Linux · Accessories
GNOME Terminal
GNOME Terminal is the default terminal emulator for the GNOME desktop environment.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Latest version
- 3.60.0
What is GNOME Terminal?
GNOME Terminal provides a text‑based interface to the system shell, letting you run commands, scripts and programs. It has been part of GNOME since the early 2000s and is maintained across major distributions, so it’s a mature and well‑tested component. It works with any POSIX‑compatible shell (bash, zsh, fish, etc.) and supports tabs, profiles, and custom colour schemes.
If you’re used to Windows Command Prompt, GNOME Terminal feels more flexible: you get true tabs, unlimited scrollback, and easy access to the full suite of Linux command‑line tools. It’s aimed at developers, sysadmins, and power users who need a reliable way to interact with the underlying OS.
Compared with cmd.exe, GNOME Terminal integrates tightly with the GNOME desktop, respects system themes, and offers richer keyboard shortcuts. It lacks the Windows‑only GUI shortcuts but makes up for it with powerful scripting and automation capabilities.
Best for: Users who need a solid, integrated terminal for everyday command‑line work on GNOME.
Key features of GNOME Terminal
- Tab support with independent profiles
- Unlimited scrollback buffer
- Customisable colour schemes and fonts
- Transparent background option
- Keyboard shortcuts for split panes (via extensions)
- Drag‑and‑drop of URLs and files
- Support for multiple shells
- Searchable output
Pros
- Highly configurable via GUI and dconf
- Integrates with GNOME desktop theme
- Lightweight and fast
- Works out of the box on most distros
Cons
- Limited built‑in split‑pane functionality
- Less feature‑rich than some third‑party emulators like Tilix or Alacritty
- Keyboard shortcuts differ from Windows cmd
Windows programs GNOME Terminal replaces
Command Prompt (cmd)How to install GNOME Terminal on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-terminalsudo apt install gnome-terminalsudo dnf install gnome-terminalsudo pacman -S gnome-terminalsudo zypper install gnome-terminalTips for Windows users
Most Windows cmd shortcuts (Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+V to paste) map to Ctrl+Shift+C/V in GNOME Terminal; you can reassign them in Preferences. Files you edit in cmd (batch scripts) can be opened directly with a Linux editor, but you’ll likely switch to shell scripts (bash, sh) for better compatibility. Get used to tabbing with Ctrl+Shift+T and navigating history with the Up/Down arrows, which behave the same as in cmd.
GNOME Terminal: frequently asked questions
How do I change the default shell in GNOME Terminal?
Open Preferences, select a profile, and set the 'Command' field to the path of the shell you want, e.g., /usr/bin/zsh.
Can I copy and paste without using the mouse?
Yes, use Ctrl+Shift+C to copy and Ctrl+Shift+V to paste; you can also enable Ctrl+Insert/Shift+Insert in the shortcuts settings.
How do I increase the scrollback buffer?
In Preferences → Profiles → Scrolling, set 'Unlimited scrollback' or specify a larger number of lines.
Is GNOME Terminal able to run Windows executables via Wine?
Yes, you can launch Wine commands from GNOME Terminal just like any other Linux command.
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