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Guide · Open source

How to use Hyper: install, run and customize the terminal

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Hyper is an open-source terminal application, the window where you type commands on your computer, built on open web standards. This guide shows you how to install it on macOS, Windows or Linux, where to find the project's customization options, and how to fix the most common build problems if you decide to work on the code. By the end you will know which install method fits your system and what the project says about its goals and limits.

Hypervercel/hyper · ★ 44.8k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Pick your install method. Use Homebrew Cask on macOS, Chocolatey on Windows, or the AUR, Nix or the official downloads on Linux.
  2. 2Install on macOS. Run brew update, then brew install --cask hyper.
  3. 3Install on Windows. Run choco install hyper in a terminal.
  4. 4Install on Linux. Use paru -S hyper on Arch, nix-env -i hyper on NixOS, or download an AppImage, .deb or .rpm from hyper.is.
  5. 5Check the version. If your package manager version is old, download the latest release from the official installation page.
  6. 6Explore extensions and themes. Look at the sample extension and sample theme repositories linked in the README to see how customization works.

What Hyper is and what it aims to do

Hyper is a terminal, the program where you type commands. The project describes its goal as creating a beautiful and extensible experience for command-line users, built on open web standards.

The README names speed, stability and a correct API for extension authors as the early focus. The API is what lets people add features and customize the look of the app.

Install Hyper on macOS

On macOS the README uses Homebrew Cask. Run the two commands below in a terminal. The first updates Homebrew's package list and the second installs the app.

brew update brew install --cask hyper

Install Hyper on Windows

On Windows the README uses Chocolatey. Run the command below in a terminal. The package details are listed on the Chocolatey site.

choco install hyper

Install Hyper on Linux

On Arch and its derivatives, Hyper is available from the AUR. The README suggests an AUR helper such as paru. On NixOS, it is available as a Nix package.

For other Linux systems, the README points to downloads for AppImage, .deb and .rpm files on the official installation page at hyper.is.

  • Arch and derivatives: paru -S hyper (AUR helper)
  • NixOS: nix-env -i hyper
  • Other distributions: download from https://hyper.is/#installation
paru -S hyper nix-env -i hyper

Get the newest version

Package managers may not have the latest release. The README says the Homebrew Cask, Chocolatey, Snapcraft and AUR versions may lag behind. If you need the newest build, download it from the official installation page instead.

Run Hyper from source for development

If you want to change Hyper itself, the README describes a development setup. You need pnpm, which the README recommends enabling with Corepack. Then fork and clone the repository, install dependencies and start the build in watch mode.

  • Enable pnpm: corepack enable pnpm
  • Install dependencies: pnpm install
  • Build and watch for changes: pnpm run dev
  • Launch Hyper from another terminal tab: pnpm run app
  • Build a binary: pnpm run dist (output goes to ./dist)
corepack enable pnpm pnpm install pnpm run dev pnpm run app

Fix common build errors

The README lists known problems during development. For a node-pty error, run pnpm run rebuild-node-pty. On macOS, a node-pty problem can come from Xcode not having its Terms of Service accepted.

If pnpm install fails with compiler errors on macOS, set CXX to clang++. If codesign fails on macOS during pnpm run dist, the README says you can disable code signing for the current session only.

  • node-pty alert: pnpm run rebuild-node-pty
  • Compiler errors on macOS: export CXX=clang++
  • codesign failure: export CSC_IDENTITY_AUTO_DISCOVERY=false (current session only)
pnpm run rebuild-node-pty export CXX=clang++ export CSC_IDENTITY_AUTO_DISCOVERY=false

What people use it for

  • Customize the look of your terminal with a theme
  • Add features to your terminal with an extension, using the API the project describes
  • Use a downloadable terminal app on macOS or Linux with a short install command
  • Work on Hyper's own code with the pnpm development workflow in the README

Frequently asked questions

How do I install Hyper on Mac?

Run brew update, then brew install --cask hyper in a terminal. The README uses Homebrew Cask for macOS. Homebrew's version may not be the newest, so check the official installation page if you need the latest release.

How do I install Hyper on Windows?

Run choco install hyper using Chocolatey, as shown in the README. Chocolatey's package may lag behind the latest release, so the official download at hyper.is is the alternative.

Is Hyper free?

Hyper's source code is licensed under MIT, as listed on the repository. The README does not describe pricing, so check the project page for any other terms.

What do I need to install Hyper?

The README lists Homebrew on macOS or Chocolatey on Windows as package managers. On Linux, you can use the AUR, Nix, or downloads for AppImage, .deb or .rpm files. Building from source requires pnpm and, on some systems, the extra packages listed in the README.

Why does Hyper fail to build with node-pty errors?

The README says to run pnpm run rebuild-node-pty to fix node-pty build problems. On macOS, it may be an Xcode issue, such as not having accepted the Terms of Service after a fresh install.

How does Hyper compare to iTerm2, Alacritty, Kitty or Windows Terminal?

The README does not compare Hyper with these projects, so this guide cannot say which is faster or more stable. Hyper names speed as a goal rather than a proven result, so test it yourself against the terminals you already consider.

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Our verdict

Hyper suits developers and hobbyists who want a terminal they can customize with extensions or themes, and who like web tools such as TypeScript and React. If you need the fastest or most minimal terminal, or a long-established app with a large ecosystem, the README does not support Hyper for those needs, so consider a mature alternative.

Install options & downloads