Open Local Terminals in Remote Projects

When working in remote projects (like Docker containers or SSH connections), you sometimes need to run local commands—build tools, scripts, or agents—without leaving your editor. Now you can open local terminals alongside your remote ones!

The Problem

Before this feature, working in a remote project meant:

All terminals connected to the remote environment
Running local tools required separate terminal applications
Context switching between Zed and external terminals
Fragmented workflow across multiple windows

The Solution

Add a local parameter to terminal commands to force a local shell, even in remote projects.

Configuration

Add these keybindings to your keymap.json:

{
  "bindings": {
    "cmd-t": "workspace::NewCenterTerminal",         // Remote terminal (default)
    "cmd-T": ["workspace::NewCenterTerminal", { "local": true }]  // Local terminal
  }
},
{
  "context": "Terminal",
  "bindings": {
    "cmd-n": "workspace::NewTerminal",               // Remote terminal (default)
    "cmd-N": ["workspace::NewTerminal", { "local": true }]  // Local terminal
  }
}

Use Cases

Local build tools: Run webpack, rollup, or other bundlers on your machine while editing remote files

Git operations: Use local Git commands for repository management

Local scripts: Execute automation scripts or deployment tools from your machine

Testing tools: Run Playwright or Selenium tests locally while developing in a container

Package managers: Install npm packages locally while the app runs remotely

File watchers: Use local file watching tools that work better on your host machine

How It Works

Default behavior unchanged: Regular terminal commands still open remote terminals in remote projects
Opt-in local shells: Use the local: true parameter when you need a local environment
Visual distinction: Both terminal types in the same Zed window for easy switching
Full keyboard access: No need to reach for the mouse or switch apps

Perfect For

Container development: Work in Dev Containers while running local tools
SSH workflows: Edit remote files while managing local deployments
Hybrid development: Mix remote execution with local tooling
Build pipelines: Run local build steps for remotely-edited code

No more juggling between Zed and external terminals—keep everything in one window!

Related PR: #46532