tldr Cheatsheet

Q: How do I install tldr?

Python: `pip install tldr`. Node: `npm install -g tldr`. Go: `go install github.com/isacikgoz/tldr@latest`. Homebrew: `brew install tldr`. The first run downloads the cache automatically.

Q: How is tldr different from man?

tldr shows practical examples in 30 seconds instead of scrolling through pages of documentation. Each command page has 5-10 common usage examples with descriptions. It also supports multiple languages.

tldr is a community-maintained simplified man page client with practical command examples. Perfect for quickly looking up command usage, covering 140K+ commands.

Updated: 2026-07-20·11 commands

Quick Start

bash
tldr tar              # Show tar command examples
tldr --search zip     # Search for zip commands
tldr --update         # Update local cache
tldr --language zh    # Chinese version

Startup & Modes(11)

Command	Level	Example
`tldr --help` Show tldr help	Basic	`tldr --help`
`tldr cmd` View simplified help for a command	Basic	`tldr tar`
`tldr --update` Update local cache	Basic	`tldr --update`
`tldr --list` List all available commands	Basic	`tldr --list`
`tldr --search` Search for commands	Basic	`tldr --search compress`
`tldr --language` Display in specified language	Basic	`tldr --language zh tar`
`tldr --platform` Specify platform (linux/osx/windows)	Intermediate	`tldr --platform linux apt`
`tldr --render` Render a markdown file as help page	Expert	`tldr --render ./custom-page.md`
`pip install tldr` Install tldr Python client	Basic	`pip install tldr`
`npm install -g tldr` Install tldr via npm	Basic	`npm install -g tldr`
`brew install tldr` Install tldr via Homebrew	Basic	`brew install tldr`

FAQ

How do I install tldr?

How is tldr different from man?

This cheatsheet is compiled from official tool documentation. Last updated: 2026-07-20.