Xshell Highlight Sets Cisco May 2026
| Issue | Likely Fix |
|-------|-------------|
| Highlight not appearing | Check that the session’s Terminal type is xterm or ansi (not VT100). |
| Pattern matches too much | Use word boundaries (\bdown\b instead of just down). |
| Logs not highlighted | Ensure log viewer also references the same highlight set (set in log viewer settings). |
In the Options window, look for the Highlight tab or section. This is where you can configure what gets highlighted and how.
These demand attention but don't require immediate panic.
| Purpose | Regex Pattern | Style |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Warning Syslog | %[A-Z]*-3- (Matches any level 3 syslog) | Yellow text, Bold |
| Duplex Mismatch | duplex mismatch|auto-negotiation | Orange text |
| CPU Spike | %CPU|high utilization|process= | Yellow background, Black text |
| Link Flapping | link state.*?down.*?up (Regex for quick flaps) | Yellow text |
Example Use: When show process cpu history runs, the line with "75%" will not trigger, but if the text "high utilization" appears in a log, it will pop.
Beyond basic keyword highlighting, Xshell offers features that elevate your Cisco workflow.
Visualizing Your Cisco CLI: A Guide to Xshell Highlight Sets xshell highlight sets cisco
Tired of staring at endless walls of monochromatic text in your Cisco terminal? Using Xshell Highlight Sets can transform your workflow by making critical information like IP addresses, status keywords, and errors pop out instantly. Why Use Highlight Sets for Cisco?
Unlike standard color schemes that change the entire terminal's background or text color, Highlight Sets use string matching and regular expressions to colorize specific parts of the output.
Faster Troubleshooting: Catch "down" interfaces or "err-disable" states in red immediately.
Reduced Eye Strain: Distinct colors for interface names, IP addresses, and command prompts make logs easier to parse.
Visual Consistency: Ensure that crucial data like BGP summaries or route maps look the same across every device you manage. How to Create Your Cisco Highlight Set
Setting up your own custom highlighting in Xshell is a straightforward process through the tools menu. | Issue | Likely Fix | |-------|-------------| |
Open the Highlight Dialog: In Xshell, navigate to the Tools menu and select Terminal Highlight Sets.
Create New: Click the New button and give your set a name like "Cisco_IOS".
Add Keywords: Click Add to input the strings or patterns you want to emphasize.
Status Indicators: Add up, down, administratively down, and shutdown.
Networking Patterns: Use basic strings or regular expressions for IPv4 addresses.
Assign Styles: For each keyword, choose a foreground color (e.g., Red for "down", Green for "up") and font style (e.g., Bold). In the Options window, look for the Highlight
Apply to Sessions: Select your new set in the Highlight Sets dialog and click Set to Current to activate it for your active session. Recommended Colors for Cisco Devices
A well-organized set avoids "color vomit" and focuses on utility: Red: down, shutdown, err-disable, error, no. Green: up, established, connected, and IP addresses.
Blue: Interface names (e.g., GigabitEthernet, Te0/0/1) and switchport commands. Yellow: User accounts, hostnames, or specific warning logs. Pro Tip: Share Your Sets
Once you've perfected your Cisco highlight set, you can export/import the configuration files to share with your team, ensuring everyone sees the same visual cues during high-pressure troubleshooting. danielmacuare/netcli-highlight - GitHub
Examples * BGP Summary (Cisco / Arista) * Interface Status (Cisco / Arista / JunOS) * Route Maps (Cisco / Arista) * Prefix Lists (
Highlighting specific commands or keywords in your terminal can significantly enhance your workflow. For Cisco devices, this can mean making commands stand out for easier reference, reducing eye strain, and minimizing errors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this feature can improve your overall experience with Xshell.