---
url: https://cuonghuunguyen.github.io/features/terminal.md
---
# Terminal

A real terminal in the session's folder, docked at the bottom of the window by default. It can also sit in the side panel or as a tab in the main area. It runs on the daemon's computer.

![Two terminals in the bottom panel, the second one showing test output](/screenshots/terminal.png)

## How to use

1. Press Ctrl+\` to show or hide the terminal (or the terminal button in the side panel).
2. Type commands like in any terminal.
3. Click **+** (**New terminal**, Ctrl+Shift+\`) for another one. Each gets a tab in the row above the terminal: Terminal 1, Terminal 2…

## Which shell

| System | Shell |
| --- | --- |
| Linux, macOS | `$SHELL`, else `bash` |
| Windows | `SHELL` if it names a Windows file, else `pwsh`, else Windows PowerShell, else `cmd.exe` |
| WSL or Docker session | The shell of that side |

For Git Bash on Windows, set `SHELL` to `C:\Program Files\Git\bin\bash.exe` before you start claude-ui.

## Good to know

* The terminal is a [pane](panes): it sits in the bottom panel, under the session and the side panel. The bottom panel resizes and maximizes. **Terminal position** in [Settings › Layout › Terminal](../reference/settings#terminal), or a move of its tab, puts it in the side panel or the main area.

* In the main area the terminals of a project are one tab ("Terminal · *project*") that stays while you work in another project. After a reload each folder shows the terminal you selected in it.

* Terminals live in the daemon. They survive a page reload or a lost connection, and the last output is replayed.

* A shell starts only when you open the terminal (Toggle terminal, New terminal, or a click on its tab), never on a reload, a session or project switch, or a reconnect. A terminal you left open shows again only while its folder has running shells, and then it does not take the focus.

* Plain Ctrl+letter keys go to the shell. App shortcuts with Alt still work.

* Up to 8 terminals per browser tab, 32 in total.

* Nerd Font icons (as used by many shell prompts) display correctly.

* On Linux and WSL the terminal needs a C++ toolchain at install time. See [Install](../guide/install).