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.
Contents
- Appearance
- Applications
- Backup
- Developer
- Dock
- Documents
- Files, Disks and Volumes
- Finder
- Fonts
- Functions
- Hardware
- Input Devices
- Launchpad
- Media
- Networking
- Package Managers
- Printing
- Security
- Search
- System
- AirDrop
- AppleScript
- Basics
- Clipboard
- Date and Time
- FileVault
- Information/Reports
- Install OS
- Kernel Extensions
- LaunchAgents
- LaunchServices
- Login Window
- Memory Management
- Notification Center
- QuickLook
- Remote Apple Events
- Root User
- Safe Mode Boot
- Screenshots
- Software Installation
- Software Update
- Software Version
- Spotlight
- System Integrity Protection
- Terminal
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
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
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" 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
Remove Smiley Face
At next start the warning "Your Code installation appears to be corrupt. Please reinstall." will appear. That's fine, just click "Don't show again".
sed -i '' 's/\.send-feedback{display:inline-block}/\.send-feedback{display:none}/' /Applications/Visual\ Studio\ Code.app/Contents/Resources/app/out/vs/workbench/workbench.main.css
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 --with-cscope --with-lua --with-override-system-vim --with-luajit --with-python
Neovim
Install the development version of this modern Vim drop-in alternative via Homebrew.
brew install neovim/neovim/neovim
Xcode
Install Command Line Tools without Xcode
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
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
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-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
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.
Disable Sudden Motion Sensor
Leaving this turned on is useless when you're using SSDs.
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
View File System Usage
A continuous stream of file system access info.
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
Delete Snapshot
tmutil deletelocalsnapshots com.apple.TimeMachine.2018-01-26-044042
List Snapshots
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
Create Disk Image From Folder Contents
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
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 File
Open Applications
You can open applications using -a
.
open -a "Google Chrome" https://github.com
Open Folder
Open Current Folder
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
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.
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:
Show All Power Management Settings
Put Display to Sleep after 15 Minutes of Inactivity
sudo pmset displaysleep 15
Put Computer to Sleep after 30 Minutes of Inactivity
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.
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
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
Troubleshoot Routing Problems
SSH
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.
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
Alternative that works on all networks.
curl -s https://api.ipify.org && echo
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
Run a wireless scan:
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
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.
Printing
Clear Print Queue
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 "[:alpha:][:alnum:]" < /dev/urandom | head -c 20 | pbcopy
Physical Access
Launch Screen Saver
open /System/Library/Frameworks/ScreenSaver.framework/Versions/A/Resources/ScreenSaverEngine.app
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
Securely Remove 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.
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).
Restart
Shutdown
Show Build Number of OS
Uptime
How long since your last restart.
Clipboard
Copy data to Clipboard
cat whatever.txt | pbcopy
Convert Clipboard to Plain Text
pbpaste | textutil -convert txt -stdin -stdout -encoding 30 | pbcopy
Convert Tabs to Spaces for Clipboard Content
pbpaste | expand | pbcopy
Copy data from Clipboard
Sort and Strip Duplicate Lines from Clipboard Content
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 fdestatus disable
Information/Reports
Generate Advanced System and Performance Report
sudo sysdiagnose -f ~/Desktop/
Install OS
Create Bootable Installer
# Sierra sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app # El Capitan sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app # Yosemite sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Yosemite.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Yosemite.app
Kernel Extensions
Display Status of Loaded Kernel Extensions
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
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=""
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
Install All Available Software Updates
Set Software Update Check Interval
Set to check daily instead of weekly.
defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate ScheduleFrequency -int 1
Show Available Software Updates
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
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
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:
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.
Alternative Terminals
- iTerm2 - A better Terminal.app.
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.
- Fisherman - A blazing fast, modern plugin manager for Fish.
- 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.
Send a Tip my Way
In case you feel particularly generous today, you can buy me a coffee. That would really make my day. Kindness of strangers and all that. If you can't or won't, no hard feelings.
Bitcoin: 1HXi42h9Uk5LmDrq1rVv8ykaFoeARTXw9P
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.