Terminal: How to Get to the Command Line on a Mac

This updated guide examines Terminal: How to Get to the Command Line on a Mac and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 3:

Using Launchpad

1. Open Launchpad. 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 pressingF4on the keyboard.
2. Click theOtherfolder. It's a square icon containing several smaller icons.
3. ClickTerminal. 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.

Method 2of 3:

Using Spotlight

1. Click the Spotlight icon. It's the magnifying glass at the top right corner of the screen.^[2]
   • You can also open Spotlight by pressing⌘Command+Spaceon the keyboard.
2. Typeterminalinto the search box. 'Terminal' will appear in the search results.
3. Double-clickTerminal. The Terminal application will now launch to the command prompt.

Method 3of 3:

Using Finder

1. Open Finder. It's the icon at the bottom of the screen that looks like a two-toned smiling face.
2. ClickApplications. 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. ClickUtilities. You may have to scroll down to find it.
4. Double-clickTerminal. You may have to scroll down to find it. The Terminal application will now launch to the command prompt.^[3]