How to Run Multiple Terminals Side by Side

Running terminals side by side lets you see multiple processes at once — your dev server, test runner, git status, and AI agents all visible without switching windows. Here’s how to do it on every platform.

Method 1: GridTerm (Windows & macOS)

The fastest way to get multiple terminals side by side. GridTerm has preset grid layouts built in.

Steps:

1. Install GridTerm
2. Open the app
3. Click the grid selector in the toolbar
4. Choose your layout: 1x2 (2 side-by-side), 2x2 (4 terminals), 2x3 (6), or 3x3 (9)

That’s it. Each pane is a full independent terminal with its own shell and working directory.

You can also split any individual pane — right-click or use a keyboard shortcut to split horizontally or vertically. Combine preset grids with manual splits for custom layouts.

Bonus features:

• Save layouts as workspaces with per-terminal directories and auto-commands
• Built-in file browser and code editor
• Screenshot capture for AI agent workflows

Method 2: tmux (macOS & Linux)

tmux is a terminal multiplexer that runs inside your existing terminal. It splits your shell into panes using keyboard shortcuts.

Steps:

1. Install tmux (brew install tmux on macOS, apt install tmux on Linux)
2. Start tmux: tmux
3. Split vertically: Ctrl+B then %
4. Split horizontally: Ctrl+B then "
5. Navigate between panes: Ctrl+B then arrow key

For a 2x2 grid:

tmux
# Split vertically
Ctrl+B, %
# Move to left pane
Ctrl+B, Left
# Split horizontally
Ctrl+B, "
# Move to right pane
Ctrl+B, Right
# Split horizontally
Ctrl+B, "

Pros: Free, lightweight, works over SSH, session persistence. Cons: Steep learning curve, no GUI, no native Windows support, no file browser or editor.

Method 3: Windows Terminal split panes (Windows)

Windows Terminal has built-in split pane support.

Steps:

1. Open Windows Terminal
2. Split vertically: Alt+Shift+Plus
3. Split horizontally: Alt+Shift+Minus
4. Navigate: Alt+Arrow keys

For a 2x2 grid:

Alt+Shift+Plus (split right)
Alt+Left (go to left pane)
Alt+Shift+Minus (split down)
Alt+Right (go to right pane)
Alt+Shift+Minus (split down)

Pros: Free, ships with Windows 11, supports PowerShell/CMD/WSL. Cons: No preset grids, manual splitting only, no workspace save, no file browser.

Method 4: OS window snapping

The simplest approach — open multiple terminal windows and snap them to screen edges.

Windows: Drag a window to a screen edge or corner, or use Win+Arrow keys. macOS: Hold the green button for split view, or use a window manager like Rectangle.

Pros: Works with any terminal app, no installation needed. Cons: Limited to 2-4 windows, no shared workspace, each window is a separate app instance, high memory usage for 4+ instances.

Which method to use

Need	Best method
Quick 2-pane side-by-side	OS window snapping
4+ terminals visible at once	GridTerm or tmux
Save and restore layouts	GridTerm (workspaces)
AI agent workflows	GridTerm (grids + screenshots + file browser)
Remote server work	tmux (SSH detach/attach)
Windows + no install	Windows Terminal splits

For most developers doing local development — especially with AI coding agents — GridTerm’s preset grids and workspace management provide the best experience with the least setup.

Get GridTerm — $67 one-time purchase