bash
brew install fzfNotes
Homebrew is the most common install path on macOS and also works on Linux.
fzf Install, Upgrade, and Shell Integration
Install fzf, enable shell integration, and configure global defaults for day-to-day use.
Export
Copy the compact sheet, download it, or print it.
Download
`D` dense toggle · `C` copy all
Install and verify
Install fzf, check the version, and inspect built-in docs.
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sudo apt-get install -y fzfNotes
Fastest way to get started on Debian-based systems, though package versions can lag behind upstream.
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sudo pacman -S fzfNotes
Simple install path on Arch and Arch-based systems.
Install from the upstream repository
Clone the repo and run the installer for shell integration.
bashANYinstallgitshell-integration
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git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/junegunn/fzf.git ~/.fzf
~/.fzf/installNotes
The install script can add shell key bindings and completion for supported shells.
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fzf --versionNotes
Useful for troubleshooting option availability and verifying an upgrade.
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fzf --manNotes
Recent versions embed the manual directly in the binary, which is convenient on minimal systems.
Shell integration
Enable fuzzy completion and common shell key bindings.
Source zsh integration
Load fzf key bindings and completion in zsh.
bashANYzshcompletionkey-bindings
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[ -f ~/.fzf.zsh ] && source ~/.fzf.zshNotes
Typical setup when installed via the upstream installer.
Source bash integration
Load fzf key bindings and completion in bash.
bashANYbashcompletionkey-bindings
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[ -f ~/.fzf.bash ] && source ~/.fzf.bashNotes
Adds key bindings such as CTRL-T and CTRL-R in bash.
Set a better default file source
Use fd instead of find for faster file listings.
bashANYfddefault-commandfiles
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export FZF_DEFAULT_COMMAND='fd --type f --hidden --follow --exclude .git'Notes
A common optimization because fd is faster and easier to tune than raw find.
Define global default options
Apply common options to every fzf invocation.
bashANYdefault-optslayoutui
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export FZF_DEFAULT_OPTS='--height=40% --layout=reverse --border --info=inline'Notes
Handy for keeping your preferred layout and UI style consistent.
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export FZF_CTRL_T_OPTS='--preview "bat --style=numbers --color=always --line-range :200 {}"'Notes
Adds a preview window for the built-in file selection binding.
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.