Using tmux synchronize-panes to run identical commands across multiple panes

Quick answer

Enable tmux's synchronize-panes option so that every keystroke you type in the active pane is sent to all other panes in the same window. This lets you run identical commands on multiple servers or environments without retyping.

How synchronize-panes works

The option is window‑scoped. When it is set to on, tmux forwards each key press from the focused pane to every other pane in that window. It does not copy output, scrollback, or pane‑specific settings.

Worked configuration example

1. Start a tmux session (or attach to an existing one).
2. Split the window into three panes: press Ctrl+b then " (horizontal split) followed by Ctrl+b then % (vertical split) to obtain three panes.
3. Enable synchronization for the current window: press Ctrl+b, type :set-window-option synchronize-panes on, and hit Enter.
4. Now type a command in any pane, for example ls -l. The same keystrokes appear in the other two panes and are executed there as well.

# To make the behavior default for new windows, add to ~/.tmux.conf\nset-window-option synchronize-panes on\n

Limits and common mistakes

• Only keystrokes are mirrored; output, scrollback, pane titles, and layouts stay independent.
• The setting applies to the current window only. Opening a new window or session does not inherit it unless you set it in your config.
• Leaving synchronization on can cause destructive actions: editing a file in one pane will send the same edit commands to all panes, potentially corrupting multiple files.
• To disable, press Ctrl+b, type :set-window-option synchronize-panes off, and hit Enter or remove the option from your config.
• Check the current state with Ctrl+b then :show-window-option synchronize-panes and Enter; tmux will display on or off.