A curated list of shell commands and tools specific to OS X.
“You don’t have to know everything. You simply need to know where to find it when necessary.” (John Brunner)
If you want to contribute, you are highly encouraged to do so. Please read the contribution guidelines.
For more terminal shell goodness, please also see this list's sister list Awesome Command Line Apps.
Caffeinating¶
When you find something helpful in here, you could buy me a coffee. I spend a lot of time and effort on curating this list. Keeping me properly caffeinated accelerates things. And it would really make my day. Kindness of strangers and all that. If you can't or won't, no hard feelings. It's available completely free for a reason. Still, it would be awesome.
Appearance¶
Transparency¶
Transparency in Menu and Windows¶
## Reduce Transparency defaults write com.apple.universalaccess reduceTransparency -bool true ## Restore Default Transparency defaults write com.apple.universalaccess reduceTransparency -bool false
Wallpaper¶
Set Wallpaper¶
## Up to Mountain Lion osascript -e 'tell application "Finder" to set desktop picture to POSIX file "/path/to/picture.jpg"' ## Since Mavericks sqlite3 ~/Library/Application\ Support/Dock/desktoppicture.db "update data set value = '/path/to/picture.jpg'" && killall Dock
Applications¶
App Store¶
List All Apps Downloaded from App Store¶
## Via find find /Applications -path '*Contents/_MASReceipt/receipt' -maxdepth 4 -print |\sed 's#.app/Contents/_MASReceipt/receipt#.app#g; s#/Applications/##' ## Via Spotlight mdfind kMDItemAppStoreHasReceipt=1
Show Debug Menu¶
Works up to Yosemite.
## Enable defaults write com.apple.appstore ShowDebugMenu -bool true ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.appstore ShowDebugMenu -bool false
Apple Remote Desktop¶
Kickstart Manual Pages¶
sudo /System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -help
Activate And Deactivate the ARD Agent and Helper¶
## Activate And Restart the ARD Agent and Helper sudo /System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -activate -restart -agent -console ## Deactivate and Stop the Remote Management Service sudo /System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -deactivate -stop
Enable and Disable Remote Desktop Sharing¶
## Allow Access for All Users and Give All Users Full Access sudo /System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -configure -allowAccessFor -allUsers -privs -all ## Disable ARD Agent and Remove Access Privileges for All Users sudo /System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -deactivate -configure -access -off
Remove Apple Remote Desktop Settings¶
sudo rm -rf /var/db/RemoteManagement ; \ sudo defaults delete /Library/Preferences/com.apple.RemoteDesktop.plist ; \ defaults delete ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.RemoteDesktop.plist ; \ sudo rm -r /Library/Application\ Support/Apple/Remote\ Desktop/ ; \ rm -r ~/Library/Application\ Support/Remote\ Desktop/ ; \ rm -r ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.RemoteDesktop
Contacts¶
Debug Mode¶
## Enable defaults write com.apple.addressbook ABShowDebugMenu -bool true ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.addressbook ABShowDebugMenu -bool false
Google¶
Uninstall Google Update¶
~/Library/Google/GoogleSoftwareUpdate/GoogleSoftwareUpdate.bundle/Contents/Resources/ksinstall --nuke
iTunes¶
Keyboard Media Keys¶
This works up to Yosemite. System Integrity Protection was introduced in El Capitan which prevents system Launch Agents from being unloaded.
## Stop Responding to Key Presses launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.rcd.plist ## Respond to Key Presses (Default) launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.rcd.plist
From El Capitan onwards, you can either disable SIP or resort to a kind of hack, which will make iTunes inaccessible to any user, effectively preventing it from starting itself or its helpers. Be aware that for all intents and purposes this will trash your iTunes installation and may conflict with OS updates down the road.
sudo chmod 0000 /Applications/iTunes.app
Mail¶
Show Attachments as Icons¶
defaults write com.apple.mail DisableInlineAttachmentViewing -bool yes
Vacuum Mail Index¶
The AppleScript code below will quit Mail, vacuum the SQLite index, then re-open Mail. On a large email database that hasn't been optimized for a while, this can provide significant improvements in responsiveness and speed.
(* Speed up Mail.app by vacuuming the Envelope Index Code from: http://web.archive.org/web/20071008123746/http://www.hawkwings.net/2007/03/03/scripts-to-automate-the-mailapp-envelope-speed-trick/ Originally by "pmbuko" with modifications by Romulo Updated by Brett Terpstra 2012 Updated by Mathias Törnblom 2015 to support V3 in El Capitan and still keep backwards compatibility Updated by Andrei Miclaus 2017 to support V4 in Sierra *) tell application "Mail" to quit set os_version to do shell script "sw_vers -productVersion" set mail_version to "V2" considering numeric strings if "10.10" <= os_version then set mail_version to "V3" if "10.12" <= os_version then set mail_version to "V4" if "10.13" <= os_version then set mail_version to "V5" if "10.14" <= os_version then set mail_version to "V6" end considering set sizeBefore to do shell script "ls -lnah ~/Library/Mail/" & mail_version & "/MailData | grep -E 'Envelope Index$' | awk {'print $5'}" do shell script "/usr/bin/sqlite3 ~/Library/Mail/" & mail_version & "/MailData/Envelope\\ Index vacuum" set sizeAfter to do shell script "ls -lnah ~/Library/Mail/" & mail_version & "/MailData | grep -E 'Envelope Index$' | awk {'print $5'}" display dialog ("Mail index before: " & sizeBefore & return & "Mail index after: " & sizeAfter & return & return & "Enjoy the new speed!") tell application "Mail" to activate
Safari¶
Change Default Fonts¶
defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2StandardFontFamily Georgia defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2DefaultFontSize 16 defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2FixedFontFamily Menlo defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2DefaultFixedFontSize 14
Enable Develop Menu and Web Inspector¶
defaults write com.apple.Safari IncludeInternalDebugMenu -bool true && \ defaults write com.apple.Safari IncludeDevelopMenu -bool true && \ defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKitDeveloperExtrasEnabledPreferenceKey -bool true && \ defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2DeveloperExtrasEnabled -bool true && \ defaults write -g WebKitDeveloperExtras -bool true
Get Current Page Data¶
Other options: get source
, get text
.
