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Guide · Open source

How to use powerlevel10k: install, configure and tips

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Powerlevel10k is a theme for Zsh, the shell used in many terminals. It shows details such as the current directory and Git status in your command prompt, and it is built to stay fast while doing so. This guide walks through installing it, running the setup wizard, and adjusting the result, so you can have a working prompt in a few minutes.

Powerlevel10kromkatv/powerlevel10k · ★ 55.3k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check that Zsh is your shell. Powerlevel10k only works with Zsh. Confirm you are using Zsh before you begin.
  2. 2Install the recommended font. Install the Meslo Nerd Font patched for Powerlevel10k so that special prompt symbols display. This step is optional but recommended.
  3. 3Clone the repository. Run the git clone command from the README into ${ZDOTDIR:-$HOME}/powerlevel10k.
  4. 4Load the theme in your Zsh config. Add the line described in the README's Installation section to ~/.zshrc so Zsh loads the theme.
  5. 5Restart Zsh. Run exec zsh to reload the shell.
  6. 6Run the configuration wizard. Type p10k configure and pick a style. It writes your choices to ~/.p10k.zsh.
  7. 7Fine-tune the settings. Edit ~/.p10k.zsh, which has comments for each option, to adjust the prompt further.

What you need before installing Powerlevel10k

The only prerequisite named in the project's README is Zsh. Powerlevel10k is a Zsh theme, so it does not work in bash, fish or other shells.

The README also recommends installing a patched font. Some prompt styles use special symbols that will not display without one. The font is optional, but you should install it before running the wizard to unlock all prompt styles.

  • Zsh installed and used as your shell
  • Optional: the Meslo Nerd Font patched for Powerlevel10k

Install Powerlevel10k by cloning the repository

The README's install method is to clone the repository into your Zsh config directory. The path uses ${ZDOTDIR:-$HOME}, so it lands in ZDOTDIR if you set that variable, and in your home directory otherwise.

After cloning, you need to load the theme from your ~/.zshrc. Check the README's Installation section for the exact line to add before restarting Zsh.

git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git ${ZDOTDIR:-$HOME}/powerlevel10k

Restart Zsh and run the configuration wizard

Restart Zsh with exec zsh. If the configuration wizard does not start on its own, type p10k configure.

The wizard lets you pick a style without editing config files by hand. It creates ~/.p10k.zsh based on your choices. The styles other than Pure display the same information and differ only in how it looks.

  • Run exec zsh to restart the shell
  • Run p10k configure if the wizard does not start automatically
  • Choose a style; the result is saved to ~/.p10k.zsh
exec zsh

Customize the prompt by editing ~/.p10k.zsh

The wizard's output is a file you can edit. The project says the file has plenty of comments to help you find configuration options.

If you want the Pure look, select the Pure style in the wizard. Powerlevel10k does not read Pure's own parameters, so Pure settings must be written as POWERLEVEL9K parameters in ~/.p10k.zsh. For example, the README gives POWERLEVEL9K_COMMAND_EXECUTION_TIME_THRESHOLD=3 in place of PURE_CMD_MAX_EXEC_TIME=3.

  • Git status symbols and prompt colors are covered in the project FAQ
  • Instant prompt can be enabled through p10k configure or manually

Move from Powerlevel9k without rewriting settings

Powerlevel10k understands all Powerlevel9k configuration parameters, so your existing POWERLEVEL9K settings keep working. The README describes the migration as straightforward, though the prompt may look slightly different from Powerlevel9k with the same config.

The README's FAQ covers migrating from Powerlevel9k used with Oh My Zsh.

Know the project's limits before you commit

The README is blunt about the project's status. It says the project has very limited support, no new features are in the works, most bugs will go unfixed, and help requests will be ignored.

Plan around that. The theme is usable as it is, but do not expect new features or fixes on demand.

What people use it for

  • Show the current directory and Git status in every prompt without slowing down typing
  • Migrate an existing Powerlevel9k setup while keeping its POWERLEVEL9K settings
  • Pick a Pure-style prompt that still uses transient prompt and instant prompt
  • Show extra context such as timewarrior tracking or the Python version from pyenv in the prompt

Frequently asked questions

Is Powerlevel10k free to use?

Powerlevel10k is released under the MIT licence, as stated in the project's metadata. The licence allows you to use the theme under its terms; check the LICENSE file in the repository for the full text.

Does Powerlevel10k work with bash or fish?

No. The project is a theme for Zsh and only works with Zsh. Users of bash, fish or other shells should look at a prompt designed for their shell.

Why are some prompt symbols missing or shown as question marks?

Some prompt styles need special symbols that only display with a patched font. Install the recommended Meslo Nerd Font patched for Powerlevel10k, then run p10k configure again.

How do I migrate from Powerlevel9k?

Your existing POWERLEVEL9K configuration parameters are understood by Powerlevel10k, so they keep working. The prompt may look a little different in some cases, but the migration is described as straightforward.

What are the alternatives to Powerlevel10k?

The project lists Starship, Pure, Oh My Zsh and Spaceship Prompt as comparable projects. Pick Starship if you want a prompt that is not limited to Zsh, or Pure if you want a minimal prompt.

Is Powerlevel10k still maintained?

The README says the project has very limited support, no new features are planned, and help requests will be ignored. If you need active maintenance, consider one of the comparable projects.

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Our verdict

Powerlevel10k suits Zsh users who want an informative prompt that stays fast, especially if they are coming from Powerlevel9k or like a guided wizard. Skip it if you use bash or fish, if you cannot install a patched font, or if you need an actively maintained project, since the README says support is very limited and no new features are planned.

Install options & downloads