How to Use Powerlevel10k to Customize Zsh

Powerlevel10k is a Zsh theme that improves the speed and aesthetics of the terminal. It is instantaneous access, even in large Git repositories, and prompt information is updated without delays. Because of this, it functions perfectly for users who need an agile responsive shell.

The theme has an uncluttered and elegant a minimized shell prompt. It displays Git status, command exit codes, relevant system data, and time in a neat structured manner. Readability as well as the appeal of the terminal is boosted with icons and color support.

In this article, I will describe how to install Powerlevel10k, run its configuration wizard, set required fonts as well as adjust prompt sections using .p10k.zsh file.

Prerequisites Before You Start

Before using Powerlevel10k, make sure to install Zsh first and update it. To check the version, run:

zsh --version

Powerlevel10k works best with Zsh version 5.1 or higher. If needed, install or update it using:

sudo apt install zsh -y

Then set Zsh as the default shell:

chsh -s $(which zsh)

You also need a terminal that supports custom fonts, such as iTerm2 (macOS), Windows Terminal (Windows), or GNOME Terminal (Linux).

Powerlevel10k requires a Nerd Font for proper icon display. Download MesloLGS NF and install all four styles (Regular, Bold, Italic, Bold Italic), and set it as your terminal’s default font.

Installing Powerlevel10k Step by Step

Use this method if you manage your .zshrc file manually. First, clone the Powerlevel10k repository:

git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git ~/powerlevel10k

Then, add this line to your .zshrc file:

source ~/powerlevel10k/powerlevel10k.zsh-theme

Install through Oh My Zsh

If you use Oh My Zsh, install Powerlevel10k as a custom theme. First, install Oh My Zsh if not already installed:

sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"

Then clone the theme into the custom themes directory:

git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-~/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/themes/powerlevel10k

Set the theme in your .zshrc:

ZSH_THEME="powerlevel10k/powerlevel10k"

Running the Configuration Wizard

Once Powerlevel10k is installed and the correct font is set, run the configuration wizard:

p10k configure

This command launches an interactive setup. It checks your font and displays layout options with previews. If you see boxes or question marks, the font is not set correctly.

You can choose from styles like Classic, Rainbow, or Lean. Use arrow keys to preview and select one. At the end of the setup, enable Instant Prompt for faster shell startup. All preferences are saved in a file called .p10k.zsh.

Customizing Prompt Segments

Powerlevel10k stores prompt settings in .p10k.zsh. You can open and edit this file to change layout, segments, icons, and colors.

Re-order or Remove Segments

Segments are defined in these arrays:

typeset -g POWERLEVEL9K_LEFT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS=(os_icon dir vcs)
typeset -g POWERLEVEL9K_RIGHT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS=(status time)

To reorder, move segment names up or down. To remove, delete the segment name from the array.

Add New Segments

You can add useful elements like Python virtual environments, battery status, or VPN info.

To add a Python venv indicator:

typeset -g POWERLEVEL9K_LEFT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS=(os_icon dir python vcs)

To add battery status:

typeset -g POWERLEVEL9K_RIGHT_PROMPT_ELEMENTS=(status battery time)

Make sure these features are available on your system for them to show in the prompt.

Each segment can be styled with custom icons and colors. To change the Git branch icon:

typeset -g POWERLEVEL9K_VCS_BRANCH_ICON='\uE0A0 '

To adjust colors:

typeset -g POWERLEVEL9K_DIR_FOREGROUND=33

typeset -g POWERLEVEL9K_DIR_BACKGROUND=0

 Edit these values to match your preferred look and improve readability.

Conclusion

Powerlevel10k offers a fast, informative, and customizable Zsh prompt.

You learned how to check your Zsh version, install Powerlevel10k manually or with Oh My Zsh, and set it as your default shell. You also ran the p10k configure wizard to select a prompt style and enable Instant Prompt for fast startup. Finally, you edited .p10k.zsh to reorder segments, add extra elements like Python or battery status, and modify icons and colors.

These steps help you build a clean, responsive, and personalized terminal environment that works smoothly and looks sharp.

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