cmux
End-user control of cmux topology and routing (windows, workspaces, panes/surfaces, focus, moves, reorder, identify, trigger flash). Use when automation needs deterministic placement and navigation in a multi-pane cmux layout.
cmux Core Control
Use this skill to control non-browser cmux topology and routing.
Core Concepts
- Window: top-level macOS cmux window.
- Workspace: tab-like group within a window.
- Pane: split container in a workspace.
- Surface: a tab within a pane (terminal or browser panel).
Fast Start
# identify current caller context
cmux identify --json
# list topology
cmux list-windows
cmux list-workspaces
cmux list-panes
cmux list-pane-surfaces --pane pane:1
# create/focus/move
cmux new-workspace
cmux new-split right --panel pane:1
cmux move-surface --surface surface:7 --pane pane:2 --focus true
cmux reorder-surface --surface surface:7 --before surface:3
# attention cue
cmux trigger-flash --surface surface:7
Handle Model
- Default output uses short refs:
window:N,workspace:N,pane:N,surface:N. - UUIDs are still accepted as inputs.
- Request UUID output only when needed:
--id-format uuids|both.
Deep-Dive References
| Reference | When to Use |
|---|---|
| references/handles-and-identify.md | Handle syntax, self-identify, caller targeting |
| references/windows-workspaces.md | Window/workspace lifecycle and reorder/move |
| references/panes-surfaces.md | Splits, surfaces, move/reorder, focus routing |
| references/trigger-flash-and-health.md | Flash cue and surface health checks |
| ../cmux-browser/SKILL.md | Browser automation on surface-backed webviews |
| ../cmux-markdown/SKILL.md | Markdown viewer panel with live file watching |