Go to home directory mac terminal. Here's how to use it.

Go to home directory mac terminal. Go to a folder that’s listed in the menu In the Finder on your Mac, choose the Go menu. Go to the Terminal app on your Mac. Understanding how to change directory in Mac terminal not only enhances productivity but also opens up a new realm of managing files and directories efficiently. Also, you can go ahead to Finder > Preferences > Sidebar, and check the box of your user name to always show the user folder in Finder. How to open Finder from Terminal on Mac? Jan 29, 2024 · The Terminal app in macOS allows you deep access to the system to make quick changes or to what you can't alter using the user interface. May 15, 2023 · Changing the directory in Terminal simply means that you are trying to run a line of code in a different folder or location. This guide explains how to open Finder from Terminal on Mac and how to open Terminal from Finder. You may observe weird new behaviour and having one terminal window with the older environment can help figure it out. One such directory is /usr/local/, which holds a lot of importance for developers and advanced users. The Mac Terminal is a command line system that can help you quickly take control of your operating system and make changes. Explore tips for faster navigation. You are logged with your own user account. Oct 18, 2023 · In Terminal, as you are at the UNIX command line, entering the following command with a return takes you to your home (/Users/yourname) folder. By utilizing various methods—from basic commands to advanced shortcuts and tools—you can navigate folders quickly and effectively. Thus, what your program needs you to do is to: Fire up Terminal cd ~ (goes to your home directory) mkdir . This will open a Terminal window with the current directory set to the folder you selected. Jun 30, 2019 · I am looking to move all files in one specific directory up one directory with the terminal. /usr/libexec/java_home Aug 18, 2023 · Here are a few basic commands you can enter into your Terminal window: ls (the list command): This command will print a list of every file and directory located in the current directory you are in. Dec 4, 2020 · When I am using Terminal to go to different folders such as Documents, Downloads, Photos etc I get presented with a dialog requesting me to grant Terminal access to these folders such as below: Is Mar 6, 2022 · For example, if you are in ~/Pictures, click to go to ~/Documents, the Command-up will take you one level up to your home folder, wheres Command- [ will take you back to ~/Pictures. To change to ~/Desktop/sass/css: cd ~/Desktop/sass/css. Each time you reopen Terminal, the terminal will be there, in the same directory. 296 In terminal, how can I define a key to go to the previous directory which I was in when changing directory with the cd command? For example, I'm in /opt/soft/bin and I cd into /etc/squid3 and I want to get back to the first directory. This post concludes all the basic and helpful command lines for improving work efficiency on Mac, and you can read this Mac Terminal command cheat sheet for sharing or bookmarks! Why do we need a Mac Terminal commands cheat sheet? Jun 16, 2022 · [Mac]pingコマンドを止めるには？ [Mac]ターミナルコマンドでpingを確認するには？ [Mac]ターミナルでtrashコマンドをインストールするには？ Aug 5, 2025 · This article explains how to copy a file or directory in macOS Terminal using the cp command, with detailed examples. The command line or the terminal can be found on macOS in the menu bar of your Mac under Go to > Utilities > Terminal. If you want it to appear on the desktop and in finder change this in the finder preferences. pwd (the print working directory command): This command will print the current directory you are working in. If you can just type ‘open . I can obviously access directories on the same system using just the command cd (e. Recents, Documents or other listed folders: Choose a folder from the list. You can move to your home folder in terminal by typing one of cd (defaults to your home folder), cd $HOME (moves to the location in that environment variable), or cd ~ (a shortcut for home), or cd /Users/johnsmith/ (the absolute path). May 2, 2023 · This function can also extract files from a compressed archive (. Learn how to open any folder from the Mac Terminal without going through Finder. In this tutorial, we will explain how to change directory in Mac terminal using the cd (change directory) command. Jul 15, 2025 · Beginner's guide to Terminal app on Mac with essential commands and tips to enhance your efficiency and deepen your understanding of macOS. Especially when the directories are far apart in the file tree, changing from one directory to another can take several keystrokes. Mar 19, 2012 · The cd