The result is more customization options, powerful scripting possibilities, and seamless session management.

Best of all, its free!

I Replaced Terminal withiTerm2

The default Mac Terminalorto be exact: terminal emulatorisfine.

Terminal window showing the manual page for the Mutt email client on Linux

It’s there, and it will do the job.

But if you use the command line frequently, then it starts to show its limitations.

I have command-line needs that outstrip what the default software offers and I needed something better.

Editing a screenshot in Shottr’s editor on a Mac.

There are many terminal replacements, and they all have their own selling points.

This helps me switch between contexts effortlessly while keeping my workflow consistent.

Tab Management

Apple’s Terminal app has tabs and thats about it.

iTerm2 for macOS.

Matt Klein / How-To Geek

iTerm2s tab management is top-notch, allowing for more organized workflows.

Session Management

iTerm2 includes excellent session management capabilities, allowing you to save and restore terminal sessions.

you might even customize search options for more precision.

The default Mac terminal is fine.

Paste History

iTerm2s paste history is a significant upgrade from the default Mac Terminal.

Scripting Support

If you rely on automation, iTerm2s scripting support will be a game-changer.

you might even define triggers to automatically execute scripts based on specific text patterns or events.

Tab managment in iTerm2 is superb.

It’s a complete package with robust environment integration and powerful, steady performance.

It also integrates with developer environments like Visual Studio Code and version control systems like Git.

Enhanced Performance

Built for pros, iTerm2 handles large outputs much better than Mac Terminal.

iTerm2 gives you plenty of session options.

It enhances efficiency with features like superior search functionality, improved mouse reporting, and comprehensive paste history.

Transitioning is straightforward and rewarding for those looking to improve their command-line workflow.

Looking to get started with the macOS command-line?

iTerm2 gives you more search options than the Mac Terminal app.

Check out someessential Mac terminal commands that every user should know.

Highlighting the URL in iTerm2 is a nice touch that the Mac terminal doesn’t offer.

Your iTerm2 clipboard history is easily accessible.

No need to look too far, scripting support is right there in the menu bar.

No matter where you are, you can access iTerm in a hotkey window.