osascript -e 'tell application "Safari" to get URL of current tab of front window'
Use Backspace/Delete to Go Back a Page¶
## Enable defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2BackspaceKeyNavigationEnabled -bool YES ## Disable defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2BackspaceKeyNavigationEnabled -bool NO
Sketch¶
Export Compact SVGs¶
defaults write com.bohemiancoding.sketch3 exportCompactSVG -bool yes
Skim¶
Turn Off Auto Reload Dialog¶
Removes the dialog and defaults to auto reload.
defaults write -app Skim SKAutoReloadFileUpdate -boolean true
Terminal¶
Focus Follows Mouse¶
## Enable defaults write com.apple.Terminal FocusFollowsMouse -string YES ## Disable defaults write com.apple.Terminal FocusFollowsMouse -string NO
TextEdit¶
Use Plain Text Mode as Default¶
defaults write com.apple.TextEdit RichText -int 0
Visual Studio Code¶
Fix VSCodeVim Key Repeat¶
defaults write com.microsoft.VSCode ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool false
Backup¶
Time Machine¶
Change Backup Interval¶
This changes the interval to 30 minutes. The integer value is the time in seconds.
sudo defaults write /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.backupd-auto StartInterval -int 1800
Local Backups¶
Whether Time Machine performs local backups while the Time Machine backup volume is not available.
## Status defaults read /Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine MobileBackups ## Enable (Default) sudo tmutil enablelocal ## Disable sudo tmutil disablelocal
Since High Sierra, you cannot disable local snapshots. Time Machine now always creates a local APFS snapshot and uses that snapshot as the data source to create a regular backup, rather than using the live disk as the source, as is the case with HFS formatted disks.
Prevent Time Machine from Prompting to Use New Hard Drives as Backup Volume¶
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine DoNotOfferNewDisksForBackup -bool true
Show Time Machine Logs¶
This little script will output the last 12 hours of Time Machine activity followed by live activity.
#!/bin/sh filter='processImagePath contains "backupd" and subsystem beginswith "com.apple.TimeMachine"' ## show the last 12 hours start="$(date -j -v-12H +'%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')" echo "" echo "[History (from $start)]" echo "" log show --style syslog --info --start "$start" --predicate "$filter" echo "" echo "[Following]" echo "" log stream --style syslog --info --predicate "$filter"
Toggle Backup While on Battery¶
## Status sudo defaults read /Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine RequiresACPower ## Enable (Default) sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine RequiresACPower -bool true ## Disable sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine RequiresACPower -bool false
Verify Backup¶
Beginning in OS X 10.11, Time Machine records checksums of files copied into snapshots. Checksums are not retroactively computed for files that were copied by earlier releases of OS X.
sudo tmutil verifychecksums /path/to/backup
Developer¶
Vim¶
Compile Sane Vim¶
Compiling MacVim via Homebrew with all bells and whistles, including overriding system Vim.
brew install macvim --HEAD
Neovim¶
Install the modern Vim drop-in alternative via Homebrew.
brew install neovim
Xcode¶
Install Command Line Tools without Xcode¶
xcode-select --install
Remove All Unavailable Simulators¶
xcrun simctl delete unavailable
Dock¶
Add a Stack with Recent Applications¶
defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-others -array-add '{ "tile-data" = { "list-type" = 1; }; "tile-type" = "recents-tile"; }' && \ killall Dock
Add a Nameless Stack Folder and Small Spacer¶
defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-others -array-add '{ "tile-data" = {}; "tile-type"="small-spacer-tile"; }' && \ killall Dock
Add a Space¶
defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-apps -array-add '{"tile-type"="spacer-tile";}' && \ killall Dock
Add a Small Space¶
defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-apps -array-add '{"tile-type"="small-spacer-tile";}' && \ killall Dock
Auto Rearrange Spaces Based on Most Recent Use¶
## Enable (Default) defaults write com.apple.dock mru-spaces -bool true && \ killall Dock ## Disable defaults write com.apple.dock mru-spaces -bool false && \ killall Dock
Autohide¶
## Enable defaults write com.apple.dock autohide -bool true && \ killall Dock ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.dock autohide -bool false && \ killall Dock
Icon Bounce¶
Global setting whether Dock icons should bounce when the respective application demands your attention.
## Enable (Default) defaults write com.apple.dock no-bouncing -bool true && \ killall Dock ## Disable defaults write com.apple.dock no-bouncing -bool false && \ killall Dock
Lock the Dock Size¶
## Enable defaults write com.apple.Dock size-immutable -bool yes && \ killall Dock ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.Dock size-immutable -bool no && \ killall Dock
Reset Dock¶
defaults delete com.apple.dock && \ killall Dock
Resize¶
Fully resize your Dock's body. To resize change the 0
value as an integer.
defaults write com.apple.dock tilesize -int 0 && \ killall Dock
Scroll Gestures¶
Use your touchpad or mouse scroll wheel to interact with Dock items. Allows you to use an upward scrolling gesture to open stacks. Using the same gesture on applications that are running invokes Exposé/Mission Control.