command of course changes the current directory to the one to type or paste / drop. Aug 5, 2025 · Summary: This post by iBoysoft introduces the Go to Folder feature in Finder on a Mac, including what "Go to Folder" do and how to use it to directly navigate to a target folder or subfolder on your Mac. Here are 3 ways to go about it. For example, to move a file from your Downloads folder to a Work folder in your Documents folder: Mar 10, 2021 · The home directory in the *nix shell is your special place. Many lines of code can be run in the default directory, but you can change the directory you are in by using “CD” followed by the pathname. I did need to find the Library folder due to other replies. May 14, 2024 · Introduction to the Terminal Before we get into the specifics of finding the root directory, let me give you a brief introduction to the Terminal. 1: Use the Go To Folder Keyboard Shortcut May 11, 2024 · Master Linux cd command to quickly access home directory, navigate efficiently, and increase command line productivity with handy tips. To see what files are in the directory: ls. We know many people have…. How to Open a Mac Terminal With a Keyboard Shortcut Jul 17, 2010 · I'm trying to access a shared network server via terminal on the Mac. Learn how to efficiently navigate the file system on your Mac terminal by changing directories. Choose one of the following: Enclosing Folder: Choose this option to open the parent folder for the current window. If you want information about either of those commands, use the man page: man cd or man ls, for example. Aug 5, 2025 · How to go back to the previous directory in Terminal on Mac? There are two types of cd commands available for you to return to the previous directory in Terminal on your Mac. We will learn how to move between folders, how to navigate different parts of your file system, and some tips for efficient navigation. There are hidden files and that is why I want to use the terminal. Now you can launch either of these folders by running the open x command. Jul 15, 2025 · The Mac Terminal is a powerful tool that allows you to interact with your macOS system through commands, giving you more control over your device than ever before. In this article, we will explore the different ways to achieve this, including using the `cd` command We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Click OK, then restart your Mac and log in to the renamed account. Before we get started, you should note some DO’s and DONT’s while using the command line. This is a feature automatically built into the Bash shell, used in Terminal by default. Oct 11, 2013 · 5 cd Command Tricks All Command Line Users Should KnowOne of the most commonly used command line tools is ‘cd’, which stands for change directory, and as you probably know is used to navigate directories and switch between one folder or another within the file system. Jul 4, 2025 · Changing directory in Terminal Mac is hassle-free if you know the correct technique. Mar 16, 2010 · You have to go into the Mac directory in Terminal, then run *sudo sh SwitchDriver. Step 1: Launch Terminal The first step to accessing any directory is to open a Apr 17, 2025 · Discover the true power of your Mac with this comprehensive Mac Terminal Commands Cheat Sheet. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of accessing this directory using the Mac terminal. After the upgrades to now Big Sur passwordless login still works from Terminal. Depending on how it was set up it may or may not have provided you with write access. /home is empty and it is a Jun 19, 2024 · Many of the guides I've posted here for working with photos from command line tools assume you've navigated to the folder holding the images. So here it is. To access the command line, we use a terminal emulator, usually called a terminal. Just in case, it's prudent NOT "to restart [ALL] the terminal windows" until you are sure there is absolutely nothing broken. How can I quickly switch back to my home directory in the Mac Terminal? To quickly switch back to your home directory in the Mac Terminal, type “cd” without any additional arguments or paths and press enter. I don't why it works or where my keys are. Below you can find many useful commands that can help you better utilize the Terminal On Mac. Looking for something like: mv . Feb 1, 2024 · For instance, if you’re dealing with a folder named “Sample Folder”, the command to list its contents should be ls /Documents/”Sample Folder” and not ls /Documents/Sample Folder. Mar 27, 2023 · To get to the Users folder on Mac Terminal, open the Terminal application. 