To open Terminal automatically on a Mac, go to System Settings, General, Login Items and add Terminal under Open at Login. To open it only when you start work, together with your other apps, use an Apple Shortcut or ClapSnap, which opens the whole set on a double clap or snap.
Terminal is the Mac's built-in command line, and for developers it is part of every session.
Open Terminal at every login
macOS can open Terminal each time you log in. Follow the steps below, or right-click Terminal in the Dock and choose Options, then Open at Login.
Some apps also offer an "open at login" option in their own settings. If Terminal does, use either that or Login Items, not both, or you may get duplicate windows.
Open Terminal with the rest of your workspace
To open Terminal only when you start work, together with your other apps:
- Apple Shortcuts: add an Open App action for Terminal and each companion app, then run the shortcut from a hotkey or the menu bar. See how to open multiple apps with one shortcut.
- ClapSnap: add Terminal to your app list and double clap or snap; everything opens together, with no keyboard. See how to make your Mac open apps when you clap.
When to open Terminal on demand
Terminal is light, so login is fine. Opening it with your editor and browser keeps the developer set together and the rest of the Mac clean.
Apps people open with Terminal
- Visual Studio Code
- Google Chrome
- Slack
Terminal is part of the developer workspace. For every method in one place, see 7 ways to open apps automatically on Mac.
Add Terminal to Login Items
- Open System Settings. Choose Apple menu, then System Settings.
- Go to Login Items. Select General, then Login Items.
- Add Terminal. Under Open at Login, click the add button and choose Terminal from Applications.
- Restart to check. Log out and back in; Terminal should open on its own.
Questions
Can Terminal run a command automatically when it opens?
Yes. Terminal profiles can run a command at startup, set in Terminal Settings, Profiles, Shell.
How do I stop Terminal opening at login on Mac?
Open System Settings, General, Login Items, select Terminal under Open at Login and click the minus button.
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