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.

  • Command line using Finder.

  • Command line using Spotlight Search.

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

  • On the left side of the screen, under the Favorites section, click the selector.

  • After clicking Applications, click the Utilities shortcut in the section to the right.

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

To run Terminal from using Spotlight, follow these steps.

  • In the upper-right corner of the desktop, click the icon.

  • Type Terminal into the Spotlight Search bar that appears.

  • In the search results, click Terminal.

  • How to get to an MS-DOS prompt or Windows command line.
  • Unix help and command listing.
  • See our command line definition for further information and related links.
  • Apple help and support.