How can I create a keyboard shortcut to open a terminal window from a Finder window?

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How can I create a keyboard shortcut to open a terminal window from a Finder window?

From a Finder window, I want to create a simple keyboard shortcut to open a new terminal window automatically cd'd into that directory. I also want this window to open regardless of whether or not I already have such a terminal window open. I've tried creating said shortcut from System Prefs -> Keyboard -> Services ... But it has never worked. I've had this problem on every single version of macOS since 2012, over three different macbooks.

Posted on Dec 23, 2020 11:10 AM

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Answer 1

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VikingOSX

Level 10

123,794 points

Dec 23, 2020 11:24 AM in response to astrobc1

With the Finder window folder selected, right-click on it and from the Services menu, choose New Terminal at Folder. That's the mouse version.

For a keyboard shortcut, you need to visit System Preferences : Keyboard : Shortcuts : Services, and scroll down until you find the New Terminal at Folder service. To the right, you willl see the gray word none. Click the word none, and it will change to Add Shortcut. Click it again, and enter control-t, and press return to set it. It will look like this:

I would recommend using the mouse again as in the first paragraph, to prime this Service, before you can use the keyboard shortcut thereafter. Tested on macOS 11.1.

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Answer 2

astrobc1 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 23, 2020 12:38 PM in response to astrobc1

Update: I had to try a bunch of different combinations, and finally found one not used by another option: Command+Shift+B. I've never tried setting any specific keyboard options except for this one. Unfortunately it only works when I actually select a folder. If I'm just in a folder, it still won't work.

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Answer 3

astrobc1 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 23, 2020 11:29 AM in response to VikingOSX

Thanks. I've tried several keyboard shortcuts for "New Terminal at Folder" and none have ever worked. Control-t, Control+Command-T, etc., Throw in alt, No combinations have worked... Thanks.

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How can I create a keyboard shortcut to open a terminal window from a Finder window?

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