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atsutil MacOS command

The atsutil command in MacOS enables users to interact with the Apple Type Services font system, facilitating tasks like clearing font caches, querying font metadata, and more. By running various commands through atsutil in the Terminal, users can troubleshoot font-related issues, optimize system performance, and ensure smooth rendering of text across different applications. This versatile tool provides a range of functionalities for managing fonts effectively on MacOS systems.

atsutil Syntax:

Terminal window
atsutil [command] [option] [parameter]

Options:

OptionDescription
-rReset the ATS font cache
-fForce an operation (use with caution)
-dDisplay debugging information
-cDisplay cache information
-eEnumerate font directories
-lDisplay list of registered caches
-uUnregister a cache
-dDisplay debugging information
-iInitialization

Parameters:

ParameterDescription
file_pathPath to the font file or directory to operate on

atsutil bash Examples:

List all installed fonts

Terminal window
atsutil list

This command lists all installed fonts on your MacOS system.

Clear the font cache

Terminal window
atsutil databases -removeUser

Use this command to clear the user font cache in MacOS.

Enable verbose logging

Terminal window
atsutil -v verbose on

Enables verbose logging for font-related operations on MacOS.

Verify the system font databases

Terminal window
atsutil databases -verify

This command allows you to verify the integrity of system font databases.

Reset the font databases

Terminal window
atsutil databases -remove

Use this command to reset the font databases on your MacOS system.

Disable anti-aliasing for font smoothing

Terminal window
atsutil antialias -off

Disables anti-aliasing for font smoothing in MacOS.

How do I use atsutil in MacOS?

To use the atsutil command in MacOS, execute the following command:

Terminal window
atsutil --version

What is the purpose of atsutil in MacOS?

The atsutil command in MacOS is used for managing font settings and the Apple Type Services font registry.

Terminal window
atsutil server -ping

How can I list the available options for atsutil in MacOS?

To view a list of available options for the atsutil command in MacOS, you can use the help flag.

Terminal window
atsutil -h

How do I clear the font cache using atsutil in MacOS?

You can clear the font cache in MacOS by running the following atsutil command:

Terminal window
atsutil databases -removeUser

How can I enable or disable font anti-aliasing with atsutil in MacOS?

To enable or disable font anti-aliasing using atsutil in MacOS, you can use the following commands:

Terminal window
# Enable font anti-aliasing
atsutil antialias -on
# Disable font anti-aliasing
atsutil antialias -off

How do I reset the font server using atsutil in MacOS?

You can reset the font server in MacOS by executing the following atsutil command:

Terminal window
atsutil server -shutdown

How can I force the font server to update using atsutil in MacOS?

To force the font server to update in MacOS, you can use the following atsutil command:

Terminal window
atsutil server -update

How do I check the status of the font server with atsutil in MacOS?

You can check the status of the font server in MacOS by running the following atsutil command:

Terminal window
atsutil server -status

Applications of the atsutil command

  • Managing the Apple Type Services font cache
  • Clearing font caches
  • Validating font files
  • Listing the installed font families
  • Forcing font registration