How to access the command line on a Mac

In macOS, the Terminal application provides a command line for running text-based commands and scripts. To access the command line in macOS, follow these steps.

Command line using Finder

The macOS Terminal application is located in the folder /Applications/Utilities. To run the Terminal app from the Finder, follow these steps.

1. In the Dock at the bottom of your screen, click the Finder icon.

2. On the left side of the screen, under the Favorites section, click the selector.
3. After clicking Applications, click the Utilities shortcut in the section to the right.

4. Look for the Terminal icon and double-click it.

Command line using Spotlight Search

To run Terminal from using Spotlight, follow these steps.

1. In the upper-right corner of the desktop, click the icon.
2. Type Terminal into the Spotlight Search bar that appears.

3. In the search results, click Terminal.