Alacritty as a Linux alternative to Windows Terminal
Updated
Our verdict
Alacritty can replace Windows Terminal for users who need a fast, GPU‑accelerated terminal on Linux and are comfortable using a separate multiplexer for tabs and splits. It delivers the same core job—rendering shells with true‑color support—but it lacks built‑in tab management, split panes, and profile UI. If you are happy configuring a JSON file and using tmux or screen for multiplexing, Alacritty is a solid choice; if you rely on the integrated tabbed UI of Windows Terminal, you will miss that functionality.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.17.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- GPU‑accelerated rendering via OpenGL
- True‑color (24‑bit) support
- Cross‑platform availability
- Configurable via a JSON/YAML style file
- Supports the same shells (bash, zsh, fish, etc.)
What is different
- Alacritty has no built‑in tabbed interface; you need tmux or a similar tool for tabs
- No native split‑pane support; splits are handled by external multiplexers
- Windows Terminal offers a graphical profile manager; Alacritty relies on manual editing
- Windows Terminal can import/export its settings JSON directly; Alacritty does not understand that format
- Alacritty lacks integrated features like command palette or emoji picker
Opening your Windows Terminal files
Windows Terminal stores its settings in a JSON file (profiles.json). Alacritty cannot read or import that file; you would need to translate the relevant options (font, colors, shell) manually into Alacritty's config file. There is no automated conversion tool, so the process is essentially manual.
Switching from Windows Terminal to Alacritty, step by step
- Install Alacritty from your distro's repository (e.g., pacman, apt, dnf).
- Copy the default Alacritty config (~/.config/alacritty/alacritx.yml) to a new file.
- Open Windows Terminal's profiles.json and copy over font, color scheme, and shell paths into Alacritty's config.
- If you need tabs or splits, install tmux (or screen) and configure a basic .tmux.conf.
- Test your favorite shells; adjust any key bindings or environment variables.
- Remove Windows Terminal or keep it as a fallback.
Key features of Alacritty
- OpenGL-based rendering for high performance
- Written in Rust for memory safety
- Minimalist design with no internal tabs
- Supports true color and 24-bit RGB
- Cross-platform support for Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Simple JSON configuration file
- No built-in X11 forwarding or SFTP
- Relies on external multiplexers for splits
How to install Alacritty on Linux
sudo apt install rust-alacrittysudo apt install rust-alacrittysudo dnf install rust-alacrittysudo pacman -S alacrittysudo zypper install alacrittyFrequently asked questions
Can Alacritty open Windows Terminal profile files directly?
No. Alacritty does not understand Windows Terminal's JSON profile format; you must copy settings manually.
Do I need to install a multiplexer to get tabbed workspaces?
Yes. Tools like tmux provide tabs, splits, and session management that Alacritty deliberately leaves out.
Will I lose any functionality by switching?
You will lose the built‑in tab UI, split panes, and the graphical settings editor, but you keep fast rendering, true‑color, and full shell compatibility.
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