How to open terminal in vs code: Step-by-Step

To open the terminal in VS Code, press Ctrl + ` (backtick) on Windows, Linux or Mac. On a Mac it’s Control, not Command. You can also choose View > Terminal or Terminal > New Terminal from the menu. To open a second terminal, press Ctrl + Shift + `.

If you’re just starting out with coding, the integrated terminal in Visual Studio Code (VS Code) might look a little intimidating. Don’t worry—this little panel is one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox.

Think of it as your command center: run code, install packages, and manage projects without ever leaving your editor.

This guide walks you through all the ways to open the terminal—keyboard shortcuts, menus, and even troubleshooting tips. By the end, you’ll be able to open it in seconds and jump straight back into coding.

Method 1: The Fastest Way (Keyboard Shortcut)

This will quickly become your go-to method.

Step 1: Find the Backtick Key

The shortcut uses the backtick (`)—not a single quote ('). On most keyboards, it’s just below Esc, to the left of the 1 key.

Step 2: Use the Shortcut

Windows/Linux: Ctrl + `
Mac: Control + ` (not Command: Cmd + ` switches between open VS Code windows)
New terminal on any platform: Ctrl + Shift + `

Master this one—it’s the most impactful shortcut for speeding up your workflow.

Method 2: The Classic Way (Menu Bar)

A terminal pane will appear at the bottom of your window.

Method 3: The Command Palette

When you forget the shortcut, the Command Palette has your back.

• Open it with Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + P (Mac).
• Type “toggle terminal” and select View: Toggle Terminal.

Done—terminal toggled.

Method 4: Open in a Specific Folder

Need to run commands in a subfolder instead of your project’s root? Easy.

• In the Explorer (file tree), right-click the folder.
• Select Open in Integrated Terminal.

A new terminal opens with its working directory set to that folder.

Example: ...\my-project\scripts if you opened the scripts folder.

Running Multiple Terminals

• New terminal: Click the + icon in the terminal panel.
• Split view: Click the Split Terminal button (rectangle with a vertical line).
• Switch/organize: Click tabs to switch, or right-click to rename.

Example: One terminal running npm start, another running git status.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Shortcut Doesn’t Work

• Double-check you’re pressing the backtick (`), not the single quote (').
• Another app might be using the shortcut—close apps or restart VS Code.
• Check Keyboard Shortcuts (via Command Palette) and search for toggle terminal.

Terminal Closes Immediately

This usually means your shell path is broken.

• In settings, search for terminal.integrated.defaultProfile and try switching shells (e.g., PowerShell to Command Prompt or Bash).

Wrong Shell

Click the dropdown next to the + icon and pick a different shell.

Next Steps for a Faster Workflow

• Learn basics: ls, cd, mkdir
• Use Git: Run git status, git commit
• Install packages: Try npm (JavaScript) or pip (Python)

Bottom Line

Opening the terminal in VS Code might feel tricky at first but with these methods from quick keyboard shortcuts to the Command Palette you will be able to launch it in seconds. The integrated terminal is one of the most powerful features in VS Code helping you run commands manage projects and boost your productivity without ever leaving the editor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the terminal in VS Code?
The terminal opens in the panel at the bottom of the editor window. If you can’t see it, press Ctrl + ` or choose View > Terminal. If the panel is open but empty, click the TERMINAL tab next to PROBLEMS and OUTPUT.

How do I open a new terminal in VS Code?
Press Ctrl + Shift + ` on Windows, Linux or Mac, or choose Terminal > New Terminal. Each new terminal gets its own tab on the right side of the panel.

Why doesn’t Cmd + ` open the terminal on my Mac?
The default shortcut on macOS is Control + `, the same key as on Windows. Cmd + ` is a macOS shortcut that switches between windows of the same app. If Control + ` doesn’t work either, search “toggle terminal” in Keyboard Shortcuts (Cmd + K, Cmd + S) to see what it’s bound to.

Is VS Code better than Python?
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) and Python are not the same thing, so one isn’t really “better.” VS Code is a free code editor made by Microsoft, while Python is a programming language. The two actually work best together, since VS Code is one of the most popular editors for writing Python code. Developers prefer VS Code for Python because of its extensions, debugging support, and built-in terminal.

Is VS Code fully free?
Yes, VS Code is fully free to download and use. It’s open source, licensed under MIT, and maintained by Microsoft. All of its main features, including IntelliSense, debugging, Git integration, and extensions, are available at no cost.

Is VS Code 100% free?
Yes, VS Code is 100% free for personal and professional use. There are no hidden fees or subscriptions. Even the preview version, called VS Code Insiders, is free. Most extensions in the marketplace are free as well, though some third-party ones may be paid separately.

Is VS Code on Android?
There is no official VS Code app for Android. However, you can use VS Code in a mobile browser at vscode.dev, run GitHub Codespaces, or try unofficial ports like Code-OSS. These give you a similar coding experience on Android even though the full desktop version isn’t available.