selected file.
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find . -type f | fzf -mNotes
Use TAB to mark multiple items and Enter to accept them.
bash
ps -ef | fzf --exactNotes
Helpful when the result set is noisy and you want strict matching.
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ps -ef | fzf --nth=1,8..Notes
Useful for ignoring noisy columns while keeping them visible in the UI.
Transform what is displayed
Hide or reorder fields in the list without changing the selected line.
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ps -ef | fzf --nth=1,8.. --with-nth=8..Notes
Common for process pickers and tabular output.
Set a custom field delimiter
Parse colon- or tab-delimited input cleanly.
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cut -d: -f1,3 /etc/passwd | fzf --delimiter=':' --with-nth=1Notes
Pair this with --nth or --with-nth for structured line formats.
Query and output control
Seed the query, print clean output, and control exit behavior.
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git branch --all | fzf --query='feature/'Notes
Good for narrowing large lists from the first render.
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find . -type f | fzf --print-queryNotes
Useful in scripts when the query itself is meaningful input.
Auto-accept single matches
Accept immediately when there is exactly one match.
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find . -type f | fzf --select-1 --exit-0Notes
Popular in scripts because it reduces extra keystrokes on precise searches.
Run in non-interactive filter mode
Use fzf as a fuzzy filter without opening the UI.
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printf '%s
' alpha beta gamma | fzf --filter=gmNotes
Great for scripts when you want fzf matching semantics without TUI interaction.
More in fzf
fzf tmux, Editor Integration, Troubleshooting, and Performance
Use fzf with tmux and editors, and fix common issues involving shell integration, source commands, and large repositories.
fzf Reload, Event Bindings, and Dynamic Sources
Build live search interfaces with reload, change events, refresh-preview, and mode-switching key bindings.
fzf Recipes: Files, ripgrep, Git, Processes, and Navigation
Practical pipeline recipes that combine fzf with fd, ripgrep, bat, Git, and shell utilities.
fzf Shell Completion and Key Bindings
Set up fuzzy shell completion and customize built-in key bindings like CTRL-T, CTRL-R, and ALT-C.
fzf Layout, UI, and Styling
Tune layout, borders, headers, sorting, and visual style for cleaner fuzzy-finder interfaces.
fzf Preview Windows, Key Bindings, and Actions
Use previews, key bindings, execute actions, and dynamic UI changes to build powerful interactive pickers.