Terminator as a Linux alternative to Windows Terminal (legacy)
Updated
Our verdict
Terminator is a solid replacement for Windows Terminal (legacy) if you prioritize pane layout and terminal organization over shell variety. It handles multiple tabs, panes, Unicode, and color output reliably, and launches quickly. While it lacks built-in PowerShell or cmd integration, it works perfectly with bash, zsh, and other Linux shells. Its strength is in managing complex terminal workflows across panes, not in emulating Windows-specific environments. Best suited for Linux users who want efficient terminal workspace management.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2.1.6
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports multiple tabs and split panes in one window
- Displays Unicode and ANSI color codes correctly
- Allows mouse-free operation via customizable keyboard shortcuts
- Enables copy-paste and precise text selection
- Runs natively in GNOME, KDE, and other desktop environments
What is different
- No built-in support for Windows shells like cmd or PowerShell
- Configuration is file-based (not GUI-first like Windows Terminal)
- Pane layout is more advanced, but tab management is less polished
- Session persistence works, but not as seamlessly as in Windows Terminal
- No JSON-based profile system; uses plain config files instead
Opening your Windows Terminal (legacy) files
Terminator does not read or export Windows Terminal (legacy) configuration files. Its settings are stored in ~/.config/terminator/config, a plain text file with a different structure. You cannot directly import profiles or keybindings. However, common settings like font, color schemes, and shell commands can be manually recreated. There is no automated migration path for configs.
Switching from Windows Terminal (legacy) to Terminator, step by step
- Install Terminator via your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install terminator)
- Open Terminator and adjust font, colors, and default shell in Preferences
- Use Ctrl+Shift+O and Ctrl+Shift+E to split panes horizontally and vertically
- Edit ~/.config/terminator/config to customize keybindings and profiles
- Enable 'Remember window size and position' in preferences for session persistence
Key features of Terminator
- Multiple resizable panes in a single window
- Keyboard shortcuts for pane navigation and resizing
- Configurable profiles and color schemes
- Session persistence across restarts
- Ability to run commands in all panes simultaneously
- Customizable keybindings via a simple config file
How to install Terminator on Linux
sudo apt install terminatorsudo apt install terminatorsudo dnf install terminatorsudo pacman -S terminatorsudo zypper install terminatorFrequently asked questions
Can Terminator run PowerShell like Windows Terminal?
Only if you install PowerShell for Linux. It doesn't support Windows PowerShell natively, but works with PowerShell Core via snap or package.
Does Terminator support the same keyboard shortcuts?
No, but you can customize them in the config file. Default shortcuts differ; for example, Ctrl+Shift+E splits vertically.
Can I use Terminator in full-screen mode?
Yes. Press F11 or use your desktop environment's full-screen shortcut. Terminator integrates well with window managers.
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