## Enable defaults write com.apple.dock scroll-to-open -bool true && \ killall Dock ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.dock scroll-to-open -bool false && \ killall Dock
Set Auto Show/Hide Delay¶
The float number defines the show/hide delay in ms.
defaults write com.apple.dock autohide-time-modifier -float 0.4 && \ defaults write com.apple.dock autohide-delay -float 0 && \ killall Dock
Show Hidden App Icons¶
## Enable defaults write com.apple.dock showhidden -bool true && \ killall Dock ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.dock showhidden -bool false && \ killall Dock
Show Only Active Applications¶
## Enable defaults write com.apple.dock static-only -bool true && \ killall Dock ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.dock static-only -bool false && \ killall Dock
Single App Mode¶
When clicking an application icon in the Dock, the respective windows will come to the front, but all other application windows will be hidden.
## Enable defaults write com.apple.dock single-app -bool true && \ killall Dock ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.dock single-app -bool false && \ killall Dock
Documents¶
Convert File to HTML¶
Supported formats are plain text, rich text (rtf) and Microsoft Word (doc/docx).
textutil -convert html file.ext
Files, Disks and Volumes¶
Create an Empty File¶
Creates an empty 10 gigabyte test file.
mkfile 10g /path/to/file
Disable Sudden Motion Sensor¶
Leaving this turned on is useless when you're using SSDs.
sudo pmset -a sms 0
Eject All Mountable Volumes¶
The only reliable way to do this is by sending an AppleScript command to Finder.
osascript -e 'tell application "Finder" to eject (every disk whose ejectable is true)'
Repair File Permissions¶
You don't have to use the Disk Utility GUI for this.
sudo diskutil repairPermissions /
Beginning with OS X El Capitan, system file permissions are automatically protected. It's no longer necessary to verify or repair permissions with Disk Utility. (Source)
Set Boot Volume¶
## Up to Yosemite bless --mount "/path/to/mounted/volume" --setBoot ## From El Capitan sudo systemsetup -setstartupdisk /System/Library/CoreServices
Show All Attached Disks and Partitions¶
diskutil list
View File System Usage¶
A continuous stream of file system access info.
sudo fs_usage
APFS¶
Available since High Sierra. There is no central utility and usage is inconsistent as most functionality is rolled into tmutil
.
Convert Volume from HFS+ to APFS¶
/System/Library/Filesystems/apfs.fs/Contents/Resources/hfs_convert /path/to/file/system
Create New APFS Filesystem¶
/System/Library/Filesystems/apfs.fs/Contents/Resources/newfs_apfs /path/to/device
Create Snapshot¶
tmutil localsnapshot
Delete Snapshot¶
tmutil deletelocalsnapshots com.apple.TimeMachine.2018-01-26-044042 ```` #### List Snapshots ```bash tmutil listlocalsnapshots /
Mount Snapshot¶
Snapshots are read-only.
mkdir ~/mnt /System/Library/Filesystems/apfs.fs/Contents/Resources/mount_apfs -s com.apple.TimeMachine.2018-01-26-044042 / ~/mnt
Disk Images¶
hdiutil create -volname "Volume Name" -srcfolder /path/to/folder -ov diskimage.dmg
If you'd like to encrypt the disk image:
hdiutil create -encryption -stdinpass -volname "Volume Name" -srcfolder /path/to/folder -ov encrypted.dmg
By default, you'll be prompted for a password. You can automate that by piping in a password:
echo -n YourPassword | hdiutil create -encryption -stdinpass -volname "Volume Name" -srcfolder /path/to/folder -ov encrypted.dmg
Burn Disk Images to DVD¶
This command applies to .iso, .img and .dmg images.
hdiutil burn /path/to/image_file
Disable Disk Image Verification¶
defaults write com.apple.frameworks.diskimages skip-verify -bool true && \ defaults write com.apple.frameworks.diskimages skip-verify-locked -bool true && \ defaults write com.apple.frameworks.diskimages skip-verify-remote -bool true
Make Volume OS X Bootable¶
bless --folder "/path/to/mounted/volume/System/Library/CoreServices" --bootinfo --bootefi
Mount Disk Image¶
hdiutil attach /path/to/diskimage.dmg
Unmount Disk Image¶
hdiutil detach /dev/disk2s1
Write Disk Image to Volume¶
Like the Disk Utility "Restore" function.
sudo asr -restore -noverify -source /path/to/diskimage.dmg -target /Volumes/VolumeToRestoreTo
Finder¶
Desktop¶
Show External Media¶
External HDs, thumb drives, etc.
## Enable defaults write com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool true && \ killall Finder ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool false && \ killall Finder
Show Internal Media¶
Built-in HDs or SSDs.
## Enable defaults write com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool true && \ killall Finder ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool false && \ killall Finder
Show Removable Media¶
CDs, DVDs, iPods, etc.
## Enable defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop -bool true && \ killall Finder ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop -bool false && \ killall Finder
Show Network Volumes¶
AFP, SMB, NFS, WebDAV, etc.
