amux
github.com
What it is
amux is a terminal multiplexer for shared workflows in which people use keybindings and agents use CLI commands in the same panes. Users can create and arrange panes, manage windows, zoom panes, and broadcast keystrokes to multiple panes. Its CLI offers structured JSON session capture, blocking waits, and push-based events without requiring an SDK or language-specific library. Pane history stays on the server and can survive detach and reattach, server reload, and crash recovery; the default scrollback is 5,000 lines per pane. A built-in mailbox lets panes send, read, reply to, and acknowledge messages, with recipients checking an inbox instead of receiving automatic PTY input. An optional local MCP server over stdio exposes mailbox tools. Remote panes and windows can be mirrored over SSH, forwarding input and streaming remote PTY output. The repository documents Claude Code and Codex integrations, including mailbox-drain hook recipes. amux is MIT licensed and free, with installation through a shell script, Homebrew, or go install. The first server start installs a terminfo entry and requires ncurses tic. It runs on Linux and macOS, but does not implement every tmux feature, including session groups and advanced hooks.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- amux is a terminal multiplexer built for shared workflows where humans use keybindings and agents use CLI commands in the same panes.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The repository identifies amux as MIT licensed.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Agent API
- Its CLI provides structured JSON session capture, blocking waits, and push based events without requiring an SDK or language specific library.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Agent integrations
- The repository documents agent support and automation for Claude Code and Codex, including mailbox drain hook recipes.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- History
- Pane history is retained on the server and can persist across detach and reattach, server reload, and crash recovery; the default scrollback is 5,000 lines per pane.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Installation
- The README lists installation through a shell script, Homebrew, or `go install`; first server start installs a terminfo entry and requires ncurses `tic`.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Limitations
- The project says it does not implement all tmux features, naming session groups and advanced hooks as examples of functionality to use tmux for.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Mailbox
- The built in mailbox lets panes send, read, reply to, and acknowledge messages, while recipients check for messages through the inbox rather than automatic PTY input.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- MCP
- An optional local MCP server over stdio exposes tools for the native amux mailbox.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Pane controls
- Users can create and arrange panes, manage windows, zoom panes, and broadcast keystrokes to multiple panes.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Remote workflows
- amux can mirror remote panes and windows over SSH, forwarding input and streaming remote PTY output.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Structured JSON capture, waits, and push events
- Pane history survives detach, reload, and crash recovery
- Mailbox supports sending, replies, and acknowledgements
- SSH mirroring forwards input and remote PTY output
- Free MIT-licensed project
Limits
- Does not implement all tmux features
- First server start requires ncurses tic
- Default scrollback is 5,000 lines per pane
- Installation requires a terminal environment
Who it suits
It suits developers and agents sharing terminal sessions, including remote workflows over SSH. Linux and macOS users can use its CLI, mailbox, pane persistence, and documented Claude Code or Codex automation.
Verdict
amux focuses on coordinated human-and-agent terminal work, combining persistent panes with a mailbox and structured CLI events. It is free and MIT licensed, but users needing complete tmux functionality may find features missing.
Where Specifiction places it
- Terminal Multiplexers#10 of 297.8