7, Terminal supports Resume and by default will automatically restore terminals you had open when you quit, restoring their working directories. This will help you debug about 90% of the shell script Dec 27, 2012 · I am new to Mac OS. To go to this root directory, do "cd /" after that , you can do "cd Applications" to go into the applications folder. Whether you're a beginner exploring basic commands or an advanced user looking to streamline tasks, mastering Mac Terminal commands can significantly increase your productivity. Aug 5, 2025 · Sometimes, you'll want to open the current directory in Finder from Terminal, open a Terminal window directly from your current Finder folder, or perform other tasks that involve the two apps. Feb 13, 2013 · The Finder's Go > Go to Folder (Shift-Command-G) menu item is a nifty way to access your file system. May 30, 2025 · You can go and create a new window, like that, and have multiple Terminal windows open. Just one click on your third mouse button or a gesture on the trackpad and you navigate to the previous Jul 11, 2023 · The Terminal app will open, launching a new Terminal window with the selected folder as the current directory. Apr 8, 2025 · Update the user name in the “Home directory” field. e. From managing files and directories to troubleshooting 4. g. Jan 24, 2022 · Level up your programming skills with exercises across 52 languages, and insightful discussion with our dedicated team of welcoming mentors. But what if you need access to the root directory of your Mac? Well… Nov 5, 2021 · Learn how to access the hidden Library folder in your Home folder on your Mac so you can tweak app settings and access app files. Open a Command Prompt or Terminal to a Specific Folder in Windows, Mac, or Linux Recommended: Driver Updater - Update Drivers Automatically. ssh is a hidden folder in there but can be accessed normally via the command line. sh* (the script is in the Mac dir). Jul 16, 2010 · When I launch a new Terminal window, it starts me in 'Macintosh HD/Users/MyName'. How do I get to my home directory in Terminal? cd ~ (the tilde). 8 home directory If you just want to find out the home directory of your most recent version of Java, omit the version. One of the most basic yet crucial actions in terminal navigation is knowing how to go back one folder. spring (creates a hidden spring directory) You will not be able to see this folder in Finder, as it Apr 17, 2011 · As of Mac OS X Lion 10. When terminal commands, you use the names of folders when going “down” a level and . The Terminal is a powerful tool that allows you to interact with your Mac using text commands. Note: By default you do not have a bin directory, you need to create it first by running: In your terminal application or creating it in finder. ~ always refers to the home directory of the current user (/home/sharon in your case). Go into any finder window, press shift + + G then type in "~/bin", the window that comes up is your $HOME/bin directory. (This works for bash by default. This opens a search field specifically for the folders on your Mac. Here's how to do that in Terminal. So the Downloads folder is a subfolder of sharon which is a subfolder of home which is … (you get the idea :-)) So you can also enter cd /home/sharon/Downloads wherever you are in the filesystem. How to use set -xv for debugging in your script. Apr 30, 2019 · In this series we introduce you to commands for the command line of macOS which make life easier and faster. Change that name to match the new name of the home folder, but don't remove /Users/. Apr 5, 2013 · 1671 Use /usr/libexec/java_home -v 1. Enter the complete pathname of the tool’s executable file, followed by any needed arguments, then press Return. Oct 10, 2021 · Turns out you can open Terminal in any directory on macOS, just like you do it on Windows. – Do you have another method to open the Terminal on Mac? What is your preference? Share your thoughts in the comments. Dec 21, 2011 · I usually type cd, then drag the folder (from Finder) that I want to open in Terminal, and drop it in Terminal. Feb 10, 2025 · Navigating directories in the Mac Terminal is a fundamental skill for macOS users, especially for those transitioning from graphical user interfaces or new to the command line environment. This idea of going “down” into a folder or “up” out of a folder is very common when using terminal. Oct 11, 2022 · Learn how to open Terminal app from folder in Mac as a new window or tab using Finder services available in keyboard preferences section. To check that the file you're trying to open actually exists, you can change directories in terminal using cd. From browsing the web you are probably used to something better. Once you open a Terminal window, you can execute commands and run tools. In this article, we will let you know where is home folder on Mac, what the home folder is