Beautiful GhostBSD Terminal: ZSH + Powerlevel10k Tutorial

Quick Setup (For Experienced Users)

Already know your way around? Run these commands, log out/in, and you’ll be up and running:

sudo pkg install zsh git
chsh -s /usr/local/bin/zsh
git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git ~/.zsh-powerlevel10k
echo 'source ~/.zsh-powerlevel10k/powerlevel10k.zsh-theme' >> ~/.zshrc
# Log out and back in, then run:
p10k configure

If you’re coming from Linux, note: GhostBSD defaults to the Fish shell for users, and tcsh for root. We’re switching here to ZSH directly.

Understanding GhostBSD’s Default Shells

On a fresh GhostBSD installation, you’ll notice the shell isn’t what you may be used to on Linux. By default:

Root users use tcsh (FreeBSD tradition).
Normal users default to Fish (Friendly Interactive Shell), which provides autocomplete and syntax highlighting immediately.

Fish is nice, but ZSH with Powerlevel10k unlocks power and beauty. Let’s walk slowly through switching to ZSH and styling your shell.

Step 1: Install ZSH

Run:

sudo pkg install zsh

Confirm the path:

which zsh

Usually: /usr/local/bin/zsh.

Step 2: Switch Your Login Shell

Tell GhostBSD to use ZSH whenever you log in:

chsh -s /usr/local/bin/zsh

Important: Log out of your XFCE session and log back in. Otherwise GhostBSD will still launch Fish.

Step 3: Install Powerlevel10k Theme

Check availability:

pkg search powerlevel10k

If not listed, clone it manually:

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

Edit (or create) ~/.zshrc:

nano ~/.zshrc

Add this line at the top:

source ~/.zsh-powerlevel10k/powerlevel10k.zsh-theme

Save and exit (CTRL+O, CTRL+X in nano).

Step 4: Run the Configuration Wizard

Start the wizard:

p10k configure

Choose fonts, icons, and prompt styles. This is where your creativity shines—pick what excites you.

Step 5: Verify and Enjoy

Open a fresh terminal. You should see a brand new, information-rich, stylish prompt.

Before and after GhostBSD terminal with Powerlevel10k — Before vs After: Fish → ZSH + Powerlevel10k.

Want a different look later? Run:

p10k configure

Why Start Here?

Small, beautiful wins matter. For curious Linux users trying GhostBSD for the first time, this tutorial provides instant proof: GhostBSD isn’t just rock-solid—it can look amazing too. That’s often what inspires creatives to stick around.