> 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)_ [](https://github.com/sindresorhus/awesome) [](https://gitter.im/herrbischoff/awesome-osx-command-line) If you want to contribute, you are highly encouraged to do so. Please read the [contribution guidelines](contributing.md). For more terminal shell goodness, please also see this list's sister list [Awesome Command Line Apps](https://github.com/herrbischoff/awesome-command-line-apps). ## Table of Contents - [Appearance](#appearance) - [Transparency](#transparency) - [Wallpaper](#wallpaper) - [Applications](#applications) - [App Store](#app-store) - [Apple Remote Desktop](#apple-remote-desktop) - [Contacts](#contacts) - [iTunes](#itunes) - [Mail](#mail) - [Safari](#safari) - [Sketch](#sketch) - [Skim](#skim) - [TextEdit](#textedit) - [Backup](#backup) - [Time Machine](#time-machine) - [Developer](#developer) - [App Icons](#app-icons) - [Vim](#vim) - [Xcode](#xcode) - [Disks and Volumes](#disks-and-volumes) - [Disk Images](#disk-images) - [Dock](#dock) - [Documents](#documents) - [Finder](#finder) - [Files and Folders](#files-and-folders) - [Layout](#layout) - [Metadata Files](#metadata-files) - [Opening Things](#opening-things) - [Fonts](#fonts) - [Functions](#functions) - [Hardware](#hardware) - [Bluetooth](#bluetooth) - [Hardware Information](#hardware-information) - [Infrared Receiver](#infrared-receiver) - [Power Management](#power-management) - [Input Devices](#input-devices) - [Keyboard](#keyboard) - [Media](#media) - [Audio](#audio) - [Video](#video) - [Networking](#networking) - [Bonjour](#bonjour) - [DHCP](#dhcp) - [DNS](#dns) - [Hostname](#hostname) - [Network Preferences](#network-preferences) - [Networking Tools](#networking-tools) - [TCP/IP](#tcpip) - [Wi-Fi](#wi-fi) - [Package Managers](#package-managers) - [Printing](#printing) - [Security](#security) - [Application Firewall](#application-firewall) - [Gatekeeper](#gatekeeper) - [Passwords](#passwords) - [Physical Access](#physical-access) - [Wiping Data](#wiping-data) - [Search](#search) - [Find](#find) - [Locate](#locate) - [System](#system) - [AirDrop](#airdrop) - [AppleScript](#applescript) - [Basics](#basics) - [Clipboard](#clipboard) - [Date and Time](#date-and-time) - [FileVault](#filevault) - [Information/Reports](#informationreports) - [Kernel Extensions](#kernel-extensions) - [LaunchAgents](#launchagents) - [LaunchServices](#launchservices) - [Login Window](#login-window) - [Memory Management](#memory-management) - [Notification Center](#notification-center) - [QuickLook](#quicklook) - [Remote Apple Events](#remote-apple-events) - [Root User](#root-user) - [Safe Mode Boot](#safe-mode-boot) - [Screenshots](#screenshots) - [Software Installation](#software-installation) - [Software Update](#software-update) - [Spotlight](#spotlight) - [System Integrity Protection](#system-integrity-protection) - [Terminal](#terminal) - [Alternative Terminals](#alternative-terminals) - [Shells](#shells) - [Terminal Fonts](#terminal-fonts) ## Appearance ### Transparency #### Transparency in Menu and Windows ```bash # Reduce Transparency defaults write com.apple.universalaccess reduceTransparency -bool true # Restore Default Transparency defaults write com.apple.universalaccess reduceTransparency -bool false ``` ### Wallpaper #### Set Wallpaper ```bash # 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 ```bash find /Applications -path '*Contents/_MASReceipt/receipt' -maxdepth 4 -print |\sed 's#.app/Contents/_MASReceipt/receipt#.app#g; s#/Applications/##' ``` #### Show Debug Menu ```bash # Enable defaults write com.apple.appstore ShowDebugMenu -bool true # Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.appstore ShowDebugMenu -bool false ``` ### Apple Remote Desktop #### Remove Apple Remote Desktop Settings ```bash 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 ```bash # Enable defaults write com.apple.addressbook ABShowDebugMenu -bool true # Disable (Default) defaults write com.apple.addressbook ABShowDebugMenu -bool false ``` ### iTunes #### Keyboard Media Keys ```bash # 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 ``` ### Mail #### Show Attachments as Icons ```bash 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. ```applescript (* Speed up Mail.app by vacuuming the Envelope Index Code from: 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 *) 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" 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 #### Enable Develop Menu and Web Inspector ```bash 