Ghostty is a free, open-source terminal for macOS and Linux. Most terminals make you choose between speed, features, or a native look. Ghostty aims to give you all three. It uses native Mac interface parts, renders with the GPU, and has a long list of features, so it feels like a real Mac app while staying fast.

Key Features

• Native Mac Feel: Ghostty uses native interface components on each system, so windows, tabs, and splits look and behave the way you expect on a Mac.
• Windows, Tabs, and Splits: Open many windows, each with its own tabs and splits.
• GPU-Accelerated Rendering: Ghostty draws the terminal screen with Metal on macOS, for smooth, fast output.
• Hundreds of Themes: Pick a theme with one line of configuration. Themes can switch on their own when your Mac changes between light and dark mode, and you can write your own.
• Font Ligatures: Use fonts with ligatures and Ghostty draws them correctly. You can also turn specific font features on or off.
• Correct Emoji and Text: Multi-part emoji such as flags and skin tones show as one character. Some right-to-left scripts like Arabic and Hebrew also draw correctly, though only left-to-right text is supported.
• Kitty Graphics Protocol: Terminal apps can show images right in the terminal.
• Cross-Platform: Ghostty runs on macOS and Linux. Windows support is planned.
• Free and Open Source: Ghostty is released under the MIT license, with no account or license key.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ghostty free?

Yes. Ghostty is free and open source under the MIT license. It has no account, license key, or paid version.

How do I install Ghostty on Mac?

You can download the DMG from the Ghostty website and drag it into Applications, or install it with Homebrew using the command brew install --cask ghostty. Both give you the same signed and notarized app, and Ghostty can update itself afterward.

What macOS version does Ghostty need?

Official builds have supported macOS 13 and newer, though newer releases may require macOS 14. Check the download page for the current requirement.

Does Ghostty run on Windows?

Not yet. Ghostty runs on macOS and Linux today, and Windows support is planned for the future.

How do I change themes and fonts in Ghostty?

Ghostty is set up with a plain text configuration file. You can choose from hundreds of included themes with a single line, and you can set a different theme for light and dark mode.

Is Ghostty a good iTerm2 alternative?

It can be, if you prefer a simpler, fast terminal with a native feel. iTerm2 offers a much larger set of built-in features, such as shell integration, triggers, and a password manager, while Ghostty focuses on speed, a native look, and a clean setup.

Are there apps built on Ghostty?

Yes. cmux and Muxy are both Mac terminals built on libghostty, the engine behind Ghostty, with added features like vertical tabs, project workspaces, and git tools.