Xshell highlight sets are a feature that allows users to customize the color scheme and highlighting of specific text patterns in the terminal output. This feature is particularly useful when working with Cisco devices, as it enables users to quickly identify and highlight important information, such as error messages, IP addresses, or configuration changes.
GigabitEthernet , TenGigabitEthernet , Vlan , Loopback , FastEthernet , Port-channel . Routing Protocols: ospf , bgp , eigrp , rip , static . 4. Warnings & Transients (Yellow / Orange)
| Pattern | Color | Example | |---------|-------|---------| | (GigabitEthernet\|Gig\|FastEthernet\|Fa\|TenGigE\|Port-channel\|Vlan)\d+ | | Gig0/1 , Vlan10 | | Loopback\d+ | Light Purple | Loopback0 |
Download the template rules from this article, import them into Xshell, and run show log on your nearest Catalyst switch. You’ll see the difference immediately. xshell highlight sets cisco best
Color segmentation organizes data naturally, allowing you to work longer maintenance windows with fewer tracking mistakes. Step-by-Step: How to Create a Highlight Set in XShell
Avoid sets older than 2019 — they lack regex for newer Cisco show tech outputs and JSON-formatted CLI.
Recommended highlight categories for Cisco Xshell highlight sets are a feature that allows
: Errors, drops, and interface shutdowns stand out immediately.
Visual segmentation allows your eyes to scan thousands of lines of log data without losing focus. The Ultimate Cisco Highlight Strategy: Color Mapping
: For keywords like DOWN , use regular expressions to avoid partial highlights. Use \bDOWN\b to ensure only the whole word is highlighted. Routing Protocols: ospf , bgp , eigrp , rip , static
Add the following essential keyword definitions to your list: Match Type Keyword / Pattern Color Assignment Description down Signals an inactive or broken link. Keyword administratively down Shows manual interface shutdown. Keyword err-disabled Red Bold + Underline Alerts to port security or loop errors. Keyword up Green Bold Confirms successful link operational state. Keyword established Confirms BGP neighbor adjacency. Keyword FULL/ Green Bold Confirms OSPF neighbor state is healthy. Keyword half Orange / Yellow Catches duplex mismatches on Ethernet ports. Keyword spoofing Flags potentially malicious or misconfigured traffic. Step 3: Implement Advanced Regular Expressions (Regex)
Xshell processes highlight rules from top to bottom. If you have a general rule for the word down colored in red, but a later rule that highlights an entire interface string like GigabitEthernet0/1 is down in blue, the later rule can override or conflict with the first. Place your most specific RegEx patterns at the bottom of the list and broad keyword matches at the top. Don't Overdo the Background Colors