cmus
Play music from the command line
TLDR
Open cmus into the specified directory (this will become your new working directory)
Add file/directory to library
Pause/unpause current song
Toggle shuffle mode on/off
Quit cmus
SYNOPSIS
cmus [options] [files|directories]
PARAMETERS
-C, --clear
Clear the cmus configuration.
-f, --force-clear
Force clear even with the current version.
-v, --version
Display version information and exit.
-h, --help
Display this help message and exit.
[files|directories]
Files or directories to add to the library and playlist.
DESCRIPTION
cmus is a fast, powerful and versatile curses-based music player for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. Designed for users who prefer a keyboard-centric interface, it provides extensive control over playback, library management, and configuration, all within a text-based environment. cmus supports numerous audio formats, including MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, Musepack, Wavpack, WMA, AAC, MP4, and various others, depending on the plugins installed. It offers features like gapless playback, ReplayGain support, customizable keybindings, and a powerful filter-based library view. cmus emphasizes efficiency and low resource usage, making it suitable for both low-powered systems and users seeking a distraction-free music listening experience.
The player is highly customizable through configuration files, allowing users to tailor the interface and functionality to their specific needs. Its minimalistic design and efficient operation has cultivated a loyal user base that appreciates its focus on core functionality and lack of bloat.
CAVEATS
cmus is a text-based application, so it lacks a graphical user interface. Configuration is primarily done through text files, which may require some initial effort to learn.
INTERFACE
cmus uses a split-screen interface consisting of views. Some of the commonly used views are the library view(1), the playlist view(2), and the browser view(3). Navigate by pressing TAB. Use hjkl (vim like keys) for navigation.
CONFIGURATION
cmus reads its configuration from `~/.config/cmus/autosave` and `~/.config/cmus/rc`.
Note: The settings saved in the `autosave` file are automatically saved during program termination.
HISTORY
cmus was initially developed by Timo Hirvonen and is under active development. Its design principles emphasize speed, efficiency, and a keyboard-driven interface, reflecting the preferences of many experienced Linux users who value productivity and control over resource usage. cmus is a well-established command and has maintained a loyal userbase.