all about, the components of the home folder, and some informative tips. Feb 28, 2024 · The home folder on your Mac contains files that are saved on your disk space as well, you need to be able to track it to access all of your files conveniently. , you’ll go to your Mac’s /Users folder. This will add the full directory path, then press enter to change to the dropped directory. Jul 9, 2019 · When working with macOS or Linux terminal you often end up switching between two directory. This applies to all versions of modern Mac system software. cd /Applications) but our shared network I Aug 2, 2023 · This will instantly open a new Terminal window into the current working directory. Assuming you have the technical and legal rights to access files of other users, you can do this by changing into their home folder (cd /Users/joe or cd ~joe) and accessing the files there. With that Jun 27, 2014 · Only if path/to/the/Folder exists within your home folder and you save to it while using nano, but you don't need sudo for something in your home folder. directory files "hidden" in each of the directories with commands such as the ls -al command, too. Just drag and drop the user folder under the Favorites. So you can be working on one folder in one window and another folder in another window. So type cd in terminal and then drag in the correct Applications folder from finder shortcut, from a save dialog or a finder window into the terminal window with your mouse and let go. I should have remembered to detail the One of the main goals with being able to use the /home directory (and more specifically the same path from the servers root) is so that can use the same output paths on the development mac as well be used on the production server. In Terminal on your Mac, use standard UNIX shortcuts to represent files and folders. Here is how you can get to it easily. For example, if “User name” is johnappleseed, then “Home directory” should be /Users/johnappleseed. Jan 19, 2025 · Here’s how to reveal the contents of your Mac Library folder so you can perform troubleshooting, access data, manage your files, and more. Learn all the essential commands. 8 command on a terminal shell to figure out where is your Java 1. One way is, you can see the directory stack by the command dirs -v. Oct 7, 2024 · Photo by The Cleveland Museum of Art on Unsplash A simple compilation of common macOS Terminal commands for beginners that includes basic navigation, file management, system information, and networking commands. Thank you for the suggestion. Here's how to use it. For example, to move a file from your Downloads folder to a Work folder in your Documents folder: Sep 12, 2014 · I think my problem with finding a User Folder is I am the only user of my Mac. May 22, 2024 · The Home folder is one of those hidden folders and Mac doesn't make it easy to find. From Spotlight Search to the Applications folder, discover the best ways to access Terminal and start using macOS's powerful command-line tool. The list of known folders is stored in the shell’s PATH environment variable and includes the folders containing most Feb 5, 2024 · Learn how to navigate, explore, and manage files and directories on your Mac using the command line interface. This article aims to simplify the process Jan 18, 2025 · Mastering Terminal navigation on a Mac enhances efficiency and provides a deeper understanding of your operating system. ) in front, is considered hidden. I wonder if the ISP wrote that script to get the thing to work on Mac? Enter in Terminal: sudo chflags nohidden directoryname Whereby directory name is the name of the directory that you want to see in Finder. The bonus tip is to use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac if files have been deleted while changing directories. How to find the User folder directory on macOS using the Terminal? I th What I'd like to be able to do is when I'm in Terminal is to type: cd myFolderShortcut And for it to go straight to a directory I have a set up with this alias. ssh/config. How to use command line parameters correctly because the GNU cp command on Linux allows you to do it the wrong way, and that has caused a lot of problems. In the Finder , open the /Applications/Utilities folder, then double-click Terminal. First of all, you can use it to see hidden folders, so if you need to view /private/var, you Dec 1, 2013 · Issuing a cd with no parameter will also take you to your home directory, too. If you enter cd ~/Downloads you'll land in your Downloads folder. Jan 3, 2015 · The home folders of all users are stored in /Users. Jan 28, 2017 · How to find your Home folder To find your Home folder, open Finder and use the keyboard shortcut Command-Shift-H. The mv command moves the file