mtm

Mac · Linux

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Freedom report

One barScore 5.4

Free tierNo free tier on record
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely2 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

mtm is ranked #15 of 28 in terminal multiplexers on Freedom251. It runs on Linux, macOS.

Compared on terminal multiplexers

Free plan: Yes
Access platforms: Unix-like command-line environments; macOS build configuration

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The record

Product: mtm is the Micro Terminal Multiplexer, a terminal multiplexer.
Function: It lets users split a terminal into multiple virtual terminals, with one focused at a time.
Navigation: Arrow keys move focus among virtual terminals, and `o` returns to the previously focused terminal.
Splitting: The `h` and `v` commands split the focused virtual terminal horizontally or vertically.
Scrolling: PgUp, PgDown, and End scroll the screen or recenter it on the actual terminal.
Design: The project describes mtm as simple, compatible, small, and stable, with around 1000 lines of code.
Terminal compatibility: mtm emulates a classic ANSI text terminal and is designed to work with terminfo/termcap-based systems without requiring a new termcap entry.
Build requirement: Building mtm requires ncursesw; other curses implementations might work but have not been tested.
Configuration: Users can change default keybindings and other compile-time flags by copying and editing `config.def.h`.
Terminal types: The project includes optional terminfo entries named `mtm`, `mtm-256color`, and `mtm-noutf`.
License: mtm is free software under the GNU General Public License version 3 or, at the user's option, any later version.
Support and updates: The README says the only anticipated changes are bug fixes, translation improvements, accessibility improvements, and fixes for modern OS compatibility.
Limit: The `mtm-256color` terminal type cannot display more colors than the host terminal supports.
Maintainer: The README credits copyright to Rob King for 2016–2019.

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Terminal Multiplexers in 2026#15 of 28

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Sources

github.com/deadpixi/mtm· checked 4 Oct 2026