Setup and Basic Configuration for macOS

iTerm2 is one of the most popular terminal emulators for macOS, widely used by network engineers, system administrators, and developers. While powerful, it’s also very beginner-friendly once you know how to set it up correctly.

This guide walks you through installing iTerm2, basic configuration, and essential settings to get you productive quickly.

What Is iTerm2?

iTerm2 is a free, open-source terminal emulator for macOS that replaces the default Terminal app. It provides better window management, customization, and productivity features while remaining lightweight and fast.

If you regularly use SSH, manage servers, or work with network devices, iTerm2 is an excellent starting point.

Step 1: Download and Install iTerm2

1. Open your browser and go to https://iterm2.com
2. Download the latest stable version
3. Open the downloaded .zip file
4. Drag iTerm.app into your Applications folder
5. Launch iTerm2 from Applications or Spotlight

On first launch, macOS may ask for permission to open the app. Choose Open.

Step 2: First Launch Overview

When iTerm2 opens, you’ll see a terminal window similar to the default macOS Terminal. By default, it uses your system shell (usually zsh).

At this stage, iTerm2 is already usable, but a few basic settings will greatly improve the experience.

Step 3: Set a Comfortable Profile

Profiles control how your terminal looks and behaves.

1. Open iTerm2 → Settings
2. Go to Profiles → Default

Recommended Beginner Settings

Text

• Font: Menlo, JetBrains Mono, or Monaco
• Font Size: 12–14 (adjust to preference)

Colors

• Choose a simple light or dark color preset
• Avoid overly bright or high-contrast themes when starting

Window

• Transparency: Off (clearer for beginners)
• Cursor: Box or underline (personal preference)

Step 4: Enable Split Panes

Split panes allow you to view multiple terminals at once.

How to Split the Window

• Vertical split: ⌘ + D
• Horizontal split: ⌘ + Shift + D

This is useful when:

• Monitoring multiple systems
• Running commands side-by-side
• Comparing output between sessions

Step 5: Configure Basic Keyboard Shortcuts

iTerm2 includes helpful keyboard shortcuts out of the box.

Common Shortcuts to Learn

• New Tab: ⌘ + T
• Close Tab: ⌘ + W
• Next Tab: ⌘ + →
• Previous Tab: ⌘ + ←
• Clear Screen: ⌘ + K

These shortcuts alone can significantly speed up daily work.

Step 6: Set Up SSH for Easy Access

Most users rely on SSH for remote connections.

Basic SSH Usage

ssh username@hostname

Optional: Use SSH Config Files

Create or edit this file:

~/.ssh/config

Example:

Host lab-router
  HostName 192.168.1.1
  User admin

Now you can connect using:

ssh lab-router

This works seamlessly with iTerm2 and simplifies daily connections.

Step 7: Enable Copy & Paste Behavior

By default, iTerm2 improves copy and paste behavior over macOS Terminal.

Recommended:

• Select text to copy automatically
• Use ⌘ + V to paste
• Use Shift + Right-Click for context menu

You can adjust these under Settings → Pointer if needed.

Step 8: Optional Quality-of-Life Improvements

These are not required, but helpful as you grow comfortable.

Hotkey Window

• Enable under Keys → Hotkey
• Allows instant terminal access with a single key combo

Search Terminal Output

• Press ⌘ + F
• Useful for long logs or command output

Paste History

• Access via Edit → Paste from History
• Helps recover previously used commands

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Using extremely small fonts
• Over-customizing themes too early
• Running production commands without understanding them
• Ignoring SSH key security

Start simple and add features gradually.

Who This Setup Is For

This beginner setup is ideal for:

• New macOS users
• Networking students
• Junior network engineers
• IT professionals transitioning from Windows

As your experience grows, iTerm2 can scale with you.

Final Thoughts

iTerm2 is a powerful but approachable terminal emulator for macOS. With just a few basic settings, it becomes a comfortable and efficient environment for everyday command-line work.

This beginner setup provides a solid foundation that you can expand over time as your workflow becomes more advanced.