Claude Code is an AI tool from Anthropic that runs directly on your computer. Unlike ChatGPT in a browser, it can read your files, create documents, and take action on your behalf. It runs in the Terminal—the command line app that comes with every Mac.
This guide walks you through everything: opening Terminal, installing Claude Code, and running your first task. Every step includes the exact command to type.
Open your Terminal
Terminal is an app that's already on your Mac. It lets you type commands instead of clicking buttons. That's it—nothing scary.
How to open Terminal
Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight, type Terminal, and press Enter.
You'll see a window with a blinking cursor. That's where you'll type commands.
Install Claude Code
Copy and paste this command into Terminal and press Enter. The installer handles everything—no prerequisites needed.
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bashThis downloads and installs Claude Code on your machine. It will automatically update in the background to keep you on the latest version.
Start your first session
Navigate to a folder you want to work in, then start Claude Code:
cd ~/DesktopclaudeThe first time you run it, you'll be prompted to log in. You can use any of these accounts:
Supported accounts
Claude Pro or Max (recommended) — sign up at claude.ai/pricing
Claude Console — API access with pre-paid credits at console.anthropic.com
Enterprise — Claude Teams, Enterprise, or supported cloud providers (Amazon Bedrock, Google Vertex AI)
Once logged in, your credentials are stored and you won't need to log in again. You'll see a prompt where you can start typing instructions in plain English.
Your first task
Let's do something real. With Claude Code running, try typing:
> List all the files on my Desktop and tell me which ones I haven't touched in the last 30 daysClaude will read through your Desktop files, check the last modified dates, and give you a summary. No copy-pasting file names. No manual sorting.
Here are a few more things to try:
> Summarize every PDF in this folder> Create a spreadsheet of all the contacts in these CSV files> Find all files larger than 10MB and tell me what they are> Read this contract and list the key terms and deadlinesJust describe what you want in plain English. Claude will figure out the steps.
The only 5 Terminal commands you need
You don't need to become a Terminal expert. These five commands are all you need to navigate your computer and use Claude Code effectively.
pwdlscd folder-namecd ..claudeQuick cheat sheet
Want to work with files on your Desktop? cd ~/Desktop
Want to work in your Documents? cd ~/Documents
Want to work in your Downloads? cd ~/Downloads
Lost? pwd tells you where you are. ls shows what's here.
You're set up
That's everything. You now have Claude Code installed and running on your Mac. The key idea: navigate to a folder with cd, type claude, and describe what you want done.