PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to open the Terminal (command prompt) application in macOS using Launchpad, Spotlight, or Finder. Terminal gives you access to the Unix part of macOS so you can manage files, edit settings, and run scripts using text commands.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Launchpad

PDF download Download Article
  1. It’s the silver icon in the Dock that looks like a rocket. The Dock is a panel of icons usually found at the bottom of the screen, though it can also be moved to the screen’s left or right side.[1]
    • If you’re on a laptop, you can also open Launchpad by doing a four-finger pinch gesture on the trackpad.
    • You may also be able to open it by pressing F4 on the keyboard.
  2. It’s a square icon containing several smaller icons.
    Advertisement
  3. The Terminal application will now launch to the command prompt.
    • If you don’t see Terminal in the Other folder, it may have been moved elsewhere in Launchpad. If you’re unable to find it, try another method.
  4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Spotlight

PDF download Download Article
  1. It’s the magnifying glass at the top right corner of the screen.[2]
    • You can also open Spotlight by pressing Command+Space on the keyboard.
  2. “Terminal” will appear in the search results.
  3. The Terminal application will now launch to the command prompt.
  4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Finder

PDF download Download Article
  1. It’s the icon at the bottom of the screen that looks like a two-toned smiling face.
  2. It’s in the left panel of Finder.
    • If you don't see "Applications" in the left panel, click Go at the top of the screen and select Applications.
  3. You may have to scroll down to find it.
  4. You may have to scroll down to find it. The Terminal application will now launch to the command prompt.
  5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the command for my ip address?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    ipconfig getifaddr en0
  • Question
    How do I ping the gateway from terminal?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    At the command prompt, type "ping " and press Return.
  • Question
    How to find a list of all terminal commands?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Press the Escape key (on the keyboard) twice, then press "y" when you're asked if you want to see all commands.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • To close Terminal, press Command+Q.
  • To change the color scheme of your Terminal window, click Terminal at the top of the screen and select Preferences. Choose one of the themes on the left side of the screen or customize the colors in the main panel.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified TimeAutomatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
Can You Change an Apple ID Without Losing EverythingCan You Change Your Apple ID Without Losing Everything? Learn How to Keep What You Need
Force Shut Down a Mac Force Shut Down or Restart a Frozen Mac
Download Spotify on Mac6 Quick Steps to Download & Install Spotify on macOS
Install Altstore Install AltStore on an iPhone or iPad
Install Macos on a Virtual Machine Install MacOS on a Virtual Machine Using VirtualBox
Tell if Your Mac Is Too Old to UpdateTell if Your Mac Is Too Old to Update
Open Exe Files on Mac Open Executable Files on Mac: Virtual Machine, Boot Camp, or Wine
Turn Off Password Login on a Mac Disable Password Login on Mac (Plus Troubleshooting)
Find Your IP Address on a Mac Find Your Internal & External IP Address on a Mac
Change the Scroll Direction on a Mac Change the Scroll Direction on a Mac
Turn On a Mac Computer5 Ways to Turn On a Mac Computer - wikiHow
Create a TXT File on MacCreate a TXT File on Mac
Quickly Open the Launchpad on a MacQuickly Open the Launchpad on a Mac
Advertisement

About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 1,080,162 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 8
Updated: December 31, 2024
Views: 1,080,162
Categories: Mac
Article SummaryX

1. Click the Launchpad icon on the Dock.
2. Click the Other folder.
3. Click Terminal.

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,080,162 times.

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement