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

`Ctrl`then`n`	Enter Resize mode
`h`	Increase size toward the left
`j`	Increase size downward
`k`	Increase size upward
`l`	Increase size toward the right
`H`	Decrease size on the left
`J`	Decrease size on the bottom
`K`	Decrease size on the top
`L`	Decrease 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

`Alt`then`+`	Increase focused pane size
`Alt`then`-`	Decrease focused pane size

Practice

Try it yourself

Shape a two-pane split

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

Split into two side-by-side panes (Ctrl p, r)
Focus the left pane, press Ctrl n to enter Resize mode
Press l a few times to grow it rightward, then L to shrink it back
Press Esc to leave Resize mode

Done whenThe divider between the two panes moved right as you pressed l and back left with L.

Recall

Grow versus shrink

Lock in the case rule.

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

Reveal answer

k increases the pane's size upward; K (Shift+k) decreases its size from the top. Lowercase grows, uppercase shrinks.