htop

Updated

July 31, 2026

Overview

htop is an interactive process viewer — a friendlier alternative to top with mouse support, trees, and easy filters. Install via sudo apt install htop.

Syntax

htop [options]

Common Options

Option Description
-d tenths Delay (tenths of a second)
-u user Only this user
-p PID,… Only these PIDs
-t / --tree Tree view
-C Monochrome

Useful keys

Key Action
F1/h Help
F2 Setup (meters, columns)
F3// Search
F4/\ Filter
F5 Tree
F6 Sort column
F9/k Kill (pick signal)
F7/F8 Nice − / +
Space Tag
u User filter
H/K Hide user/kernel threads
p Show full path
q Quit

Examples with Explanations

htop
htop -u "$USER"
htop -p $(pgrep -d, nginx)
htop -t

Tips

  • Setup → display options: show CPU in “bar” or detailed numbers.
  • For scripts use ps/pidstat, not htop.
  • Alternatives: btop, atop.