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QTerminal

github.com

Free plan macOSLinux
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Spec score 8.1 #18 of 41 in Terminal apps

What it is

QTerminal is a lightweight Qt terminal emulator based on QTermWidget, maintained by the LXQt project. It can also be used without the LXQt desktop environment. The interface supports multiple tabs, vertical and horizontal splits, dropdown mode, and text search. Users can configure the interface, edit shortcuts, use the system clipboard, and bookmark commands. QTerminal is listed for Linux and macOS, while the project says official binary packages are provided by major Linux and BSD distributions. It is free under GPLv2 or any later version, with a listed price of free and no free trial. Building from source requires Qt 6.6.0 or later, QTermWidget, CMake 3.18.0 or later, and lxqt-build-tools; libcanberra is optional for terminal bells. The LXQt site lists discussions, a bug tracker, a wiki, and community chat channels. The feature listing also marks color management and a metadata viewer as supported.

Spec sheet

Purpose
QTerminal is a lightweight Qt-based terminal emulator based on QTermWidget.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Product
QTerminal is a lightweight Qt terminal emulator based on QTermWidget.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The project is licensed under GPLv2 or any later version.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Availability
The project says official binary packages are provided by major Linux and BSD distributions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Bookmarks
QTerminal supports bookmarks for commands.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build requirements
Building from source requires Qt 6.6.0 or later, QTermWidget, CMake 3.18.0 or later, and lxqt-build-tools; libcanberra is optional for playing bells.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Clipboard
QTerminal integrates with the system clipboard.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Clipboard and bookmarks
QTerminal integrates the system clipboard and supports bookmarks for commands.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Community support
The LXQt site lists discussions, a bug tracker, a wiki, and community chat channels.Read 9 Oct 2026 · lxqt-project.org
Customization
QTerminal has a configurable user interface and a shortcut editor.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Dropdown mode
QTerminal includes a dropdown mode.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Independence
The LXQt project maintains QTerminal, and it can be used independently of the LXQt desktop environment.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Interface and shortcuts
The interface is configurable and includes a shortcut editor.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Linux and BSD availability
The project says official binary packages are provided by all major Linux and BSD distributions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Optional dependency
libcanberra is an optional dependency for playing terminal bells.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Scripting API
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
Search
QTerminal includes text search.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Split panes
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
Standalone use
The LXQt project maintains QTerminal, and it can be used independently of the LXQt desktop environment.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support and community
The LXQt site lists project discussions, a bug tracker, a wiki, and Matrix, Telegram, and IRC contact channels.Read 9 Oct 2026 · lxqt-project.org
Supported platforms
linux,macosRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
Tabs and splits
Features include multiple tabs and vertical or horizontal terminal splits.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

QTerminal Free GPL-2.0-or-later; install via source or Linux/BSD distribution packages Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every QTerminal plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports vertical and horizontal terminal splits
  • Includes dropdown mode and text search
  • Interface and shortcuts are configurable
  • Bookmarks commands and integrates with the system clipboard
  • Free under GPLv2 or later

Limits

  • Source builds require Qt 6.6.0 or later
  • Source builds require QTermWidget and build tools

Who it suits

QTerminal suits people who want a configurable terminal with tabs, split panes, and command bookmarks. It can serve LXQt users as well as people running it independently.

Verdict

QTerminal combines common session controls with customization, search, and command bookmarks, and it does not require the LXQt desktop. Source builds have several stated dependencies; the project also lists distribution packages and community channels.

Where Specifiction places it

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