or folder from its old location and puts it in the new location. This will automatically change directory when you open a new terminal. So, you can just open a new terminal and cd to your git directory, then leave the window open when you Quit. And if you type cd – (hyphen) you’ll go back to the directory you were in before the last time you issued the cd command. Reverse this by typing: sudo chflags hidden directoryname The Macintosh HD basically resembles the root directory. Introduction to Terminal Navigation and the Importance of Knowing How to Go Back One Folder Terminal navigation is an essential skill for anyone working with command-line interfaces. Here are some advanced tips that you may not know about. This post will tell you what Home Folder is and how to use it on Mac. Here is how you can make it permanently visible. Each user account on a Mac has its own Library folder, and the one we refer to here is located in the user’s home directory. This will instantly take you back to your user’s home directory regardless of which directory you are currently in. On Windows you can download Git here which includes a terminal. g /Users/Joe. Jul 5, 2018 · How can I access ALL of the directories in the terminal in macOS? (usr, etc, dev and so on) macOS is hiding them. Modify file and group permissions from the Terminal How to manage file and directory permissions from the Terminal in Mac OS X: chmod, chgrp, chown. (3) Click Go to folder. ssh folder on it in my user folder. Aug 31, 2011 · Whether you just like to make customizations to Mac OS X, dig around in preference and cache files, go deep in system folders, or you want to navigate to complex directory path structures, this keyboard shortcut saves you a tremendous amount of time by allowing you to jump into paths in the Mac OS X file system without clicking around. Is there some handy method to go back quickly? Demo: $ cd ~/some_path $ Aug 13, 2023 · Step 2: Navigate to usr/local/bin using cd command Now in Terminal, simply type cd /usr/local/bin, this will lead you to this folder. * Unrelated fun note: I asked ChatGPT to rewrite the intro to this article as if an May 13, 2024 · Introduction As a tech enthusiast, I often find myself exploring various directories on my Mac terminal. Maybe that is why the folder doesn't appear. For example, to move a file from your Downloads folder to a Work folder in your Documents folder: How to go to home directory in Mac OS X Terminal Sagar S (Vishal) 69. # take me to my home directory  cd # take me to the previous directory location cd - Jan 4, 2025 · For power users and developers alike, the Mac Terminal is an invaluable tool for performing a variety of tasks, including opening folders quickly and easily. You can do this from Finder itself just selecting items. You can see the . and . pub and they aren't found in the search results. The line of text that appears in your terminal will tell you which folder (or directory) you’re currently in. zip, . Closed 13 years ago. As JonathanMueller pointed out, anything with a dot (. (2) Click Go on the menu bar. Feb 16, 2021 · I am writing this on a MacBook Air that had, past tense, a . As macOS is not based on Linux, home is a different path and you will need to adjust to that change in nomenclature. Trusted by Millions → In the world of computing, navigating the file system and executing commands efficiently is a fundamental skill for users, developers, and system administrators alike. Using Terminal and CD You don't have to do any coding to teach the macOS Terminal how to go back a directory. For example, to move a file from your Downloads folder to a Work folder in your Documents folder: Jan 10, 2019 · ~ always refers to a user's "home directory" on all unixoid systems and . Is this possible? I did do a googl Aug 5, 2025 · If you use macOS for the first time, then you might be unfamiliar with the Home Folder on Mac. 2K subscribers Subscribed Go to the Terminal app on your Mac. Aug 31, 2023 · Learn the Mac folder structure in detail: what files the Home folder stores, how to rename the Home folder, get the tips to work with the Home folder. When I change into a directory with the cd command, I lose the previous working directory, unless I remember it in my memory. tar) or copy files and folders to a new compressed archive. Getting Started with Terminal We routinely cover command line articles and tips, so check those out. The one thing that trips me up time and again when using the command line in Terminal or other terminal emulator is being able to navigate the directory structure and target files or folders. The Applications folder you are going into is in your Home directory. It’s like having access to the underlying nuts and bolts of your operating system. May 6, 2024 · The Mac Terminal can be a very useful tool. Jun 25, 2025 · Wish you had a Terminal window and could type commands to work on files — but you’re only staring at them in Finder? Find out here how to open a Mac Terminal prompt from Finder (at the current folder, of course!). Sep 28, 2010 · 13 In Terminal. