Features›Modes›XTPUSHSGR — push SGR stack (CSI # {)

XTPUSHSGR — push SGR stack (CSI # {)

Category: modes · Baseline: rich · Tags: Xterm Extensions · Specification ↗

ESC [ # {

XTPUSHSGR pushes the current SGR (Select Graphic Rendition) state onto an internal stack. The sequence is CSI # { (or CSI Pt # { with a parameter mask to push only specific attributes). XTPOPSGR (CSI # }) pops the most recent state. This solves a recurring TUI problem: a function that wants to set its own SGR state, render some output, and restore the caller's state. Without push/pop, the function would need to query SGR via DECRQSS, save the result, and write it back — far more error-prone and slower. SGR push/pop also enables nested attribute scopes (e.g., bold inside an italic block) without losing state. Introduced by xterm in patch #357 (2018), now adopted by Ghostty, foot, Contour, and other modern terminals. Often paired with XTPUSHCOLORS (CSI # P) for a complete "push graphics state" idiom.

How this is testedautomated
Send \x1b[#{ (XTPUSHSGR), verify the sequence is consumed and the terminal stays responsive.

The same probe runs against headless backends (via Termless) and real terminal apps (via a daemon launched in each terminal). This lets us distinguish parser correctness from rendering correctness.

Analysis2026-04-06

Supported by 8 of 9 terminals (89%). Not supported by: Alacritty. Part of the Rich TUI baseline. Notes: Alacritty: SGR stack not implemented by alacritty.

Supported by 9 of 14 backends (64%)

Terminal Applications

Terminal	Version	Support	Notes
iTerm2	3.6.9	✓ yes	Sequence consumed; terminal responsive
Ghostty	1.3.1	✓ yes	Sequence consumed; terminal responsive
Terminal.app	2.15	✓ yes	Sequence consumed; terminal responsive
Kitty	0.46.2	✓ yes	SGR stack not exposed via Python batch bridge
VS Code	1.113.0	? unknown
Warp	0.2026.03.18.08.24.03	? unknown
Cursor	2.6.21	? unknown

Headless Backends

Parser correctness only — a ✓ means the parser accepts the sequence.

Backend	Version	Support	Notes
vt100.js	0.2.1	✓ yes
vterm	0.2.0	✓ yes
xterm.js	5.5.0	✓ yes
WezTerm	0.1.0-fork.5	~ partial	SGR stack not exposed in headless mode; sequence consumed silently
Alacritty	0.26.0	✗ no	SGR stack not implemented by alacritty

← Back to matrix · modes features