Using the macOS command line can be an easier way of doing a task that involves a lot of file and folder management or window and menu navigation.<\/b>
\nWhen we think of the macOS user interface, we think of the graphical UI\u2014pointing and clicking icons, with a cursor, menus, windows, etc. But there\u2019s another UI built into macOS: the command-line interface, which involves typing commands like the days of old. It can be a more efficient way of using your Mac\u2014instead of pointing, clicking, dragging, and opening and closing windows, you can type in commands that provide more direct access. The way to access the Mac\u2019s command line is through the Terminal app, which is located in the Utilities folder inside Applications. We have several articles about the Terminal and the command line\u2014click on a link below to help you learn how to use them. We\u2019ll add more articles to this index as they appear on the site, so check back for new content. The key to learning about macOS\u2019s command line is manual (or man) pages. Here\u2019s an introduction. This article covers the basics functions of the ls (list) and cd (change directory) commands. Learn how to see the contents of a folder (which is called a directory in command-line speak), and how to use switches to get more out of the ls and cd commands. Use the diff command to quickly compare the contents of two folders. Learn how. Find out how the rm command allows you to delete files and the rmdir command is used to delete directories (folders). Learn how to use the cp (copy) and mv (move) commands for the following tasks: It\u2019s bound to happen: you make a mistake typing in a command in the Terminal. Fortunately, there\u2019s a way to fix the error without having to type the whole command over again. Learn how. Save lots of time and type less by using the command history functions. You can check to see what commands are in your history at any time by running the history command. Here\u2019s how. Learn how to make Terminal use a user-defined background image each time you open a new window. You can use the Terminal to disable macOS\u2019s character palette and restore key repeating. If you\u2019ve ever wondered about which programs are using your internet connection at any point in time, here\u2019s one way to find out using Terminal. Quick Look\u2014select an item in the Finder and press the Space Bar to preview it\u2014is available when you\u2019re using the Terminal. Here\u2019s how to use it. If the Size slider in the Dock preferences pane doesn\u2019t go small enough for you, here\u2019s a trick that will. Follow our step-by-step guide to get important stats on the viability of your Mac\u2019s SSD using Terminal and smartmontools. Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Read our affiliate link policy for more details.<\/p>\n