## Enable defaults write com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop -bool true && \ killall Finder ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop -bool false && \ killall Finder
Files and Folders¶
Clear All ACLs¶
sudo chmod -RN /path/to/folder
Hide Folder in Finder¶
chflags hidden /path/to/folder/
Show All File Extensions¶
defaults write -g AppleShowAllExtensions -bool true
Show Hidden Files¶
## Show All defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles true ## Restore Default File Visibility defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles false
Remove Protected Flag¶
sudo chflags -R nouchg /path/to/file/or/folder
Show Full Path in Finder Title¶
defaults write com.apple.finder _FXShowPosixPathInTitle -bool true
Unhide User Library Folder¶
chflags nohidden ~/Library
Increase Number of Recent Places¶
defaults write -g NSNavRecentPlacesLimit -int 10 && \ killall Finder
Layout¶
Show "Quit Finder" Menu Item¶
Makes possible to see Finder menu item "Quit Finder" with default shortcut Cmd + Q
## Enable defaults write com.apple.finder QuitMenuItem -bool true && \ killall Finder ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.finder QuitMenuItem -bool false && \ killall Finder
Smooth Scrolling¶
Useful if you’re on an older Mac that messes up the animation.
## Disable defaults write -g NSScrollAnimationEnabled -bool false ## Enable (Default) defaults write -g NSScrollAnimationEnabled -bool true
Rubberband Scrolling¶
## Disable defaults write -g NSScrollViewRubberbanding -bool false ## Enable (Default) defaults write -g NSScrollViewRubberbanding -bool true
Expand Save Panel by Default¶
defaults write -g NSNavPanelExpandedStateForSaveMode -bool true && \ defaults write -g NSNavPanelExpandedStateForSaveMode2 -bool true
Desktop Icon Visibility¶
## Hide Icons defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop -bool false && \ killall Finder ## Show Icons (Default) defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop -bool true && \ killall Finder
Path Bar¶
## Show defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool true ## Hide (Default) defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool false
Scrollbar Visibility¶
Possible values: WhenScrolling
, Automatic
and Always
.
defaults write -g AppleShowScrollBars -string "Always"
Status Bar¶
## Show defaults write com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar -bool true ## Hide (Default) defaults write com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar -bool false
Save to Disk by Default¶
Sets default save target to be a local disk, not iCloud.
defaults write -g NSDocumentSaveNewDocumentsToCloud -bool false
Set Current Folder as Default Search Scope¶
defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string "SCcf"
Set Default Finder Location to Home Folder¶
defaults write com.apple.finder NewWindowTarget -string "PfLo" && \ defaults write com.apple.finder NewWindowTargetPath -string "file://${HOME}"
Set Sidebar Icon Size¶
Sets size to 'medium'.
defaults write -g NSTableViewDefaultSizeMode -int 2
Metadata Files¶
Disable Creation of Metadata Files on Network Volumes¶
Avoids creation of .DS_Store
and AppleDouble files.
defaults write com.apple.desktopservices DSDontWriteNetworkStores -bool true
Disable Creation of Metadata Files on USB Volumes¶
Avoids creation of .DS_Store
and AppleDouble files.
defaults write com.apple.desktopservices DSDontWriteUSBStores -bool true
Opening Things¶
Change Working Directory to Finder Path¶
If multiple windows are open, it chooses the top-most one.
cd "$(osascript -e 'tell app "Finder" to POSIX path of (insertion location as alias)')"
Open URL¶
open https://github.com
Open File¶
open README.md
Open Applications¶
You can open applications using -a
.
open -a "Google Chrome" https://github.com
Open Folder¶
open /path/to/folder/
Open Current Folder¶
open .
Fonts¶
Clear Font Cache for Current User¶
To clear font caches for all users, put sudo
in front of this command.
atsutil databases -removeUser && \ atsutil server -shutdown && \ atsutil server -ping
Get SF Mono Fonts¶
You need to download and install Xcode 8 beta for this to work. Afterwards they should be available in all applications.
cp -v /Applications/Xcode-beta.app/Contents/SharedFrameworks/DVTKit.framework/Versions/A/Resources/Fonts/SFMono-* ~/Library/Fonts
From Sierra onward, they are included in Terminal.app.
cp -v /Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app/Contents/Resources/Fonts/SFMono-* ~/Library/Fonts
Starting in Catalina, the Utilities apps (including Terminal.app) are now found in the /System
folder.
cp -v /System/Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app/Contents/Resources/Fonts/SFMono-* ~/Library/Fonts
Functions¶
Please see this file.
Hardware¶
Bluetooth¶
## Status defaults read /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth ControllerPowerState ## Enable (Default) sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth ControllerPowerState -int 1 ## Disable sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth ControllerPowerState -int 0 && \ sudo killall -HUP blued
Harddisks¶
Force Enable Trim¶
Enable Trim for non-Apple SSDs. This command is available since Yosemite.
