Fix iTerm2 word navigation on macOS

On a default iTerm2 install, word navigation doesn’t behave like macOS for me. ⌥← and ⌥→ don’t reliably jump by word, especially with zsh autosuggestions.

The fix is built in. No hex codes. No shell config.

Follow these steps:

• Open iTerm2 → Preferences
• Go to Profiles → (your profile) → Keys
• Under Key Mappings, open Presets
• Select Natural Text Editing

That’s it.

After this:

• ⌥← and ⌥→ move by word
• ⌥⌫ deletes one word
• ⌘← and ⌘→ go to line start/end
• Works with zsh autosuggestions

Nothing else needed.

You might be interested in:

• A better ls on macOS: use eza, but not as an alias - same iTerm2 profile, a different default worth replacing.
• Git commands I wish I knew early - the commands you type once the keys behave.