bash
fzf --header-lines=1 --header='CTRL-R to reload' --bind 'ctrl-r:reload(ps -ef)' < <(ps -ef)Notes
reload lets you keep one interactive session open while the underlying command is rerun.
fzf Reload, Event Bindings, and Dynamic Sources
Build live search interfaces with reload, change events, refresh-preview, and mode-switching key bindings.
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Reload patterns
Build dynamic interfaces that refresh their source list in place.
Use fzf as a frontend for ripgrep
Run a new ripgrep search whenever the query changes.
bashANYreloadripgrepchange-event
bash
fzf --ansi --disabled --query '' --bind 'start:reload:rg --column --line-number --no-heading --color=always {q} || true' --bind 'change:reload:rg --column --line-number --no-heading --color=always {q} || true' --delimiter=':' --preview 'bat --color=always --highlight-line {2} {1}'Notes
This pattern is one of the most powerful advanced fzf workflows for live content search.
Switch between multiple data sources
Bind keys that swap the prompt and reload command.
bashANYreloadmode-switchprompt
bash
printf '%s
' files dirs | fzf --prompt='Files> ' --bind 'ctrl-d:change-prompt(Dirs> )+reload(fd --type d),ctrl-f:change-prompt(Files> )+reload(fd --type f)'Notes
Useful for command palettes that have multiple modes.
bash
fzf --preview 'date' --bind '?:refresh-preview'Notes
Helpful when the preview itself is time-sensitive or depends on changing external state.
Transform actions
Alter prompts, headers, previews, or queries from events and bindings.
bash
printf '%s
' alpha beta gamma | fzf --bind 'ctrl-e:transform-query:echo beta'Notes
Transform actions make it possible to build richer interactive applications around fzf.
Update preview label dynamically
Show context-sensitive labels as focus moves.
bashANYtransformpreview-labelfocus
bash
printf '%s
' a b c | fzf --preview 'echo {}' --bind 'focus:transform-preview-label:echo Preview'Notes
Small UX improvement for custom UIs and dashboards.
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 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.
fzf Basics: Search, Select, and Script Output
Core fzf usage patterns for filtering lists, selecting items, and integrating the result into shell workflows.