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leave MacOS Command Guide

The MacOS leave command allows users to schedule a message to be sent at a specific time in the future. This can be useful for setting reminders or notifying other users on the system. By specifying the time when the message should be sent, users can ensure that important information is communicated precisely when needed. The leave command is easy to use and can help users stay organized and on top of their tasks.

leave Syntax:

Terminal window
leave [options] [parameters]

Options:

OptionDescription
-aSpecify the date/time at which to leave
-rRemove previously set leave time
-lDisplay the current leave time

Parameters:

ParameterDescription
date/timeSpecify the desired leave time

leave Command Samples:

Set a Reminder to Leave Work

Terminal window
leave 5pm "Time to leave the office"

Sets a reminder to leave work at 5 pm with the message “Time to leave the office”.

Display Scheduled Leave Reminders

Terminal window
leave -s

Displays all scheduled leave reminders.

Cancel a Specific Leave Reminder

Terminal window
leave -d "Time to leave the office"

Cancels the leave reminder with the message “Time to leave the office”.

Set a Leave Reminder for Tomorrow

Terminal window
leave tomorrow "Don't forget to leave early"

Sets a leave reminder for tomorrow with the message “Don’t forget to leave early”.

Set a Repeat Leave Reminder

Terminal window
leave +1hour "Take a break" -r

Sets a leave reminder to take a break every 1 hour.

Set Multiple Leave Reminders

Terminal window
leave 3pm "Prepare for departure" && leave 4pm "Time to leave"

Sets two consecutive leave reminders with different messages.

Set a Leave Reminder with Sound Notification

Terminal window
leave 6pm "End of workday" -q

Sets a leave reminder at 6 pm with the message “End of workday” and a sound notification.

How do I use leave in MacOS?

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

Terminal window
leave 30m

How to set a specific time to leave in MacOS?

To set a specific time to leave in MacOS, use the following command with the desired time:

Terminal window
leave 2h30m

Can I customize the leave message in MacOS?

Yes, you can customize the leave message in MacOS using the -m option. Here’s an example:

Terminal window
leave -m "Time to take a break!" 1h

How to cancel the leave command in MacOS?

To cancel the leave command in MacOS, simply use the Ctrl + C keyboard shortcut while the timer is running.

Is it possible to display a reminder with leave in MacOS?

Yes, you can display a reminder with leave in MacOS using the -r option. Here’s an example:

Terminal window
leave -r "Reminder: Time to leave!" 45m

How do I see the list of available options for leave in MacOS?

To see the list of available options for leave in MacOS, you can use the man command to access the manual page:

Terminal window
man leave

Applications of the leave command

  1. Scheduling system shutdowns
  2. Initiating automatic system sleep
  3. Setting a timer for system actions
  4. Performing maintenance tasks at specific times
  5. Simulating user presence for security reasons