tmux-multitail-plugin

A tmux plugin that automatically splits your current window into panes and tails all .log files in the current directory.

Features

• Automatically detects all .log files in the current working directory
• Smart layout calculation - arranges panes in an optimal grid
• One-key activation - press prefix + m to tail all logs
• Works with any number of log files
• Compatible with bash 3.2+ (macOS default)

Installation

Option 1: Using TPM (Recommended)

1. Install Tmux Plugin Manager if you haven't already

2. Add this plugin to your .tmux.conf:

   set -g @plugin 'Crucifixion-Fxl/tmux-multitail-plugin'

3. Press prefix + I to install the plugin

Option 2: Manual Installation

1. Clone or download this repository to your tmux plugins directory:

   git clone https://github.com/Crucifixion-Fxl/tmux-multitail-plugin.git ~/.tmux/plugins/tmux-multitail-plugin

2. Add this line to your .tmux.conf:

   run-shell "#{plugin_root}/tmux-multitail-plugin/plugin.tmux"

3. Reload tmux configuration:

   tmux source-file ~/.tmux.conf

Usage

1. Navigate to a directory containing .log files
2. Press prefix + m
3. The plugin will:
   • Scan the current directory for *.log files
   • Split the current window into the appropriate number of panes
   • Start tail -F on each log file in its own pane

Examples

Single log file

app.log

Press prefix + m → tails app.log in current pane

Multiple log files

error.log
access.log
debug.log

Press prefix + m → splits into 3 panes, each tailing a different log

Layout Algorithm

The plugin uses a smart layout algorithm:

• 1 file: stays in current pane
• 2 files: 2 columns
• 3-4 files: 2x2 grid
• 5-6 files: 3x2 or 2x3 grid
• 7-9 files: 3x3 grid
• And so on...

Requirements

• tmux 1.9 or higher
• bash 3.2+ (works on macOS default bash)

License

MIT