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Two Methods:Opening with SpotlightOpening with a Keyboard Shortcut

The Terminal provides Mac users with a way to access and adjust settings of the operating system with text-based commands. If you need to use the Terminal, but don't know how, the steps to open it are simple.

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Method 1 of 2: Opening with Spotlight

  1. Terminal Screenshot 1.png
    1
    Run the cursor to the top of the screen. This will expose the menu bar.
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  2. 2
    Click the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass). You will find this on the menu bar at the top, right of the screen.

    Terminal Screenshot 2.png
  3. Terminal Screenshot 3.png
    3
    Start typing Terminal in the search field. After two or three characters, the Terminal icon will appear.
  4. Terminal Screenshot 4.png
    4
    Click the Terminal icon once it appears.

Method 2 of 2: Opening with a Keyboard Shortcut

Unlike Ubuntu, Mac does not have a preset shortcut to open the Terminal. This method shows how to create your own shortcut to the Terminal Window.

  1. Terminal Screenshot A.png
    1
    Open Automator. Run the cursor to the top of the screen to expose the menu bar. Click on the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass) and start inputting Automator, then click on the Automator icon once it appears.
  2. Terminal Screenshot A1.png
    2
    Double-click Service (gear icon) as the "Type for your document." Alternatively, highlight "Service" with a single click, then click Choose.
  3. Terminal Screenshot A2 Attempt 2.png
    3
    Click the double-headed arrow by Service receives. This will expose the drop-down menu.
  4. Terminal Screenshot A3.png
    4
    Change the drop-down menu selection from text to no input. It should look like this: Service requires no input in any application.
  5. 5
    Search in the left part of the window for Launch Application.

    Terminal Screenshot A4.png
  6. 6
    Double-click Launch Application. Alternatively, click and drag Launch Application to the rightmost window that says "Drag actions or files here to build your workflow."
  7. Terminal Screenshot A5.png
    7
    Open the drop-down menu by clicking the double-headed arrow.
  8. 8
    Choose Terminal. If it is not in the drop-down list, select "Other" and type Terminal in Spotlight, then click Choose.
  9. Terminal Screenshot A6.png
    9
    Close and Save your new Automator file. Click the red radio button, give the file a recognisable name, and click Save.
  10. 10
    Open System Preferences. You can find this by running the cursor to the bottom of the screen to expose the dock, then clicking on the set of gears. Alternatively, you can find System Preferences in Spotlight.

    Terminal Screenshot A7.png
  11. Terminal Screenshot A8.png
    11
    Open Keyboard and then select the Shortcuts tab.
  12. 12
    Click on Services and scroll down to General.

    Terminal Screenshot A9.png
  13. 13
    Find and select your newly-named service, and now add your own shortcut. For example: ^ Ctrl+ Alt+T.

    Terminal Screenshot A10.png
  14. Terminal Screenshot 4.png
    14
    Close System Preferences and try opening the Terminal Window with your new shortcut.
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Categories: Featured Articles | Mac

Recent edits by: Busa, Maluniu, Dexter Ang

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