pane

Open a new tmux pane in the current session. Optionally launch claude with an initial command. TRIGGER when the user says "new pane", "open a pane", "split pane", "another terminal", "new window", "si

SKILL.md

GitHub

Pane — Open New tmux Pane

Arguments: $ARGUMENTS

Step 1: Parse Arguments

Parse the arguments into:

  • Mode: shell (no args) or claude (first arg is "claude")
  • Initial command: everything after "claude" (optional, e.g., /start-work LIFE-1.2)

Examples:

  • /pane → mode=shell, no initial command
  • /pane claude → mode=claude, no initial command
  • /pane claude /start-work LIFE-1.2 → mode=claude, initial command="/start-work LIFE-1.2"

Step 2: Detect tmux Session

echo "${TMUX:-NOT_IN_TMUX}"

If not in tmux, tell the user: "Not in a tmux session. Use tmux to start a session first."

Get the current session name:

tmux display-message -p '#{session_name}'

Step 3: Create New Pane

Split the current window horizontally (side by side):

tmux split-window -h -c "$(pwd)"

Step 4: Launch (if claude mode)

If mode is claude:

tmux send-keys "claude" Enter

If there's also an initial command, wait briefly then send it:

sleep 2
tmux send-keys "[initial command]" Enter

Step 5: Confirm

Pane opened
===========
Mode:    [shell / claude]
Command: [initial command or "none"]

Use Ctrl+B then arrow keys to switch between panes.

Rules

  • Must be in tmux — this skill only works inside a tmux session
  • Uses split-window — creates a side-by-side pane, not a new window
  • Sleep before initial command — claude needs time to start before receiving slash commands
  • No orchestration required — this is a pure tmux convenience skill