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to open any folder from the Mac Terminal with detailed steps, explanations, and practical tips. Jun 2, 2021 · I know the question sounds banal, but I've searched everywhere throughout the internet and using the terminal. Mar 3, 2022 · If you want to go, to another directory (which is not the previous directory you are in), there are multiple ways to do it. How can I use Terminal commands to replicate this behavior and generate a fresh home folder for an existing user? Thank you, Chris Mac mini, OS X May 2, 2025 · Option C: Go to Folder Function If you know the folder pathname of the directory you want to view, you can open it directly using the Go To function. Feb 11, 2012 · I am using OSX Lion and every time I tried to cd to my Desktop folder using "cd ~" and cd "Desktop" it stays in my home directory instead of going to Desktop. You can not access the Home Folder (and thus the Desktop) of other users! Jan 12, 2022 · Change the name of your macOS user account and home folder - Apple Support When using the command line to rename an item you actually must use the "mv" (aka "move" command), but before I give you the command you need to clarify whether this folder is within your home user folder or the home user folder itself. I remember when using past OS systems seeing that folder on the bottom of my home column. Basic Commands Open Terminal: Command + Space, then type "Terminal" Clear Screen: clear or Control + L Exit Terminal: exit Navigation Change Directory: cd [directory] Go to Home Sep 13, 2024 · Mac Finder Go To Folder Advanced Tips A quick way to get around in the Finder is to use the Go To Folder command, especially if you like using your keyboard more than a mouse or trackpad. On Mac OSX you can access the terminal by opening the Terminal application from your Applications folder. Aug 30, 2024 · Right-click on any folder in Finder, go to the Services menu, and select New Terminal at Folder. . So if you’re in your home folder, and type cd . While you’re there—or when you’re in any folder (directory in Unix-speak)—you might want to know what’s in it. You can use the Go pull-down menu from the menu bar to go to the Home folder. app's preferences, in the "Settings" tab, select the style of your terminal (probably Basic: the default), then go to the "Shell" pane and put cd /any/directory/you/want in the run command box. Mac Terminal Keyboard shortcuts Once you have familiarized yourself with how Terminal works, you can go ahead and start using the macOS command-line interface. Oct 3, 2020 · By default when you open your Terminal you’ll be inside the directory. Possible Duplicate: Go back to previous directory in shell How can I change to the previous directory instead of going up? is there a command line way to navigate back to the directory I was in? I frequently do cd . to go up a directory, but sometimes I accidentally just do cd which takes me to the user's home directory. To do that Oct 4, 2020 · To launch your Mac’s Home directory, open your Terminal and run this command: By default, your Home directory provides access to the following directories: Application, Documents, Movies, Music, Pictures, Desktop Downloads. Use the mv command to move files or folders from one location to another on the same computer. Go directly to a specific folder on Mac You can use the Go menu to jump instantly to specific folders — like your Documents folder or a folder you’ve opened recently. For example, to move a file from your Downloads folder to a Work folder in your Documents folder: Open Terminal On your Mac, do one of the following: Click the Launchpad icon in the Dock, type Terminal in the search field, then click Terminal. Then type in the following command: cd /Users/ This will take you to the Users folder where you can access all of your How to go to main or root directory in finder mac | Home folder in macbook United Top Tech 37K subscribers Subscribe Nov 29, 2024 · Learn how to easily open the Terminal on a Mac using various methods. In this article, I will guide you through the process of changing to the parent directory in the Mac Terminal with detailed step-by-step instructions. If a command is located in one of the shell’s known folders, you can omit path information when entering the command name. For those just learning and starting to familiarize themselves with the Terminal and command line, here are five