This wikiHow teaches you how to open the "Terminal" window (command prompt) of a macOS system using the Launchpad application, the Spotlight search field or Finder. The "Terminal" window allows you to access the Unix part of the macOS operating system in order to manage files, modify configuration settings and run scripts directly from the command line.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Launchpad
Step 1. Launch Launchpad
It features a silver rocket icon placed inside the Dock. The latter is the bar at the bottom of the desktop but, if you have customized this aspect, it could also be docked on the left or right side of the latter.
- If you're using a laptop, you can access the Launchpad directly by pinching the trackpad with your thumb and three fingers.
- Alternatively, you can open the Launchpad by pressing the F4 function key on the keyboard.
Step 2. Go to the Other folder
It is characterized by a square icon inside which there are some miniature icons.
Step 3. Choose the Terminal application
This will display the homonymous window that represents the command prompt of macOS systems.
If the "Terminal" icon is not present in the "Others" folder, it most likely has been moved to another place in the Launchpad. If you can't locate it, try using another method from the article
Method 2 of 3: Using Spotlight
Step 1. Click the Spotlight icon
It features a magnifying glass and is located in the upper right corner of the screen.
Alternatively, you can access the search field by pressing the key combination ⌘ Command + Spacebar
Step 2. Type the terminal keyword into the search field
The "Terminal" icon will be displayed in the result list that appears.
Step 3. Double click on the Terminal icon
This will display the homonymous window that represents the command prompt of macOS systems.
Method 3 of 3: Using Finder
Step 1. Open Finder
It features an icon depicting two stylized human faces and is placed inside the Dock.
Step 2. Go to the Applications folder
It is located inside the left sidebar of the Finder window.
If you can't locate the "Applications" folder, go to the menu Go at the top of the screen, then choose the option Applications.
Step 3. Choose the Utility item
You may need to scroll down the list to find it.
Step 4. Double click on the Terminal icon
You may need to scroll down the list to find it. This will display the homonymous window that represents the command prompt of macOS systems.
Advice
- To close the "Terminal" window press the key combination ⌘ Command + Q.
- To change the color scheme used by the "Terminal" window, access the menu Terminal at the top of the screen, then choose the item Preferences. Choose one of the themes proposed on the left side of the screen or opt to customize the colors of the elements displayed in the main window pane.
