open command in MacOS
The MacOS open command is a useful tool for opening files, folders, and applications directly from the terminal. With open, you can quickly access documents, images, videos, and more without having to navigate through the Finder. This command provides a convenient way to streamline your workflow and access files with just a few keystrokes.
open Syntax:
Section titled “open Syntax:”open [option] [parameter]MacOS open Options:
Section titled “MacOS open Options:”| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -a | Opens the specified application. |
| -e | Opens the specified application for editing. |
| -t | Opens the file(s) with the default text editor. |
| -R | Reveals the specified file(s) in the Finder. |
| -n | Opens a new instance of the application even if one is already running. |
| -b | Opens the specified application bundle identifier. |
open Parameters:
Section titled “open Parameters:”| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| file | Specifies the file to open. |
| directory | Specifies the directory to open. |
| application | Specifies the application to open. |
| bundle identifier | Specifies the bundle identifier of the application to open. |
| url | Specifies the URL to open. |
How to use open command:
Section titled “How to use open command:”Open a file with its default application
Section titled “Open a file with its default application”open file.txtOpens the file.txt using its default application.
Open a specific file with a selected application
Section titled “Open a specific file with a selected application”open -a "TextEdit" document.txtOpens the document.txt file using TextEdit application.
Open a directory in Finder
Section titled “Open a directory in Finder”open /Users/username/Documents/Opens the Documents directory in the Finder.
Open a URL in the default web browser
Section titled “Open a URL in the default web browser”open https://www.example.comOpens the specified URL in the default web browser.
Open multiple files at once
Section titled “Open multiple files at once”open file1.txt file2.txt file3.txtOpens multiple files simultaneously using their default applications.
Open a file in a specific editor
Section titled “Open a file in a specific editor”open -a "Visual Studio Code" script.jsOpens the script.js file in Visual Studio Code editor.
Open a file with a specific application and wait for it to close
Section titled “Open a file with a specific application and wait for it to close”open -W -a "Preview" image.pngOpens the image.png file using Preview application and waits for the application to be closed before returning to the shell.
Open a file in the background without bringing the application to the foreground
Section titled “Open a file in the background without bringing the application to the foreground”open -g -a "TextEdit" notes.txtOpens the notes.txt file using TextEdit application in the background without focusing on it.
How do I use open in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I use open in MacOS?”To use the open command in MacOS, execute the following command:
open filename.txtHow do I open a directory with open in bash?
Section titled “How do I open a directory with open in bash?”To open a directory using the open command in bash, use the following syntax:
open foldernameHow can I open a specific file using a non-default application in MacOS?
Section titled “How can I open a specific file using a non-default application in MacOS?”To open a specific file using a non-default application in MacOS, use the -a flag followed by the application name like this:
open -a "TextEdit" filename.txtHow can I open multiple files simultaneously with open in MacOS?
Section titled “How can I open multiple files simultaneously with open in MacOS?”To open multiple files simultaneously using the open command in MacOS, simply list the file names separated by spaces:
open file1.txt file2.txtWhat options can I use with the open command in MacOS?
Section titled “What options can I use with the open command in MacOS?”There are several options you can use with the open command in MacOS, such as:
-ato specify the application to use--hideto open the file but not bring the application to the foreground--revealto open the file’s location in Finder
How do I open a URL using the open command in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I open a URL using the open command in MacOS?”To open a URL using the open command in MacOS, simply pass the URL as an argument like this:
open https://www.example.comHow can I open a file with its default application in MacOS?
Section titled “How can I open a file with its default application in MacOS?”To open a file with its default application in MacOS, you can simply use the open command followed by the file name:
open document.docxCan I open a file in a new window of the default application using open in MacOS?
Section titled “Can I open a file in a new window of the default application using open in MacOS?”Yes, you can open a file in a new window of the default application by using the -n flag like this:
open -n document.docxApplications of the open command
Section titled “Applications of the open command”- Launching applications
- Opening files
- Opening URLs
- Opening folders
- Executing shell scripts