Essential Mac Apps
iTerm2
Free terminal emulator for Mac.
iTerm2 is a free, open-source terminal emulator for Mac. It stands in for the Terminal app that ships with macOS. Recent releases, including version 3.7.1, need macOS 13 or later.
A window can be split into panes, and sessions can sit in tabs. A hotkey window drops in from the edge of the screen from any app. Instant Replay steps back through earlier input and output.
Profiles can change with the hostname, username, folder, or the command that is running. Images can appear in the terminal, and the app includes an AI chat and a companion called iTerm2 Buddy.
The app is a direct download from the iTerm2 downloads page. Homebrew installs it with brew install --cask iterm2.
Frequently asked questions
Is iTerm2 free?
Yes. It is free and open source.
Which Macs can run it?
Recent versions, including 3.7.1, need macOS 13 or later.
How do split panes work?
Command-D splits the window horizontally. Command-Shift-D splits it vertically. Tabs switch between sessions.
What is the hotkey window?
A terminal you can summon from the edge of the screen with a keyboard shortcut that works across the system.
What is Instant Replay?
It steps backward through earlier terminal input and output. The shortcut is Command-Option-B.
How do I install iTerm2?
Download it from iterm2.com/downloads.html, or run brew install --cask iterm2.
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