macOS Cheatsheet

Homebrew

brew update             # fetch latest formulae
brew upgrade            # upgrade all outdated packages
brew upgrade <pkg>      # upgrade specific package
brew cleanup            # remove old versions
brew doctor             # diagnose issues
brew list               # installed packages
brew info <pkg>         # details + dependencies

# Install casks (GUI apps)
brew install --cask warp
brew install --cask visual-studio-code

# Fix permissions after macOS update (Apple Silicon)
sudo chown -R $(whoami) /opt/homebrew

Terminal Utilities

# Open files/folders in Finder (or default app)
open .                  # open current directory in Finder
open ~/Downloads        # open folder
open file.pdf           # open with default app
open -a "Safari" https://example.com

# Clipboard
echo "hello" | pbcopy   # copy to clipboard
pbpaste                 # print clipboard contents
pbpaste > file.txt      # paste into file

# Prevent Mac from sleeping
caffeinate              # run until Ctrl+C
caffeinate -t 3600      # sleep prevention for 1 hour

# Text to speech
say "Build complete"

# Show/hide hidden files in Finder via terminal
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles true && killall Finder
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles false && killall Finder

Shell

# Make a script executable
chmod +x ./script.sh

# Show what's listening on a port
lsof -i :3000
lsof -i :3000 | grep LISTEN

# Kill process on a port
kill -9 $(lsof -t -i :3000)

Network

# Flush DNS cache
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache && sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

# Show Wi-Fi network name
networksetup -getairportnetwork en0

# List all network services
networksetup -listallnetworkservices

# Show current IP addresses
ifconfig | grep "inet "

Screenshots

Finder Shortcuts

Chrome