Renaming terminal tab titles can make managing multiple terminal windows much easier, especially when juggling numerous tasks. In Ubuntu 16, you can customize your terminal tab title with a simple command by adding a function to your ~/.bashrc file. Here’s how to do it.

Why Rename Terminal Tabs?

When working with multiple terminal windows, the default tab titles can quickly become confusing. Customizing tab titles allows you to:

• Identify tasks quickly.
• Organize terminal sessions for specific projects.
• Improve overall productivity.

Steps to Rename Terminal Tab Title

1. Edit Your ~/.bashrc File

The ~/.bashrc file is a script that runs whenever you open a new terminal session. To add the functionality to rename terminal tabs, follow these steps:

1. Open the ~/.bashrc file in your favorite text editor: nano ~/.bashrc
2. Add the following function to the file: function set-title() { if [[ -z "$ORIG" ]]; then ORIG=$PS1 fi TITLE="\[\e]2;$*\a\]" PS1=${ORIG}${TITLE} }
3. Save and close the file.

2. Apply the Changes

To apply the changes, reload the ~/.bashrc file with the following command:

source ~/.bashrc

3. Set Your Terminal Tab Title

Now, you can set your terminal tab title using the set-title command. For example:

set-title My New Tab Title

This command will immediately update the terminal tab title to “My New Tab Title.”

Tips for Using Custom Terminal Titles

• Works with Spaces: The set-title function supports spaces in the title. For instance: set-title Project A - Server Monitoring
• Persistent Titles: Note that some programs, like SSH or custom scripts, may overwrite the terminal title. You can always reapply your custom title by running the set-title command again.
• Use Cases: Customize titles for different projects, environments, or tasks (e.g., “Database Backup,” “Frontend Dev,” or “SSH to Production”).

Conclusion

Customizing terminal tab titles in Ubuntu 16 is a straightforward way to improve your workflow and navigation across multiple terminal windows. By adding the set-title function to your ~/.bashrc, you can rename your tabs with a single command, making it easier to stay organized.

Did this tip work for you? Share your experience or additional tricks in the comments below! 🚀

Ahmad Gohar

With over 18 years of experience in software architecture, Java technologies, and leadership, I specialize in crafting scalable, future-proof solutions for global organizations. Whether it’s transforming legacy systems, building cutting-edge cloud-native applications, or mentoring teams to excel, I’m committed to delivering value-driven results.

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