Powerlevel10k
A fast, customizable prompt theme for the Zsh shell, with a setup wizard.
- Stars
- 55.3k
- Forks
- 2.4k
- Licence
- MIT
- Language
- Shell
- Last update
- 2 months ago
- Type
- Dev tool
What it is
Powerlevel10k is a theme that changes how the command prompt looks in Zsh, the shell used in many terminals. It shows information such as the current directory and Git status, and it is designed to keep the prompt responsive even when showing a lot of information. A built-in wizard, started with p10k configure, lets you pick a style without editing config files by hand.
- Show the current Git branch and file status in the prompt without lag
- Display the active Python version from pyenv or time tracking from timewarrior in the prompt
- Use instant prompt so the shell shows a prompt right away while slow plugins load
- Customize prompt segments by editing the generated ~/.p10k.zsh file
Great for
- Zsh users who want a informative prompt that does not slow down typing
- People who want to move from Powerlevel9k without rewriting their settings
- Users who prefer a guided setup wizard over writing configuration from scratch
- People who want a Pure-style prompt with extra features like transient prompt
Not ideal for
- Users of bash, fish or other shells, since it only works with Zsh
- Users who need active maintenance or new features, because the README says the project has very limited support, no new features are planned, and help requests will be ignored
- Users who cannot install a patched font, since some prompt styles need special symbols to display
How to get it
- 1
Clone and build from source
You'll need: Zsh
Clone the repository
git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git ${ZDOTDIR:-$HOME}/powerlevel10k - 2
Run it
- Optionally install the recommended Meslo Nerd Font patched for Powerlevel10k
- Set Powerlevel10k as your theme in ~/.zshrc and restart Zsh with exec zsh
- Run p10k configure if the configuration wizard does not start automatically
- Edit ~/.p10k.zsh to customize the prompt further
- 3
Get the most out of it
- Install the recommended font before running p10k configure to unlock all prompt styles
- Enable instant prompt through p10k configure to remove Zsh startup lag
- Use the Pure style if you like Pure but want Powerlevel10k features like transient prompt
- Use the comments in ~/.p10k.zsh to adjust segments and colors
Downloads
Strengths
- The README claims the prompt stays fast, and it describes an instant prompt feature that shows the prompt while plugins load
- Includes a configuration wizard (p10k configure) that creates a settings file with comments
- Understands existing Powerlevel9k configuration parameters, which eases migration
Trade-offs
- The README states the project has very limited support, no new features in the works, and most bugs will go unfixed
- Some prompt styles need a recommended patched font to display correctly
- Prompt appearance may differ slightly from Powerlevel9k with the same configuration, according to the README's FAQ
How it compares
| Project | Stars | Type | Level | Updated | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| powerlevel10k (this) | 55.3k | Dev tool | beginner | 2 months ago | Zsh users who want a informative prompt that does not slow down typing |
| pure | 14.5k | Dev tool | beginner | 29 days ago | Developers who use zsh and want a simple, readable prompt |
| ohmyzsh | 190k | Dev tool | beginner | 4 days ago | People who already use zsh and want a ready-made configuration without writing it from scratch |
| spaceship-prompt | 20.6k | Dev tool | beginner | 10 days ago | Zsh users who want useful information in their prompt without much setup |
| zoxide | 40.4k | Dev tool | beginner | 4 days ago | Developers who move between many project folders in a terminal |
| oh-my-posh | 23.7k | Dev tool | intermediate | 4 days ago | Developers who want their terminal prompt to show extra context |
Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.