How to install Alacritty on Ubuntu?

Use package managers like apt or download prebuilt binaries from GitHub releases. Detailed instructions are in the INSTALL.md file, covering dependencies and compilation if needed.

Alacritty vs iTerm2: which is better for macOS?

Alacritty offers superior GPU-accelerated speed and minimal resource usage, while iTerm2 has built-in tabs, splits, and a GUI. Choose Alacritty for performance; iTerm2 for integrated features.

Does Alacritty support scrollback?

Yes, scrollback was added in a 2018 update, as mentioned in the README's further information. Configuration options for scrollback behavior are available in the TOML file.

How to change colors and themes in Alacritty?

Edit the alacritty.toml config file to define color schemes under the 'colors' section. Examples and documentation are provided on the official website or man pages.

Is Alacritty good for Windows development?

Yes, but it requires Windows 10 version 1809 or higher for ConPTY support. It offers cross-platform consistency, though setup might involve manual configuration compared to native Windows terminals.

Why is Alacritty so fast?

It uses OpenGL for GPU-accelerated rendering and minimizes overhead by integrating with external tools. Benchmarks with vtebench show higher throughput, as explained in the FAQ.

Alacritty

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Alacritty is a fast, cross-platform terminal emulator powered by OpenGL.

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What is Alacritty?

Alacritty is a modern, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator that prioritizes performance and simplicity. It is cross-platform, supporting BSD, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and focuses on being fast by leveraging OpenGL for rendering. It offers extensive configuration while avoiding feature bloat by integrating with external tools like window managers and terminal multiplexers.

Target Audience

Developers and power users who prioritize terminal performance, low latency, and minimal resource usage, especially those working on systems with GPU acceleration. It suits users comfortable with configuring software via text files and using external tools for features like tabs or splits.

Value Proposition

Alacritty stands out for its emphasis on raw speed and GPU-accelerated rendering, consistently benchmarking higher throughput than many alternatives. Its design philosophy integrates with existing tools rather than reimplementing functionality, keeping it lightweight and highly configurable without unnecessary features.

Overview

A cross-platform, OpenGL terminal emulator.

Use Cases

Best For

Users seeking a terminal emulator with minimal input latency and high rendering performance for intensive command-line workflows.

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Developers who prefer a terminal that offloads window management (like tabs or splits) to external tools such as tmux or i3.

Cross-platform developers needing a consistent terminal experience on BSD, Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Power users who value extensive customization via a configuration file (TOML) and sensible defaults.

Environments where GPU acceleration is available and can be leveraged for terminal rendering efficiency.

Users who prioritize benchmarking and quantifiable performance metrics in their terminal emulator selection.

Not Ideal For

Users who need built-in tab or split-pane management without relying on external tools like tmux
Developers preferring a graphical user interface for configuration over manual TOML file editing
Environments without GPU acceleration or running on older Windows versions (pre-1809)
Teams seeking a terminal with extensive out-of-the-box features like session persistence or GUI customization

Pros & Cons

Pros

GPU-Accelerated Performance

Leverages OpenGL rendering for high throughput, consistently benchmarking better than competitors using vtebench, as highlighted in the FAQ's performance claims.

Cross-Platform Support

Runs on BSD, Linux, macOS, and Windows, offering a uniform terminal experience across major operating systems, as stated in the README's platform list.

Extensive TOML Configuration

Provides detailed customization via a TOML config file with sensible defaults, though users must create it manually, as noted in the configuration section.

Lightweight, Integrative Design

Avoids feature bloat by relying on external tools like window managers and multiplexers, keeping the core minimal and focused on performance, per the README's philosophy.

Cons

Missing Built-in Features

Intentionally lacks tabs, splits, and a GUI config editor, requiring users to integrate external tools, which the README admits might not suit all workflows.

Manual Configuration Hassle

Does not auto-generate config files; users must create and manage TOML files in specific directories, adding setup complexity for newcomers.

Hardware and OS Dependencies

Requires OpenGL ES 2.0+ and Windows 10 version 1809 or higher for ConPTY, limiting compatibility on older or resource-constrained systems.

Beta-Level Stability

Admits to being at a beta level with missing features and bugs, as stated in the README, which could impact reliability for critical use cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

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