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 NSGlobalDomain WebKitDeveloperExtras -bool true ``` #### Get Current Page Data Other options: `get source`, `get text`. ```bash osascript -e 'tell application "Safari" to get URL of current tab of front window' ``` ### Sketch #### Export Compact SVGs ```bash defaults write com.bohemiancoding.sketch3 exportCompactSVG -bool yes ``` ### Skim #### Turn Off Auto Reload Dialog Removes the dialog and defaults to auto reload. ```bash defaults write -app Skim SKAutoReloadFileUpdate -boolean true ``` ### TextEdit #### Use Plain Text Mode as Default ```bash defaults write com.apple.TextEdit RichText -int 0 ``` ## Backup ### Time Machine #### Change Backup Interval This changes the interval to 30 minutes. The integer value is the time in seconds. ```bash sudo defaults write /System/Library/Launch Daemons/com.apple.backupd-auto StartInterval -int 1800 ``` #### Local Backups Whether Time Machine performs local backups while the Time Machine backup volume is not available. ```bash # Disable sudo tmutil disablelocal # Enable (Default) sudo tmutil enablelocal ``` #### Prevent Time Machine from Prompting to Use New Hard Drives as Backup Volume ```bash defaults write com.apple.TimeMachine DoNotOfferNewDisksForBackup -bool true ``` #### Set Status ```bash # Disable Local Time Machine Backups hash tmutil &> /dev/null && sudo tmutil disablelocal # Enable Local Time Machine Backups (Default) hash tmutil &> /dev/null && sudo tmutil enablelocal ``` ## Developer ### Vim #### Compile Sane Vim Compiling MacVim via Homebrew with all bells and whistles, including overriding system Vim. ```bash 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. ```bash brew tap neovim/neovim && \ brew install --HEAD neovim ``` ### Xcode #### Install Command Line Tools without Xcode ```bash xcode-select --install ``` #### Remove All Unavailable Simulators ```bash xcrun simctl delete unavailable ``` ## Disks and Volumes #### Disable Sudden Motion Sensor Leaving this turned on is useless when you're using SSDs. ```bash sudo pmset -a sms 0 ``` #### Eject All Mountable Volumes The only reliable way to do this is by sending an AppleScript command to Finder. ```bash 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. ```bash 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](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201560)) #### Set Boot Volume ```bash bless --mount "/path/to/mounted/volume" --setBoot ``` #### Show All Attached Disks and Partitions ```bash diskutil list ``` #### View File System Usage A continuous stream of file system access info. ```bash sudo fs_usage ``` ### Disk Images #### Create Disk Image From Folder Contents ```bash hdiutil create -volname "Volume Name" -srcfolder /path/to/folder -ov diskimage.dmg ``` If you'd like to encrypt the disk image: ```bash 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: ```bash 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. ```bash hdiutil burn /path/to/image_file ``` #### Disable Disk Image Verification ```bash 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 ```bash bless --folder "/path/to/mounted/volume/System/Library/CoreServices" --bootinfo --bootefi ``` #### Mount Disk Image ```bash hdiutil attach /path/to/diskimage.dmg ``` #### Unmount Disk Image ```bash hdiutil detach /dev/disk2s1 ``` #### Write Disk Image to Volume Like the Disk Utility "Restore" function. ```bash sudo asr -restore -noverify -source /path/to/diskimage.dmg -target /Volumes/VolumeToRestoreTo ``` ## Dock #### Add a Stack with Recent Applications ```bash defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-others -array-add '{ "tile-data" = { "list-type" = 1; }; "tile-type" = "recents-tile"; }' && \ killall Dock ``` #### Add a Space ```bash defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-apps -array-add '{"tile-type"="spacer-tile";}' && \ killall Dock ``` #### Icon Bounce Global setting whether Dock icons should bounce when the respective application demands your attention. ```bash # 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 ```bash defaults delete com.apple.dock && \ 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. ```bash # 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. ```bash defaults write com.apple.Dock autohide-delay -float 0 && \ killall Dock ``` #### Show Hidden App Icons ```bash # Enable defaults write com.apple.dock showhidden -bool true && \ killall Dock # Disable defaults write com.apple.dock showhidden -bool false && \ killall Dock ``` ## Documents #### Convert File to HTML Supported formats are plain text, rich text (rtf) and Microsoft Word (doc/docx). ```bash textutil -convert html file.ext ``` ## Finder ### Files and Folders #### Clear All ACLs ```bash sudo chmod -RN /path/to/folder ``` #### Hide Folder in Finder ```bash chflags hidden /path/to/folder/ ``` #### Show All File Extensions ```bash defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions -bool true ``` #### Show Hidden Files ```bash # Show All defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles true # Restore Default File Visibility defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles false ``` #### Remove Protected Flag ```bash sudo chflags -R nouchg /path/to/file/or/folder ``` #### Show Full Path in Finder Title ```bash defaults write com.apple.finder _FXShowPosixPathInTitle -bool true ``` #### Unhide User Library Folder ```bash chflags nohidden ~/Library ``` #### Increase Number of Recent Places ```bash defaults write .GlobalPreferences 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 ```bash # 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. ```bash # Disable defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSScrollAnimationEnabled -bool false # Enable (Default) defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSScrollAnimationEnabled -bool true ``` #### Rubberband Scrolling ```bash # Disable defaults write -g NSScrollViewRubberbanding -bool false # Enable (Default) defaults write -g NSScrollViewRubberbanding -bool true ``` #### Expand Save Panel by Default ```bash defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSNavPanelExpandedStateForSaveMode -bool true && \ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSNavPanelExpandedStateForSaveMode2 -bool true ``` #### Desktop Icon Visibility ```bash # 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 ```bash # 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`. ```bash defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowScrollBars -string "Always" ``` #### Status Bar ```bash # 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. ```bash defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSDocumentSaveNewDocumentsToCloud -bool false ``` #### Set Current Folder as Default Search Scope ```bash defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string "SCcf" ``` #### Set Default Finder Location to Home Folder ```bash 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'. ```bash defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSTableViewDefaultSizeMode -int 2 ``` ### Metadata Files #### Disable Creation of Metadata Files on Network Volumes Avoids creation of `.DS_Store` and AppleDouble files. ```bash defaults write com.apple.desktopservices DSDontWriteNetworkStores -bool true ``` #### Disable Creation of Metadata Files on USB Volumes Avoids creation of `.DS_Store` and AppleDouble files. ```bash 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. ```bash cd "$(osascript -e 'tell app "Finder" to POSIX path of (insertion location as alias)')" ``` #### Open URL ```bash open https://github.com ``` #### Open File ```bash open README.md ``` #### Open Applications You can open applications using `-a`. ```bash open -a "Google Chrome" https://github.com ``` #### Open Folder ```bash open /path/to/folder/ ``` #### Open Current Folder ```bash open . ``` ## Fonts #### Clear Font Cache for Current User To clear font caches for all users, put `sudo` in front of this command. ```bash atsutil databases -removeUser && \ atsutil server -shutdown && \ atsutil server -ping ``` ## Functions Please see [this file](functions.md). ## Hardware ### Bluetooth ```bash # 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 ``` ### Hardware Information #### List All Hardware Ports ```bash networksetup -listallhardwareports ``` #### Remaining Battery Percentage ```bash pmset -g batt | egrep "([0-9]+\%).*" -o --colour=auto | cut -f1 -d';' ``` #### Remaining Battery Time ```bash pmset -g batt | egrep "([0-9]+\%).*" -o --colour=auto | cut -f3 -d';' ``` #### Show Connected Device's UDID ```bash system_profiler SPUSBDataType | sed -n -e '/iPad/,/Serial/p' -e '/iPhone/,/Serial/p' ``` #### Show Current Screen Resolution ```bash system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType | grep Resolution ``` #### Show CPU Brand String ```bash sysctl -n machdep.cpu.brand_string ``` ### Infrared Receiver ```bash # 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: ```bash caffeinate -u -t 3600 ``` #### Show All Power Management Settings ```bash sudo pmset -g ``` #### Put Display to Sleep after 15 Minutes of Inactivity ```bash sudo pmset displaysleep 15 ``` #### Put Computer to Sleep after 30 Minutes of Inactivity ```bash sudo pmset sleep 30 ``` #### Check System Sleep Idle Time ```bash sudo systemsetup -getcomputersleep ``` #### Set System Sleep Idle Time to 60 Minutes ```bash sudo systemsetup -setcomputersleep 60 ``` #### Turn Off System Sleep Completely ```bash sudo systemsetup -setcomputersleep Never ``` #### Automatic Restart on System Freeze ```bash sudo systemsetup -setrestartfreeze on ``` #### Chime When Charging Play iOS charging sound when MagSafe is connected. ```bash # 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 ```bash # Disable defaults write -g NSAutomaticSpellingCorrectionEnabled -bool false # Enable (Default) defaults write -g NSAutomaticSpellingCorrectionEnabled -bool true # Show Status defaults read -g NSAutomaticSpellingCorrectionEnabled ``` #### Key Repeat Disable the default "press and hold" behavior. ```bash # 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. ```bash defaults write NSGlobalDomain KeyRepeat -int 0.02 ``` ## Media ### Audio #### Convert Audio File to iPhone Ringtone ```bash 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. ```bash say -v Alex -f file.txt -o "output.m4a" ``` #### Disable Sound Effects on Boot ```bash sudo nvram SystemAudioVolume=" " ``` #### Mute Audio Output ```bash osascript -e 'set volume output muted true' ``` #### Set Audio Volume ```bash osascript -e 'set volume 4' ``` #### Play Audio File You can play all audio formats that are natively supported by QuickTime. ```bash afplay -q 1 filename.mp3 ``` #### Speak Text with System Default Voice ```bash say 'All your base are belong to us!' ``` ### Video #### Auto-Play Videos in QuickTime Player ```bash defaults write com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX MGPlayMovieOnOpen 1 ``` ## Networking ### Bonjour #### Bonjour Service ```bash # 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 ```bash sudo ipconfig set en0 DHCP ``` #### Show DHCP Info ```bash ipconfig getpacket en0 ``` ### DNS #### Clear DNS Cache ```bash sudo dscacheutil -flushcache && \ sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder ``` ### Hostname #### Set Computer Name/Host Name ```bash 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. ```bash # Status scselect # Switch Network Location scselect LocationNameFromStatus ``` ### Networking Tools #### Ping a Host to See Whether It’s Available ```bash ping -o github.com ``` #### Troubleshoot Routing Problems ```bash traceroute github.com ``` ### TCP/IP #### Show Application Using a Certain Port This outputs all applications currently using port 80. ```bash sudo lsof -i :80 ``` #### Show External IP Address ```bash dig +short myip.opendns.com @resolver1.opendns.com ``` ### Wi-Fi #### Join a Wi-Fi Network ```bash networksetup -setairportnetwork en0 WIFI_SSID WIFI_PASSWORD ``` #### Scan Available Access Points Create a symbolic link to the airport command for easy access: ```bash sudo ln -s /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport /usr/local/bin/airport ``` Run a wireless scan: ```bash airport -s ``` #### Show Current SSID ```bash /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -I | awk '/ SSID/ {print substr($0, index($0, $2))}' ``` #### Show Local IP Address ```bash ipconfig getifaddr en0 ``` #### Show Wi-Fi Connection History ```bash 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. ```bash security find-generic-password -D "AirPort network password" -a "SSID" -gw ``` #### Turn on Wi-Fi Adapter ```bash networksetup -setairportpower en0 on ``` ## Package Managers - [Fink](http://www.finkproject.org) - The full world of Unix Open Source software for Darwin. - [Homebrew](http://brew.sh) - The missing package manager for OS X. - [MacPorts](https://www.macports.org) - Compile, install and upgrade either command-line, X11 or Aqua based open-source software. ## Printing #### Clear Print Queue ```bash cancel -a - ``` #### Expand Print Panel by Default ```bash defaults write NSGlobalDomain PMPrintingExpandedStateForPrint -bool true && \ defaults write NSGlobalDomain PMPrintingExpandedStateForPrint2 -bool true ``` #### Quit Printer App After Print Jobs Complete ```bash defaults write com.apple.print.PrintingPrefs "Quit When Finished" -bool true ``` ## Security ### Application Firewall #### Firewall Service ```bash # 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 ```bash sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --add /path/to/file ``` ### Gatekeeper #### Add Gatekeeper Exception ```bash spctl --add /path/to/Application.app ``` #### Remove Gatekeeper Exception ```bash spctl --remove /path/to/Application.app ``` ### Passwords #### Generate Secure Password and Copy to Clipboard First, install `pwgen` via Homebrew, etc. ```bash pwgen -Cs 20 1 | tr -d ' ' | tr -d '\n' | pbcopy ``` ### Physical Access #### Launch Screen Saver ```bash open /System/Library/Frameworks/ScreenSaver.framework/Versions/A/Resources/ScreenSaverEngine.app ``` #### Lock Screen ```bash /System/Library/CoreServices/Menu\ Extras/User.menu/Contents/Resources/CGSession -suspend ``` #### Screensaver Immediate Lock ```bash # 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 ```bash # 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 #### Securely Remove File ```bash srm /path/to/file ``` #### Securely Remove Folder ```bash srm -r /path/to/folder/ ``` #### Securely Remove Path (Force) ```bash srm -rf /path/to/complete/destruction ``` ## Search ### Find #### Recursively Delete .DS_Store Files ```bash find . -type f -name '*.DS_Store' -ls -delete ``` ### Locate #### Build Locate Database ```bash sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.locate.plist ``` #### Search via Locate The `-i` modifier makes the search case insensitive. ```bash locate -i *.jpg ``` ## System ### AirDrop ```bash # 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 ```bash osascript /path/to/script.scpt ``` ### Basics #### Restart ```bash sudo reboot ``` #### Shutdown ```bash sudo poweroff ``` #### Show Build Number of OS ```bash sw_vers ``` #### Uptime How long since your last restart. ```bash uptime ``` ### Clipboard #### Copy data to Clipboard ```bash cat whatever.txt | pbcopy ``` #### Convert Clipboard to Plain Text ```bash pbpaste | textutil -convert txt -stdin -stdout -encoding 30 | pbcopy ``` #### Convert Tabs to Spaces for Clipboard Content ```bash pbpaste | expand | pbcopy ``` #### Copy data from Clipboard ```bash pbpaste > whatever.txt ``` #### Sort and Strip Duplicate Lines from Clipboard Content ```bash 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. ```bash sudo fdesetup authrestart ``` #### FileVault Service ```bash # Status sudo fdesetup status # Enable sudo fdesetup enable # Disable (Default) sudo fdestatus disable ``` ### Information/Reports #### Generate Advanced System and Performance Report ```bash sudo sysdiagnose -f ~/Desktop/ ``` ### Kernel Extensions #### Display Status of Loaded Kernel Extensions ```bash sudo kextstat -l ``` #### Load Kernel Extension ```bash sudo kextload -b com.apple.driver.ExampleBundle ``` #### Unload Kernel Extensions ```bash sudo kextunload -b com.apple.driver.ExampleBundle ``` ### LaunchAgents Please see [this file](launchagents.md). ### 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](#build-locate-database). ```bash sudo $(locate lsregister) -kill -seed -r ``` ### Login Window #### Set Login Window Text ```bash sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow LoginwindowText "Your text" ``` ### Memory Management #### Purge memory cache ```bash sudo purge ``` #### Show Memory Statistics ```bash # 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 ```bash # 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 ```bash qlmanage -p /path/to/file ``` ### Remote Apple Events ```bash # Status sudo systemsetup -getremoteappleevents # Enable sudo systemsetup -setremoteappleevents on # Disable (Default) sudo systemsetup -setremoteappleevents off ``` ### Root User ```bash # Enable dsenableroot # Disable dsenableroot -d ``` ### Safe Mode Boot ```bash # 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. ```bash screencapture -T 3 -t jpg -P delayedpic.jpg ``` #### Save Screenshots to Given Location Sets location to `~/Desktop`. ```bash 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`. ```bash defaults write com.apple.screencapture type -string "png" ``` #### Disable Shadow in Screenshots ```bash defaults write com.apple.screencapture disable-shadow -bool true && \ killall SystemUIServer ``` #### Set Default Screenshot Name Date and time remain unchanged. ```bash defaults write com.apple.screencapture name "Example name" && \ killall SystemUIServer ``` ### Software Installation #### Install PKG ```bash installer -pkg /path/to/installer.pkg -target / ``` ### Software Update #### Install All Available Software Updates ```bash sudo softwareupdate -ia ``` #### Set Software Update Check Interval Set to check daily instead of weekly. ```bash defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate ScheduleFrequency -int 1 ``` #### Show Available Software Updates ```bash 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](http://krypted.com/mac-security/using-the-software-update-service-on-mountain-lion-server/) and bind your clients via OpenDirectory. Alternatively, use [Reposado](https://github.com/wdas/reposado) together with correct network DNS settings to make resolution transparent. [Margarita](https://github.com/jessepeterson/margarita) looks nice to have as well. ```bash # 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 ``` ### Spotlight #### Spotlight Indexing ```bash # Disable mdutil -i off -d /path/to/volume # Enable (Default) mdutil -i on /path/to/volume ``` #### Erase Spotlight Index and Rebuild ```bash mdutil -E /path/to/volume ``` #### Search via Spotlight ```bash mdfind -name 'searchterm' ``` #### Show Spotlight Indexed Metadata ```bash mdls /path/to/file ``` ### System Integrity Protection #### Disable System Integrity Protection Reboot while holding Cmd + R, open the Terminal application and enter: ```bash csrutil disable && reboot ``` #### Enable System Integrity Protection Reboot while holding Cmd + R, open the Terminal application and enter: ```bash csrutil enable && reboot ``` ### Date and Time #### List Available Timezones ```bash sudo systemsetup -listtimezones ``` #### Set Timezone ```bash sudo systemsetup -settimezone Europe/Berlin ``` #### Set Clock Using Network Time ```bash # 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. ```bash tput bel ``` ### Alternative Terminals - [iTerm 2](https://iterm2.com) - A better Terminal.app. - [TotalTerminal](http://totalterminal.binaryage.com) - A system-wide terminal available on a hot-key. ### Shells #### Bash Install the latest version and set as current users' default shell: ```bash brew install bash && \ sudo echo $(brew --prefix)/bin/bash >> /etc/shells && \ chsh -s $(brew --prefix)/bin/bash ``` - [Homepage](https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/) - The default shell for OS X and most other Unix-based operating systems. - [Bash-it](https://github.com/Bash-it/bash-it) - Community Bash framework, like Oh My Zsh for Bash. #### fish Install the latest version and set as current users' default shell: ```bash brew install fish && \ chsh -s $(brew --prefix)/bin/fish ``` - [Homepage](http://fishshell.com) - A smart and user-friendly command line shell for OS X, Linux, and the rest of the family. - [Fisherman](http://fisherman.sh) - A blazing fast, modern plugin manager for Fish. - [Oh My Fish](https://github.com/oh-my-fish/oh-my-fish) - The Fishshell Framework. Provides core infrastructure to allow you to install packages which extend or modify the look of your shell. #### Zsh Install the latest version and set as current users' default shell: ```bash brew install zsh && \ sudo sh -c 'echo $(brew --prefix)/bin/zsh >> /etc/shells' && \ chsh -s $(brew --prefix)/bin/zsh ``` - [Homepage](http://www.zsh.org) - Zsh is a shell designed for interactive use, although it is also a powerful scripting language. - [Oh My Zsh](http://ohmyz.sh) - An open source, community-driven framework for managing your Zsh configuration. - [Prezto](https://github.com/sorin-ionescu/prezto) - A speedy Zsh framework. Enriches the command line interface environment with sane defaults, aliases, functions, auto completion, and prompt themes. - [zgen](https://github.com/tarjoilija/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](http://www.marksimonson.com/fonts/view/anonymous-pro) - A family of four fixed-width fonts designed with coding in mind. - [Codeface](https://github.com/chrissimpkins/codeface) - A gallery and repository of monospaced fonts for developers. - [DejaVu Sans Mono](http://dejavu-fonts.org/wiki/Main_Page) - A font family based on the Vera Fonts. - [Hack](http://sourcefoundry.org/hack/) - Hack is hand groomed and optically balanced to be your go-to code face. - [Inconsolata](http://levien.com/type/myfonts/inconsolata.html) - A monospace font, designed for code listings and the like. - [Input](http://input.fontbureau.com) - A flexible system of fonts designed specifically for code. - [Meslo](https://github.com/andreberg/Meslo-Font) - Customized version of Apple's Menlo font. - [Powerline Fonts](https://github.com/powerline/fonts) - Repo of patched fonts for the Powerline plugin. - [Source Code Pro](https://adobe-fonts.github.io/source-code-pro/) - A monospaced font family for user interfaces and coding environments. ## License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.