• Around The HomeToggle Menu

    • Entertainment
    • Productivity
    • Smart Home
  • FamilyToggle Menu

    • Parenting
    • Toys
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • Product ReviewsToggle Menu

    • Phones
    • Tablets
    • Laptops
    • Desktops
    • Wearables
    • Audio
    • Cameras
    • Headphones
    • Printers
    • Smart Home
    • TVs
    • Gaming and Video
  • One Cool ThingToggle Menu

    • Frugal Tech
    • Kickstarters
    • Videos
Techwalla
  1. Home
  2. Around The Home
  3. Productivity
  4. How to Open Terminal on a MacBook

How to Open Terminal on a MacBook

March 31, 2015
By: John Papiewski
  • Share
  • Share on Facebook

The OS X system software provided with every MacBook includes Terminal, a program that accepts typed commands. Terminal is a handy program for changing settings and solving technical problems. You open Terminal much the same way you would any program on the Mac -- from the Finder, Launchpad or Spotlight. Keep in mind that Terminal is a powerful tool -- one that can damage your Mac software if not used with care.

Video of the Day

The New iPad Is Launched At The Apple Store In Covent Garden
The MacBook's Terminal program is a powerful programming tool.
credit: Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images News/Getty Images

From Finder

Click the Finder icon in the Dock. Click Applications in the Favorites list. Find the Utilities folder and click to open it. Locate Terminal and double-click the icon to open the program.

From Launchpad

Click the Launchpad icon to open the screen of application programs. Find the Other icon and click to open it. The Mac displays a set of OS X utility programs including Stickies, Activity Monitor and Time Machine. Locate the icon for the Terminal program and click it. As an alternative, click the text area next to the magnifying glass icon in Launchpad and type terminal. Launchpad locates and displays the Terminal icon -- a handy time-saver if your MacBook has many programs. Click the icon to open the program.

From Spotlight

Click the Spotlight magnifying glass icon. In the text field that opens, type terminal. Spotlight displays a list of matches for the word "terminal" including the program. Click the entry for Terminal to open it.

Closing Terminal

To quit the Terminal program, right-click the Terminal icon in the Dock and click on Quit. You can also click the Terminal pull-down menu and select the Quit Terminal entry or press the Command - Q keyboard shortcut.

Show Comments

Related Articles

How to Disable Sleep Mode on a MacBook

How to Disable Sleep Mode on a MacBook

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Dario Saandvik
How to Clean a MacBook Cache

How to Clean a MacBook Cache

Around The Home
Productivity
By: DustinThornton
How to Access the Activity Monitor on Your MacBook

How to Access the Activity Monitor on Your MacBook

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Elle Smith
How to Detect Keyloggers on a Mac

How to Detect Keyloggers on a Mac

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Avery Martin
How to Open Up a Macbook

How to Open Up a Macbook

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Brendan O'Brien
How to Ping on a Mac Computer

How to Ping on a Mac Computer

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Justin Thomas
  • HOW WE SCORE
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT US
  • TERMS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • COPYRIGHT POLICY
  • Advertise

An error occurred. Try again later.

Thanks for signing up!
© 2018 Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf Group Media

Get great tech advice delivered to your inbox.

Keep your family productive, connected, entertained, and safe.

Please enter a valid email.