forcetrim
Hardware Information¶
List All Hardware Ports¶
networksetup -listallhardwareports
Remaining Battery Percentage¶
pmset -g batt | egrep "([0-9]+\%).*" -o --colour=auto | cut -f1 -d';'
Remaining Battery Time¶
pmset -g batt | egrep "([0-9]+\%).*" -o --colour=auto | cut -f3 -d';'
Show Connected Device's UDID¶
system_profiler SPUSBDataType | sed -n -e '/iPad/,/Serial/p' -e '/iPhone/,/Serial/p'
Show Current Screen Resolution¶
system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType | grep Resolution
Show CPU Brand String¶
sysctl -n machdep.cpu.brand_string
Infrared Receiver¶
## Status defaults read /Library/Preferences/com.apple.driver.AppleIRController DeviceEnabled ## Enable (Default) defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.driver.AppleIRController DeviceEnabled -int 1 ## Disable defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.driver.AppleIRController DeviceEnabled -int 0
Power Management¶
Prevent System Sleep¶
Prevent sleep for 1 hour:
caffeinate -u -t 3600
Show All Power Management Settings¶
sudo pmset -g
Put Display to Sleep after 15 Minutes of Inactivity¶
sudo pmset displaysleep 15
Put Computer to Sleep after 30 Minutes of Inactivity¶
sudo pmset sleep 30
Check System Sleep Idle Time¶
sudo systemsetup -getcomputersleep
Set System Sleep Idle Time to 60 Minutes¶
sudo systemsetup -setcomputersleep 60
Turn Off System Sleep Completely¶
sudo systemsetup -setcomputersleep Never
Automatic Restart on System Freeze¶
sudo systemsetup -setrestartfreeze on
Chime When Charging¶
Play iOS charging sound when MagSafe is connected.
## Enable defaults write com.apple.PowerChime ChimeOnAllHardware -bool true && \ open /System/Library/CoreServices/PowerChime.app ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.PowerChime ChimeOnAllHardware -bool false && \ killall PowerChime
Input Devices¶
Keyboard¶
Auto-Correct¶
## Disable defaults write -g NSAutomaticSpellingCorrectionEnabled -bool false ## Enable (Default) defaults write -g NSAutomaticSpellingCorrectionEnabled -bool true ## Show Status defaults read -g NSAutomaticSpellingCorrectionEnabled
Full Keyboard Access¶
Enable Tab in modal dialogs.
## Text boxes and lists only (Default) defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleKeyboardUIMode -int 0 ## All controls defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleKeyboardUIMode -int 3
Key Repeat¶
Disable the default "press and hold" behavior.
## Enable Key Repeat defaults write -g ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool false ## Disable Key Repeat defaults write -g ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool true
Key Repeat Rate¶
Sets a very fast repeat rate, adjust to taste.
defaults write -g KeyRepeat -int 0.02
Launchpad¶
Reset Launchpad Layout¶
You need to restart Dock
because Launchpad is tied to it.
## Up to Yosemite rm ~/Library/Application\ Support/Dock/*.db && \ killall Dock ## From El Capitan defaults write com.apple.dock ResetLaunchPad -bool true && \ killall Dock
Media¶
Audio¶
Convert Audio File to iPhone Ringtone¶
afconvert input.mp3 ringtone.m4r -f m4af
Create Audiobook From Text¶
Uses "Alex" voice, a plain UTF-8 encoded text file for input and AAC output.
say -v Alex -f file.txt -o "output.m4a"
Disable Sound Effects on Boot¶
sudo nvram SystemAudioVolume=" "
Mute Audio Output¶
osascript -e 'set volume output muted true'
Set Audio Volume¶
osascript -e 'set volume 4'
Play Audio File¶
You can play all audio formats that are natively supported by QuickTime.
afplay -q 1 filename.mp3
Speak Text with System Default Voice¶
say 'All your base are belong to us!'
Video¶
Auto-Play Videos in QuickTime Player¶
defaults write com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX MGPlayMovieOnOpen 1
Networking¶
Bonjour¶
Bonjour Service¶
## Disable sudo defaults write /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.mDNSResponder.plist ProgramArguments -array-add "-NoMulticastAdvertisements" ## Enable (Default) sudo defaults write /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.mDNSResponder.plist ProgramArguments -array "/usr/sbin/mDNSResponder" "-launchd"
DHCP¶
Renew DHCP Lease¶
sudo ipconfig set en0 DHCP
Show DHCP Info¶
ipconfig getpacket en0
DNS¶
Clear DNS Cache¶
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache && \ sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Hostname¶
Set Computer Name/Host Name¶
sudo scutil --set ComputerName "newhostname" && \ sudo scutil --set HostName "newhostname" && \ sudo scutil --set LocalHostName "newhostname" && \ sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.smb.server NetBIOSName -string "newhostname"
Network Preferences¶
Network Locations¶
Switch between network locations created in the Network preference pane.
## Status scselect ## Switch Network Location scselect LocationNameFromStatus
Set Static IP Address¶
networksetup -setmanual "Ethernet" 192.168.2.100 255.255.255.0 192.168.2.1
Networking Tools¶
Ping a Host to See Whether It’s Available¶
ping -o github.com
Troubleshoot Routing Problems¶
traceroute github.com
SSH¶
Permanently Add Private Key Passphrase to SSH Agent¶
Prior to macOS Sierra, ssh would present a dialog asking for your passphrase and would offer the option to store it into the keychain. This UI was deprecated some time ago and has been removed.
Instead, a new UseKeychain option was introduced in macOS Sierra allowing users to specify whether they would like for the passphrase to be stored in the keychain. This option was enabled by default on macOS Sierra, which caused all passphrases to be stored in the keychain.
