Summarize this article with:
Switching between your code editor and a separate terminal window kills momentum. Every context switch costs you focus.
Learning how to open terminal in VSCode eliminates that friction entirely. The integrated terminal lets you run commands, execute scripts, and manage Git operations without leaving your workspace.
Visual Studio Code supports multiple shell types: PowerShell, Command Prompt, Bash, Zsh, and WSL.
This guide covers six methods to access the terminal panel, from keyboard shortcuts to right-click menus. You’ll also find troubleshooting fixes for common issues and tips for working with multiple terminal instances.
Takes about 2 minutes to read. Even less to master.
How to Open Terminal in VSCode
Opening the terminal in Visual Studio Code is the process of accessing the built-in command line interface directly within your code editor workspace.
Developers need this when running scripts, executing Git commands, installing packages through npm, or managing their codebase without switching applications.
This guide covers 6 methods requiring under 1 minute each. Beginner-friendly, no prior terminal experience needed.
Prerequisites
- Visual Studio Code version 1.85 or later installed
- Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, or Linux operating system
- Basic familiarity with code editors
- Time required: 30 seconds to 1 minute per method
The integrated terminal supports multiple shell types: PowerShell, Command Prompt, Git Bash, Zsh, and WSL on Windows.
Step One: How Do You Open Terminal Using the Menu Bar?
Click View in the top menu bar, then select Terminal from the dropdown. The terminal panel appears at the bottom of your VSCode window, ready for command execution.
Action
- Navigate to: View > Terminal
- Alternative path: Terminal > New Terminal from menu bar
- Result: Terminal panel opens in bottom workspace area
Purpose
Menu navigation works reliably across all operating systems. Perfect for users still learning VSCode keyboard shortcuts or when working on unfamiliar machines.
Step Two: How Do You Open Terminal with a Keyboard Shortcut?
Press Ctrl + on Windows/Linux or Cmd + on macOS. The backtick key sits below Escape on most keyboards. This toggles the terminal panel open or closed instantly.
Action
- Windows/Linux: Ctrl +
(backtick) - macOS: Cmd + (backtick)
- Result: Terminal toggles visibility with each press
Purpose
Keyboard shortcuts save significant time during software development sessions.
Most developers I know use this method exclusively. Muscle memory kicks in after a few days.
Step Three: How Do You Open Terminal Using the Command Palette?
Press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + P (macOS) to open the Command Palette. Type “Terminal: Create New Terminal” and hit Enter.
Action
- Open Command Palette: Ctrl + Shift + P or Cmd + Shift + P
- Type: “Terminal: Create New Terminal”
- Select command from dropdown list
- Result: Fresh terminal instance opens
Purpose
The Command Palette method works when keyboard shortcuts conflict with other software or system settings.
Also useful when you need to discover related terminal commands. Just type “terminal” and browse available options.
Step Four: How Do You Open a Specific Shell Type in VSCode Terminal?
Click the dropdown arrow next to the + icon in the terminal panel. Select your preferred shell: PowerShell, Command Prompt, Git Bash, Zsh, or WSL.
Action
- Locate the + icon in terminal panel header
- Click dropdown arrow beside it
- Select shell: PowerShell, Command Prompt, Git Bash, WSL, or Bash
- Result: New terminal instance opens with selected shell
Purpose
Different projects require different shells. Node.js projects often need Bash for npm scripts, while Windows-specific tasks run better in PowerShell.
Your front-end development workflow might need Git Bash, while back-end development could require WSL for Linux commands.
Step Five: How Do You Open Terminal in a Specific Folder Location?
Right-click any folder in the Explorer panel. Select “Open in Integrated Terminal” from the context menu. The terminal opens with its working directory set to that folder path.
Action
- Open Explorer panel (Ctrl + Shift + E)
- Right-click target folder
- Select: Open in Integrated Terminal
- Result: Terminal opens at that directory path
Purpose
No more typing cd commands to navigate. Especially useful in monorepos or projects with deeply nested folder structures.
Step Six: How Do You Split Terminal into Multiple Panels?
Click the split terminal icon (two rectangles) in the terminal panel header. Or press Ctrl + Shift + 5. A second terminal appears side by side with the first.
Action
- Click split icon in terminal toolbar
- Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + 5
- Result: Two terminal panels display horizontally
Purpose
Run a dev server in one panel, execute Git commands in another. Watch test output while editing code. Essential for DevOps workflows and continuous integration tasks.
