Linux · Accessories
xfce4-terminal
A lightweight, fast terminal emulator for the XFCE desktop environment with basic but reliable functionality.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Latest version
- 1.2.0
What is xfce4-terminal?
xfce4-terminal is the standard terminal application for the XFCE desktop environment. It has been around for over a decade, making it a mature and stable piece of software. It does not try to be a feature-rich shell replacement; instead, it focuses on being a simple, low-resource window for running command-line tools. It is maintained as part of the broader XFCE project, ensuring it stays compatible with the desktop's design language and libraries.
This tool is best suited for users who prefer a minimalist setup or are running XFCE on older hardware. It is also a good choice for those who want a terminal that stays out of the way. If you are coming from Windows Terminal, you will notice it lacks integrated tabs and a modern UI by default. It is not designed for power users who need split panes or advanced profile management out of the box.
Compared to Windows Terminal, xfce4-terminal feels much more utilitarian. It opens quickly and uses very little memory, but it lacks the visual polish and integrated tab management of its Windows counterpart. The interface is plain, with a simple menu bar and no built-in tab bar unless you enable it. It is a tool for getting work done, not for showcasing graphical flair.
Best for: Users running XFCE who need a fast, low-resource terminal for daily command-line tasks.
Key features of xfce4-terminal
- Lightweight resource usage
- Supports multiple tabs
- Split terminal windows
- Customizable color schemes
- Integration with XFCE settings
- Basic copy/paste support
- Supports UTF-8 and various encodings
Pros
- Extremely fast startup time
- Low memory footprint
- Stable and mature codebase
- Well-integrated with XFCE desktop
Cons
- Lacks modern UI features like integrated tabs by default
- Limited configuration options compared to GNOME Terminal or Konsole
- No built-in split panes in older versions (requires newer XFCE)
- Interface feels dated compared to Windows Terminal
Windows programs xfce4-terminal replaces
How to install xfce4-terminal on Linux
sudo apt install xfce4-terminalsudo apt install xfce4-terminalsudo dnf install xfce4-terminalsudo pacman -S xfce4-terminalsudo zypper install xfce4-terminalTips for Windows users
Coming from Windows Terminal, you will need to adjust to a simpler interface. There is no unified tab bar by default; you may need to enable tabs in preferences. Shortcuts for copying and pasting are different (Ctrl+Shift+C/V instead of Ctrl+C/V). There is no built-in profile manager for multiple shell environments; you must configure your shell directly. If you miss split panes, ensure you are running a recent version of XFCE, as this feature has been added in later releases.
xfce4-terminal: frequently asked questions
How do I enable tabs in xfce4-terminal?
Go to Edit > Preferences > General and check the box for 'Allow tabs'. You can then open new tabs with Ctrl+Shift+T.
Can I use xfce4-terminal on GNOME or KDE?
Yes, it works on any Linux desktop, but it will not integrate as seamlessly as native terminals. It may look out of place if your desktop theme differs significantly.
Why is xfce4-terminal slower than Windows Terminal?
It is not slower in performance; it is simpler. Windows Terminal uses a modern rendering engine and has more features. xfce4-terminal is optimized for low resource usage, not graphical complexity.
How do I change the default font?
Open Preferences, go to the Appearance tab, and click the font button to select a new font and size. Apply the changes to save.
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