This was not the intended default behavior, so this has been changed in macOS 10.12.2. (Source)
Then add tossh-add -K /path/to/private_key~/.ssh/config
:Host server.example.com IdentityFile /path/to/private_key UseKeychain yes
Remote Login¶
## Enable remote login sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ssh.plist ## Disable remote login sudo launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ssh.plist
TCP/IP¶
Show Application Using a Certain Port¶
This outputs all applications currently using port 80.
sudo lsof -i :80
Show External IP Address¶
Works if your ISP doesn't replace DNS requests (which it shouldn't).
dig +short myip.opendns.com @resolver1.opendns.com
curl -s https://api.ipify.org && echo
Show Network Interface Information¶
Undocumented flag of the scutil
command.
scutil --nwi
TFTP¶
Start Native TFTP Daemon¶
Files will be served from /private/tftpboot
.
sudo launchctl load -F /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist && \ sudo launchctl start com.apple.tftpd
Wi-Fi¶
Join a Wi-Fi Network¶
networksetup -setairportnetwork en0 WIFI_SSID WIFI_PASSWORD
Scan Available Access Points¶
Create a symbolic link to the airport command for easy access:
sudo ln -s /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport /usr/local/bin/airport
airport -s
Show Current SSID¶
/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -I | awk '/ SSID/ {print substr($0, index($0, $2))}'
Show Local IP Address¶
ipconfig getifaddr en0
Show Wi-Fi Connection History¶
defaults read /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences | grep LastConnected -A 7
Show Wi-Fi Network Passwords¶
Exchange SSID with the SSID of the access point you wish to query the password from.
security find-generic-password -D "AirPort network password" -a "SSID" -gw
Turn on Wi-Fi Adapter¶
networksetup -setairportpower en0 on
Package Managers¶
- Fink - The full world of Unix Open Source software for Darwin. A little outdated.
- Homebrew - The missing package manager for OS X. The most popular choice.
- MacPorts - Compile, install and upgrade either command-line, X11 or Aqua based open-source software. Very clean, it's what I use.
Homebrew¶
Full Uninstall¶
ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/uninstall)"
Printing¶
Clear Print Queue¶
cancel -a -
Expand Print Panel by Default¶
defaults write -g PMPrintingExpandedStateForPrint -bool true && \ defaults write -g PMPrintingExpandedStateForPrint2 -bool true
Quit Printer App After Print Jobs Complete¶
defaults write com.apple.print.PrintingPrefs "Quit When Finished" -bool true
Security¶
Application Firewall¶
Firewall Service¶
## Show Status sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --getglobalstate ## Enable sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --setglobalstate on ## Disable (Default) sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --setglobalstate off
Add Application to Firewall¶
sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --add /path/to/file
Gatekeeper¶
Add Gatekeeper Exception¶
spctl --add /path/to/Application.app
Remove Gatekeeper Exception¶
spctl --remove /path/to/Application.app
Manage Gatekeeper¶
## Status spctl --status ## Enable (Default) sudo spctl --master-enable ## Disable sudo spctl --master-disable
Passwords¶
Generate Secure Password and Copy to Clipboard¶
LC_ALL=C tr -dc "[:alnum:]" < /dev/urandom | head -c 20 | pbcopy
Physical Access¶
Launch Screen Saver¶
## Up to Sierra open /System/Library/Frameworks/ScreenSaver.framework/Versions/A/Resources/ScreenSaverEngine.app ## From High Sierra /System/Library/CoreServices/ScreenSaverEngine.app/Contents/MacOS/ScreenSaverEngine
Lock Screen¶
/System/Library/CoreServices/Menu\ Extras/User.menu/Contents/Resources/CGSession -suspend
Screensaver Immediate Lock¶
## Status defaults read com.apple.screensaver askForPasswordDelay ## Enable (Default) defaults write com.apple.screensaver askForPasswordDelay -int 0 ## Disable (Integer = lock delay in seconds) defaults write com.apple.screensaver askForPasswordDelay -int 10
Screensaver Password¶
## Status defaults read com.apple.screensaver askForPassword ## Enable defaults write com.apple.screensaver askForPassword -int 1 ## Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.screensaver askForPassword -int 0
Wiping Data¶
Note: The srm
command appears to have been removed on MacOS after 10.9. There is a note on an Apple support page hinting as to why:
With an SSD drive, Secure Erase and Erasing Free Space are not available in Disk Utility. These options are not needed for an SSD drive because a standard erase makes it difficult to recover data from an SSD.
Securely Remove File¶
srm /path/to/file
Securely Remove Folder¶
srm -r /path/to/folder/
Securely Remove Path (Force)¶
srm -rf /path/to/complete/destruction
Search¶
Find¶
Recursively Delete .DS_Store Files¶
find . -type f -name '*.DS_Store' -ls -delete
Locate¶
Build Locate Database¶
sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.locate.plist
Search via Locate¶
The -i
modifier makes the search case insensitive.
locate -i *.jpg
System¶
AirDrop¶
## Enable AirDrop over Ethernet and on Unsupported Macs defaults write com.apple.NetworkBrowser BrowseAllInterfaces -bool true ## Enable (Default) defaults remove com.apple.NetworkBrowser DisableAirDrop ## Disable defaults write com.apple.NetworkBrowser DisableAirDrop -bool YES
AppleScript¶
Execute AppleScript¶
osascript /path/to/script.scpt
Basics¶
Compare Two Folders¶
diff -qr /path/to/folder1 /path/to/folder2
Copy Large File with Progress¶
Make sure you have pv
installed and replace /dev/rdisk2
with the appropriate write device or file.