Verification
Confirm your terminal setup works correctly:
- Terminal panel visible at bottom of VSCode window
- Working directory displays correct path in prompt
- Shell type shown in terminal tab matches your selection
- Basic commands execute: type echo “test” and press Enter
If the path shows your project root, you’re set. Try running Python scripts or Git commands to verify full functionality.
Troubleshooting
Issue: Terminal Does Not Open
Solution: Reset keyboard shortcuts. Go to File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts, search “terminal”, rebind Ctrl + to "View: Toggle Terminal".
Check if another extension conflicts with default keybindings. Disable extensions one by one to isolate the issue.
Issue: Wrong Shell Opens by Default
Solution: Change default shell in File > Preferences > Settings. Search “Terminal Integrated Default Profile” and select your preferred shell from the dropdown.
You can also edit settings.json directly for more control over terminal configuration.
Issue: Terminal Opens But Shows Errors
Solution: Verify shell executable path exists. Common on Windows after updating Git or installing WSL.
Check settings.json for incorrect paths. Look for “terminal.integrated.profiles.windows” entries pointing to missing executables.
Alternative Methods Comparison
Keyboard Shortcut (Ctrl + )
- Time: 1 second
- Best for: Daily coding, frequent terminal access
Menu Bar (View > Terminal)
- Time: 3 seconds
- Best for: New users, unfamiliar systems
Command Palette
- Time: 5 seconds
- Best for: Shortcut conflicts, discovering terminal commands
Right-Click Folder
- Time: 2 seconds
- Best for: Opening terminal at specific directory
Related Processes
After mastering the integrated terminal, explore these related VSCode features:
- Connect VSCode to GitHub for source control integration
- Activate Python virtual environments directly in terminal
- Debug Python code with integrated debugging tools
- Format code automatically using terminal commands
- Run pytest for unit testing workflows
The terminal integrates with VSCode’s source control management features. Stage commits, push branches, and resolve conflicts without leaving your editor.
FAQ on How To Open Terminal In VSCode
What is the fastest way to open terminal in VSCode?
Press Ctrl + on Windows/Linux or Cmd + on macOS. This keyboard shortcut toggles the integrated terminal panel instantly. Faster than any menu navigation method.
Why is my VSCode terminal not opening?
Keyboard shortcut conflicts cause most issues. Reset bindings in File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts. Search “terminal” and rebind the toggle command. Also check if extensions override default shortcuts.
How do I change the default shell in VSCode terminal?
Go to File > Preferences > Settings. Search “Terminal Integrated Default Profile” and select PowerShell, Command Prompt, Git Bash, Zsh, or WSL. Changes apply to new terminal instances immediately.
Can I open multiple terminals in VSCode at once?
Yes. Click the + icon in the terminal panel to create new instances. Each terminal runs independently. Use the dropdown to switch between them or split view for side-by-side panels.
How do I open terminal in a specific folder in VSCode?
Right-click any folder in the Explorer panel. Select “Open in Integrated Terminal” from the context menu. The terminal opens with its working directory set to that exact folder path.
What shells does VSCode terminal support?
VSCode supports PowerShell, Command Prompt, Git Bash, Bash, Zsh, and WSL on Windows. macOS users get Terminal.app, Bash, and Zsh. Linux supports most installed shells automatically.
How do I split the terminal in VSCode?
Click the split icon (two rectangles) in the terminal toolbar or press Ctrl + Shift + 5. Two terminal panels appear horizontally. Useful for running servers while executing commands.
Where is the terminal located in VSCode interface?
The terminal panel appears at the bottom of the workspace by default. You can drag it to the side panel or maximize it. Access via View > Terminal or the keyboard shortcut.
How do I close the terminal in VSCode?
Press Ctrl + to toggle it closed. Or click the X on the terminal tab to kill that instance. The trash icon terminates the shell process completely before closing.
Can I customize terminal appearance in VSCode?
Yes. Adjust font size, cursor style, and colors in Settings. Search “terminal” to find options. You can also change the terminal font to match your coding preferences.
Conclusion
Knowing how to open terminal in VSCode transforms your development workflow. No more app switching. Everything happens in one window.
You now have six methods: keyboard shortcuts, menu navigation, Command Palette, shell selection, folder-specific terminals, and split panels.
The embedded terminal handles script execution, npm commands, Python interpreter tasks, and Node.js operations. All within your coding environment.
Start with Ctrl + (or Cmd + ` on Mac). Muscle memory builds fast.
Customize your terminal settings, pick your preferred shell, and configure the workspace terminal to match your project needs. The troubleshooting fixes above solve most common issues.
Your command line interface now lives where your code does. That’s the point.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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