tricks for Aug 5, 2025 · Therefore, it's a necessity to know some basic Mac Terminal command lines if you take a Mac as your workstation. Keep reading this article to change directory in Terminal Mac. Go directly to a specific folder on Mac You can use the Go menu to jump instantly to specific folders—like your Documents folder or a folder you’ve opened recently. Recent Folders: Choose a Feb 9, 2010 · Go Back to the Previous Directory via Command LineIt’s easy to accidentally change directories to something you weren’t intending to (say, accidentally hitting cd and returning home, thus losing your place in a complicated directory structure seep in the file system somewhere), but thankfully there’s a command that will immediately take you back to the previous directory, regardless of Jan 20, 2018 · I see the directory info for the user with the correct path, but no actual home folder is generated in the Finder like what happens in Server app when a blank home folder is created by a path change. Aug 5, 2025 · From this post, you will know what the Mac root directory/folder is, and how to get to it in different ways, including changing Finder Preferences, using Go to Finder, the keys shortcut, and Terminal. If you know the exact name and location of a folder, you can also open it by entering the pathname. Here's how to go one directory back in Mac Terminal Dec 31, 2024 · The Library folder houses files that contain application support data, caches, preferences, and other elements that apps utilize to function correctly. You'd be better off saying what you want to achieve, rather than following Terminal commands which may cause problems. Is it possible to access them in the Terminal program on macOS, or does Apple not Mar 12, 2020 · If you’re wondering how to access the Library folder on Mac, we’ll show you four quick and easy ways to unhide the Library folder and view its contents. Jul 13, 2016 · The first form will access a folder off the root, the second will access a folder within your home folder. Finally, if you go to your home folder in the Finder, you can drag Documents onto the terminal window, and it will show the path to it. Your user account can obviously access the Desktop in your Home Folder (also in Terminal - in the shell environment), so it works as it should. This is useful if you ever have a file or folder that you want to learn the path to. Jan 17, 2013 · 4 Ways to Access the Root Directory of Mac OS We’ll cover four different ways to access the root directory of MacOS, macOS, and Mac OS X. For example, if you’re in your Downloads folder, this option opens your home folder. Also, show you other ways to find a folder on Mac. I've searched this Mac for my keys Ida_rsa, ida_rsa. The tilde symbol (~) in OS X command-line terminology refers to your home directory, e. to mean going “up” a level. Getting to the Terminal app is easy — you can navigate via your Mac’s Finder or through Spotlight. For example, to move a file from your Downloads folder to a Work folder in your Documents folder: Aug 5, 2025 · A After you go to the user folder on Mac, you can add your own user folder (home folder) to the Favorites section of the Finder's left sidebar, so that you can easily access and manage it if necessary. So you want something like <editor> /home/<user account name>/. Mar 23, 2021 · Go ahead and type pwd into your terminal and press return. To view it: (1) Open Finder. ’ This will open the current folder in finder (if that is what you want to do) navigating in terminal can be done with the cd command (change directory) there are two library folders one in your user’s home and one system wide (protipp: if you want to navigate to hidden folders in finder hit cmd + shift + . ) May 14, 2024 · Changing to the parent directory in the Mac Terminal is a simple yet essential command that can save you time and effort when navigating through your file system. After struggling getting the correct file or folder path I’m usually greeted with No such file or directory reminding me that the command line doesn’t like spaces in file and folder paths. How can I back out of my user directory, back up to the top level? Mar 5, 2021 · A mac/linux terminal trick that lets you quickly jump back to your home directory Talk about several things here: How Macs handle HOME directories and a way to retrieve the actual HOME directory if it has been unset. Before I usually used Linux, and /home/your_account directory is used to store personal files, which in Mac, I found, are stored in /Users/your_account. Jul 6, 2022 · When you first get to the command line, you’re in your home folder. I've tried to perform the commands using sudo but it makes no difference. gfko evq ssbqnz jxvq gmuruiu mbtk yrrp jfz xlnvyvi mlvsg