20 Mac Terminal Commands Every User Should Know

The 20 Mac Terminal Commands is a powerful tool that gives you direct access to the core of your Mac’s operating system. While it might seem intimidating at first, mastering these essential commands can significantly enhance your productivity and give you greater control over your machine.

The Terminal app on macOS is more than just a black screen with blinking text—it’s a gateway to powerful functionality that often surpasses what’s possible through the graphical interface. This guide will walk you through 20 must-know Terminal commands that will help you navigate, manipulate files, and manage your system more effectively.

Essential Navigation and File Management

1. Change Directory (cd)

The cd command is your primary tool for navigation in Terminal.

bash

cd /path/to/directory    # Navigate to specific directory

cd ..                    # Move up one directory

cd ~                     # Go to home directory

2. Listing Directory Contents (ls)

View the contents of your current directory with various options:

bash

ls                  # Basic directory listing

ls -l               # Detailed listing with permissions and sizes

ls -a               # Show hidden files

ls -lah             # Detailed listing including hidden files, with human-readable sizes

3. Opening Files (open)

The open command is versatile and works with files and applications:

bash

open file.txt       # Opens with default application

open -a "App Name" file    # Opens with specified application

open .              # Opens current directory in Finder

4. Copying Files (cp)

Copy files and directories with preservation of attributes:

bash

cp source.txt destination.txt

cp -R sourcefolder/ destinationfolder/    # Copy directories recursively

5. Moving Files (mv)

Move or rename files and directories:

bash

mv oldname.txt newname.txt    # Rename file

mv file.txt /path/to/newlocation/    # Move file

File and Directory Creation/Deletion

6. Creating Text Files (touch)

Create empty files or update timestamps:

bash

touch newfile.txt

touch -t 202402171200 file.txt    # Set specific timestamp

7. Creating Directories (mkdir)

Make new directories with optional parent directories:

bash

mkdir newdirectory

mkdir -p parent/child/grandchild    # Create nested directories

8. Removing Empty Directories (rmdir)

Safely remove empty directories:

bash

rmdir emptyfolder

9. Removing Nested Directories (rm)

Remove directories and their contents (use with caution):

bash

rm -rf directory # Force remove directory and contents

System Management and Administration

10. Superuser Privileges (sudo)

Execute commands with administrative privileges:

bash

sudo command    # Prompts for password

sudo -s         # Start a root shell session

11. Process Management (ps)

View running processes:

bash

ps aux          # Show all processes

ps aux | grep "process-name"    # Search for specific process

12. Exiting Sub-screens (Control + D)

When in a sub-screen or shell:

bash

Control + D # Exit current shell/screen

13. Clear Screen (clear)

Clean up your Terminal view:

bash

clear          # Clear screen

Command + K    # Alternative clear method

Advanced Operations

14. Directory Content Copying (ditto)

Preserve file attributes while copying:

bash

ditto source_folder destination_folder

15. Command Help (whatis)

Get quick command descriptions:

bash

whatis command # Shows one-line description

16. Manual Pages (man)

Access detailed command documentation:

bash

man command # Shows full manual page

17. Exit Terminal (exit)

Properly close Terminal sessions:

bash

exit # Close current session

System-Specific Operations

18. Running Shortcuts

Execute Shortcuts from Terminal:

bash

shortcuts run "Shortcut Name"

19. Time Machine Operations

Manage backups via Terminal:

bash

tmutil startbackup    # Start backup

tmutil listbackups    # List available backups

20. Force Quit Applications

Force quit unresponsive applications:

bash

killall "Application Name"

Conclusion

These Terminal commands form the foundation for efficient Mac system management. While the graphical interface is user-friendly, mastering these commands gives you more precise control and can often help you accomplish tasks more quickly. Remember to always exercise caution with powerful commands, especially those involving deletion or system modifications.