FILE=/path/to/file.iso pv -s $(du -h $FILE | awk '/.*/ {print $1}') $FILE | sudo dd of=/dev/rdisk2 bs=1m
Restore Sane Shell¶
In case your shell session went insane (some script or application turned it into a garbled mess).
stty sane
Restart¶
sudo reboot
Shutdown¶
sudo poweroff
Show Build Number of OS¶
sw_vers
Uptime¶
How long since your last restart.
uptime
Clipboard¶
Copy data to Clipboard¶
cat whatever.txt | pbcopy
Convert Clipboard to Plain Text¶
pbpaste | textutil -convert txt -stdin -stdout -encoding 30 | pbcopy
pbpaste | expand | pbcopy
Copy data from Clipboard¶
pbpaste > whatever.txt
pbpaste | sort | uniq | pbcopy
FileVault¶
Automatically Unlock FileVault on Restart¶
If FileVault is enabled on the current volume, it restarts the system, bypassing the initial unlock. The command may not work on all systems.
sudo fdesetup authrestart
FileVault Service¶
## Status sudo fdesetup status ## Enable sudo fdesetup enable ## Disable (Default) sudo fdesetup disable
Information/Reports¶
Generate Advanced System and Performance Report¶
sudo sysdiagnose -f ~/Desktop/
Install OS¶
Create Bootable Installer¶
## Mojave sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/USB --nointeraction --downloadassets ## High Sierra sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/USB --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app ## Sierra sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/USB --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app ## El Capitan sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/USB --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app ## Yosemite sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Yosemite.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/USB --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Yosemite.app
- For confirmation before erasing the drive, remove
–-nointeraction
from the command. - The optional
–-downloadassets
flag is new in Mojave. It downloads assets which may be required during installation, like updates. - The
–-applicationpath
flag is deprecated since Mojave and will throw an error if used.
Kernel Extensions¶
Display Status of Loaded Kernel Extensions¶
sudo kextstat -l
Load Kernel Extension¶
sudo kextload -b com.apple.driver.ExampleBundle
Unload Kernel Extensions¶
sudo kextunload -b com.apple.driver.ExampleBundle
LaunchAgents¶
Please see this file.
LaunchServices¶
Rebuild LaunchServices Database¶
To be independent of OS X version, this relies on locate
to find lsregister
. If you do not have your locate
database built yet, do it.
sudo $(locate lsregister) -kill -seed -r
Login Window¶
Set Login Window Text¶
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow LoginwindowText "Your text"
Memory Management¶
Purge memory cache¶
sudo purge
Show Memory Statistics¶
## One time vm_stat ## Table of data, repeat 10 times total, 1 second wait between each poll vm_stat -c 10 1
Notification Center¶
Notification Center Service¶
## Disable launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.notificationcenterui.plist && \ killall -9 NotificationCenter ## Enable (Default) launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.notificationcenterui.plist
QuickLook¶
Preview via QuickLook¶
qlmanage -p /path/to/file
Remote Apple Events¶
## Status sudo systemsetup -getremoteappleevents ## Enable sudo systemsetup -setremoteappleevents on ## Disable (Default) sudo systemsetup -setremoteappleevents off
Root User¶
## Enable dsenableroot ## Disable dsenableroot -d
Safe Mode Boot¶
## Status nvram boot-args ## Enable sudo nvram boot-args="-x" ## Disable sudo nvram boot-args=""
Save Dialogs¶
Significantly improve the now rather slow animation in save dialogs.
defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSWindowResizeTime .001
Screenshots¶
Take Delayed Screenshot¶
Takes a screenshot as JPEG after 3 seconds and displays in Preview.
screencapture -T 3 -t jpg -P delayedpic.jpg
Save Screenshots to Given Location¶
Sets location to ~/Desktop
.
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location ~/Desktop && \ killall SystemUIServer
Save Screenshots in Given Format¶
Sets format to png
. Other options are bmp
, gif
, jpg
, jpeg
, pdf
, tiff
.
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type -string "png"
Disable Shadow in Screenshots¶
defaults write com.apple.screencapture disable-shadow -bool true && \ killall SystemUIServer
Set Default Screenshot Name¶
Date and time remain unchanged.
defaults write com.apple.screencapture name "Example name" && \ killall SystemUIServer
Software Installation¶
Install PKG¶
installer -pkg /path/to/installer.pkg -target /
Software Update¶
Ignore Specific Software Update¶
The identifier can be found via softwareupdate --list
. In the example below, being on Mojave, will ignore all update prompts to Catalina, since the latter removes 32-bit support.
sudo /usr/sbin/softwareupdate --ignore "macOS Catalina"
Install All Available Software Updates¶
sudo softwareupdate -ia
Set Software Update Check Interval¶
Set to check daily instead of weekly.
defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate ScheduleFrequency -int 1
Show Available Software Updates¶
sudo softwareupdate --list
Set Software Update Server¶
This should only be done for testing purposes or unmanaged clients. To use network-wide, either correctly set up DNS along with Apple SUS service and bind your clients via OpenDirectory. Alternatively, use Reposado together with correct network DNS settings to make resolution transparent. Margarita looks nice to have as well.
## Use own SUS sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CatalogURL http://su.example.com:8088/index.sucatalog ## Reset to Apple SUS sudo defaults delete /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CatalogURL
Software Version¶
Show System Software Version¶
sw_vers -productVersion
Spotlight¶
Spotlight Indexing¶
## Disable mdutil -i off -d /path/to/volume ## Enable (Default) mdutil -i on /path/to/volume
Erase Spotlight Index and Rebuild¶
mdutil -E /path/to/volume
Search via Spotlight¶
mdfind -name 'searchterm'
Show Spotlight Indexed Metadata¶
mdls /path/to/file
System Integrity Protection¶
Disable System Integrity Protection¶
Reboot while holding Cmd + R, open the Terminal application and enter:
csrutil disable && reboot
Enable System Integrity Protection¶
Reboot while holding Cmd + R, open the Terminal application and enter:
csrutil enable && reboot
Date and Time¶
List Available Timezones¶
sudo systemsetup -listtimezones
Set Timezone¶
sudo systemsetup -settimezone Europe/Berlin
Set Clock Using Network Time¶
## Status sudo systemsetup getusingnetworktime ## Enable (Default) sudo systemsetup setusingnetworktime on ## Disable sudo systemsetup setusingnetworktime off
Terminal¶
Ring Terminal Bell¶
Rings the terminal bell (if enabled) and puts a badge on it.
tput bel
Alternative Terminals¶
- Alacritty - Cross-platform, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator.
