Apple's macOS includes Terminal, a powerful UNIX-based tool akin to Windows Command Prompt. While it can seem intimidating—one wrong command might cause issues—most tweaks are harmless and let you customize your Mac effortlessly. As a macOS power user with years of experience, I've relied on these commands to streamline my workflow without risking stability.
Terminal unlocks advanced tweaks for performance and convenience. If you're new to it, start with these safe, proven commands. Here's my curated list of 11 must-know Terminal tricks for macOS.
Note: When copying commands, scroll fully right to select the entire line in the gray box. Partial copies won't work.Terminal shines for launching folders or files discreetly, bypassing Finder exposure. For example, to open Documents:
open ~/Documents
This launches Finder straight to Documents. To open a specific file with its default app, like a DOCX in Microsoft Word:
open -a "Microsoft Word" ~/Documents/SoP_Prajith_New.docx
Use wildcards like *.docx for quick access, but avoid multiples to prevent slowdowns.
macOS saves screenshots to Desktop by default, cluttering it—especially with iCloud sync. Redirect them easily:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location ~/Downloads
Apply changes:
killall SystemUIServer
Restart for reliability. Swap ~/Downloads for any path.
Default is PNG (post-Mojave), but customize to JPG or PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
killall SystemUIServer
PNG files are larger; monitor storage.
Finder hides system files by default. Toggle visibility:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool TRUE
killall Finder
Files appear grayed. Toggle off with FALSE.
Dashboard is outdated; disable it to avoid accidental opens:
defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean TRUE
killall Dock
Re-enable with FALSE.
Skip browsers for downloads with curl. Navigate first:
cd ~/Downloads
curl -O https://get.videolan.org/vlc/3.0.7.1/macosx/vlc-3.0.7.1.dmg
Note: -O (letter O), not zero.
Ditto copies files verbosely, preserving structure:
ditto -V ~/Downloads/vlc-3.0.7.1.dmg ~/Desktop
Ideal for large transfers; adjust paths as needed.
Mimic Windows Explorer:
defaults write com.apple.finder _FXShowPosixPathInTitle -boolean true
killall Finder
Get audio feedback for MagSafe:
defaults write com.apple.PowerChime ChimeOnAllHardware -bool true; open /System/Library/CoreServices/PowerChime.app
Keep it awake temporarily:
caffeinate -u -t 600
600 seconds (10 min); use plain caffeinate indefinitely. Closes with Terminal.
Monitor restart needs:
uptime
These commands work on Mojave and later. Always verify from trusted sources—avoid untested ones. Double-check destructive commands. With practice, you'll wield Terminal like a pro for peak Mac performance.
Next: Customize your macOS lock screen for a fresh look.
