Resize and moveResize mode
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Module 4 · Lesson 19 min

Resize mode

Resize mode (Ctrl n) changes how much space the focused pane takes. The lowercase direction keys grow the pane toward that edge; the same keys shifted (uppercase) shrink it. There's also a non-directional pair for a quick bigger/smaller that lets Zellij decide the axis.

Resize mode
CtrlthennEnter Resize mode
hIncrease size toward the left
jIncrease size downward
kIncrease size upward
lIncrease size toward the right
HDecrease size on the left
JDecrease size on the bottom
KDecrease size on the top
LDecrease size on the right
+Increase (non-directional)
-Decrease (non-directional)

You don't have to enter the mode for a quick adjustment. From Normal, Alt + (or Alt =) grows the focused pane and Alt - shrinks it, non-directionally. That covers most day-to-day resizing without a mode switch.

Quick resize from Normal
Altthen+Increase focused pane size
Altthen-Decrease focused pane size
Practice

Try it yourself

Do

Shape a two-pane split

Grow and shrink a pane by direction and feel the split move.

Tick every step to confirm you did it.

Recall

Grow versus shrink

Lock in the case rule.

In Resize mode, what's the difference between pressing k and pressing K?