- iTerm2 - A better Terminal.app.
- kitty - Modern, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator.
Shells¶
Bash¶
Install the latest version and set as current user's default shell:
brew install bash && \ echo $(brew --prefix)/bin/bash | sudo tee -a /etc/shells && \ chsh -s $(brew --prefix)/bin/bash
- Homepage - The default shell for OS X and most other Unix-based operating systems.
- Bash-it - Community Bash framework, like Oh My Zsh for Bash.
fish¶
Install the latest version and set as current user's default shell:
brew install fish && \ echo $(brew --prefix)/bin/fish | sudo tee -a /etc/shells && \ chsh -s $(brew --prefix)/bin/fish
- Homepage - A smart and user-friendly command line shell for OS X, Linux, and the rest of the family.
- The Fishshell Framework - Provides core infrastructure to allow you to install packages which extend or modify the look of your shell.
- Installation & Configuration Tutorial - How to Setup Fish Shell with Fisherman, Powerline Fonts, iTerm2 and Budspencer Theme on OS X.
Zsh¶
Install the latest version and set as current user's default shell:
brew install zsh && \ sudo sh -c 'echo $(brew --prefix)/bin/zsh >> /etc/shells' && \ chsh -s $(brew --prefix)/bin/zsh
- Homepage - Zsh is a shell designed for interactive use, although it is also a powerful scripting language.
- Oh My Zsh - An open source, community-driven framework for managing your Zsh configuration.
- Prezto - A speedy Zsh framework. Enriches the command line interface environment with sane defaults, aliases, functions, auto completion, and prompt themes.
- zgen - Another open source framework for managing your zsh configuration. Zgen will load oh-my-zsh compatible plugins and themes and has the advantage of both being faster and automatically cloning any plugins used in your configuration for you.
Terminal Fonts¶
- Anonymous Pro - A family of four fixed-width fonts designed with coding in mind.
- Codeface - A gallery and repository of monospaced fonts for developers.
- DejaVu Sans Mono - A font family based on the Vera Fonts.
- Hack - Hack is hand groomed and optically balanced to be your go-to code face.
- Inconsolata - A monospace font, designed for code listings and the like.
- Input - A flexible system of fonts designed specifically for code.
- Meslo - Customized version of Apple's Menlo font.
- Operator Mono - A surprisingly usable alternative take on a monospace font (commercial).
- Powerline Fonts - Repo of patched fonts for the Powerline plugin.
- Source Code Pro - A monospaced font family for user interfaces and coding environments.
Glossary¶
Mac OS X, OS X, and macOS Version Information¶
Version | Codename | Release Date | Most Recent Version |
---|---|---|---|
Rhapsody Developer Release | Grail1Z4 / Titan1U | August 31, 1997 | DR2 (May 14, 1998) |
Mac OS X Server 1.0 | Hera | March 16, 1999 | 1.2v3 (October 27, 2000) |
Mac OS X Developer Preview | n/a | March 16, 1999 | DP4 (April 5, 2000) |
Mac OS X Public Beta | Kodiak | September 13, 2000 | n/a |
Mac OS X 10.0 | Cheetah | March 24, 2001 | 10.0.4 (June 22, 2001) |
Mac OS X 10.1 | Puma | September 25, 2001 | 10.1.5 (June 6, 2002) |
Mac OS X 10.2 | Jaguar | August 24, 2002 | 10.2.8 (October 3, 2003) |
Mac OS X 10.3 | Panther | October 24, 2003 | 10.3.9 (April 15, 2005) |
Mac OS X 10.4 | Tiger | April 29, 2005 | 10.4.11 (November 14, 2007) |
Mac OS X 10.5 | Leopard | October 26, 2007 | 10.5.8 (August 5, 2009) |
Mac OS X 10.6 | Snow Leopard | August 28, 2009 | 10.6.8 v1.1 (July 25, 2011) |
Mac OS X 10.7 | Lion | July 20, 2011 | 10.7.5 (September 19, 2012) |
OS X 10.8 | Mountain Lion | July 25, 2012 | 10.8.5 (12F45) (October 3, 2013) |
OS X 10.9 | Mavericks | October 22, 2013 | 10.9.5 (13F1112) (September 18, 2014) |
OS X 10.10 | Yosemite | October 16, 2014 | 10.10.5 (14F27) (August 13, 2015) |
OS X 10.11 | El Capitan | September 30, 2015 | 10.11.6 (15G31) (July 18, 2016) |
macOS 10.12 | Sierra | September 20, 2016 | 10.12.6 (16G29) (July 19, 2017) |
macOS 10.13 | High Sierra | September 25, 2017 | 10.13.6 (17G65) (July 9, 2018) |
macOS 10.14 | Mojave | September 24, 2018 | 10.14 (18A391) (September 24, 2018) |
macOS 10.15 | Catalina | October 7, 2019 | 10.15.0 (19A602) (October 15, 2019) |
License¶
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.