open
Open files, URLs, or applications. Can launch applications, execute scripts via -a flag, or open URLs that trigger protocol handlers.
Binary Paths
/usr/bin/open
Glob Patterns
| Pattern | Wildcards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
ope?
|
? | Wildcard replaces 'n' |
o*n
|
* | Star matches 'pe' |
op[e]n
|
[] | Bracket class on third char |
o?en
|
? | Wildcard replaces 'p' |
ope[n]
|
[] | Bracket class on last char |
/usr/bin/ope?
|
? | Full path wildcard |
/???/bin/o*n
|
? * | Full path mixed wildcards |
Platform Notes
macOS-exclusive command. open -a Calculator opens an app by name. open -n -a /Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app opens a new Terminal. Can also open URLs: open https://... which triggers the default browser.