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Command-Line

Use your macOS terminal shell to do awesome things.

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herrbischoffherrbischoff/awesome-macos-command-lineUpdated 20307 703 1133

Contents

    Awesome macOS Command Line

    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)

    Awesome Build Status

    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.

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herrbischoff

    Contents

    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 osversion to do shell script "swvers -productVersion"
set mailversion to "V2"
considering numeric strings
if "10.10" <= osversion then set mailversion to "V3"
if "10.12" <= osversion then set mailversion to "V4"
if "10.13" <= osversion then set mailversion to "V5"
if "10.14" <= osversion then set mail_version to "V6"
end considering
    

    set sizeBefore to do shell script "ls -lnah ~/Library/Mail/" & mailversion & "/MailData | grep -E 'Envelope Index$' | awk {'print $5'}"
do shell script "/usr/bin/sqlite3 ~/Library/Mail/" & mailversion & "/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 --with-cscope --with-lua --with-override-system-vim --with-luajit --with-python

    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

    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

    Enable Dock Autohide

    defaults write com.apple.dock autohide -bool true && \
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

    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

    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

    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

    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)

    ssh-add -K /path/to/private_key

    Then add to ~/.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

    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:

    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.

    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

    Convert Tabs to Spaces for Clipboard Content

    pbpaste | expand | pbcopy

    Copy data from Clipboard

    pbpaste > whatever.txt

    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 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=""

    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

    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 -l

    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

    • 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

    VersionCodenameRelease DateMost Recent Version
    Rhapsody Developer ReleaseGrail1Z4 / Titan1UAugust 31, 1997DR2 (May 14, 1998)
    Mac OS X Server 1.0HeraMarch 16, 19991.2v3 (October 27, 2000)
    Mac OS X Developer Previewn/aMarch 16, 1999DP4 (April 5, 2000)
    Mac OS X Public BetaKodiakSeptember 13, 2000n/a
    Mac OS X 10.0CheetahMarch 24, 200110.0.4 (June 22, 2001)
    Mac OS X 10.1PumaSeptember 25, 200110.1.5 (June 6, 2002)
    Mac OS X 10.2JaguarAugust 24, 200210.2.8 (October 3, 2003)
    Mac OS X 10.3PantherOctober 24, 200310.3.9 (April 15, 2005)
    Mac OS X 10.4TigerApril 29, 200510.4.11 (November 14, 2007)
    Mac OS X 10.5LeopardOctober 26, 200710.5.8 (August 5, 2009)
    Mac OS X 10.6Snow LeopardAugust 28, 200910.6.8 v1.1 (July 25, 2011)
    Mac OS X 10.7LionJuly 20, 201110.7.5 (September 19, 2012)
    OS X 10.8Mountain LionJuly 25, 201210.8.5 (12F45) (October 3, 2013)
    OS X 10.9MavericksOctober 22, 201310.9.5 (13F1112) (September 18, 2014)
    OS X 10.10YosemiteOctober 16, 201410.10.5 (14F27) (August 13, 2015)
    OS X 10.11El CapitanSeptember 30, 201510.11.6 (15G31) (July 18, 2016)
    macOS 10.12SierraSeptember 20, 201610.12.6 (16G29) (July 19, 2017)
    macOS 10.13High SierraSeptember 25, 201710.13.6 (17G65) (July 9, 2018)
    macOS 10.14MojaveSeptember 24, 201810.14 (18A391) (September 24, 2018)

    License

    Creative Commons License
    This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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