---
title: The skimmark command
slug: skimmark-command
summary: Install the skimmark terminal command on Mac, Windows, or Linux and use it to open files from a terminal.
---

# The skimmark command

The `skimmark` command opens Markdown files in Skimmark from a terminal. It is available on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

## Install it

1. Open the menu:
   - **Mac:** the **Skimmark** app menu.
   - **Windows** and **Linux:** the **Help** menu.
2. Choose **Install 'skimmark' Command…**
3. Mac and Linux: if your computer asks for an admin password, enter it. Skimmark asks only when the install folder needs it. Windows never asks.

A bar at the top of the window says `Installed skimmark at <path>.`

On Windows, the first install also adds the install folder to your user `PATH`, and the bar says `Installed skimmark. Open a new terminal to use it.` Terminals that were already open do not see the change; open a new PowerShell or Command Prompt window.

Where it goes:

- **Mac:** `/usr/local/bin/skimmark`
- **Linux:** `~/.local/bin/skimmark` if `~/.local/bin` is on your `PATH`, otherwise `/usr/local/bin/skimmark`
- **Windows:** `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Skimmark\bin\skimmark.cmd`

On Mac and Linux, Skimmark never edits your shell settings or your `PATH`. On Windows it adds only its own `bin` folder to your user `PATH`, once, and only if the folder is not there yet. It never needs admin rights and never changes the system `PATH`.

## Use it

| Type | What happens |
|---|---|
| `skimmark notes.md` | Opens the file in Skimmark. Starts Skimmark first if it is not running. |
| `skimmark a.md ../b.md` | Opens each file as a tab. Relative paths start from the folder you are in. On Windows, `skimmark .\notes.md` and `skimmark ..\b.md` work the same way. |
| `skimmark missing.md` | Brings Skimmark forward and shows `File not found: <path>`. Nothing opens. |
| `skimmark` | Starts Skimmark, or brings its window to the front. |

The command returns right away, so your terminal is free while Skimmark stays open.

On Windows, the same file typed with different capital letters (`Notes.md`, `NOTES.md`) is one file, so it opens in the same tab.

## If something goes wrong

- `Could not install skimmark: <path> already exists and was not installed by this app.` Another program already uses that name. Skimmark leaves it alone. Remove or rename that file yourself if you want Skimmark's command there.
- `skimmark: app not found at <path>; reinstall the skimmark command` You moved or deleted Skimmark after installing the command. Open Skimmark from its new place and install the command again.
- `Could not install skimmark (<code>): <reason>` The install did not finish, for example because the password prompt was cancelled. Try again.
- Windows, `Could not install skimmark (path-update-failed): ...` The command was installed, but Skimmark could not add its folder to your user `PATH`. Try again, or add the folder named in the message to your user `PATH` yourself.
- Windows, `'skimmark' is not recognized` in a terminal: the terminal was opened before the install. Open a new one.
- Windows, `Could not install skimmark (path-too-long): ...` Adding the folder would make your `PATH` longer than Windows terminals accept (8191 characters). The command file is installed; remove `PATH` entries you no longer use, then install again.
- Windows, a file name with `&`, `|`, `<` or `>` in it: put the name in quotes (`skimmark "Doe & Co.md"`). Without quotes, the terminal treats those characters as commands.

## The old mdr command

Earlier test builds named this command `mdr` (Mac and Linux only; Windows never had it). When Skimmark starts on Mac or Linux, it looks for an old `mdr` that it installed itself and that opens this copy of Skimmark. It checks `/usr/local/bin` and `~/.local/bin`.

- If Skimmark can delete it, it does, and the bar at the top of the window says `Removed the old mdr command at <path>. Use skimmark instead.`
- If the folder needs an admin password (often the case for `/usr/local/bin`), Skimmark does not ask for one. The bar says `An old mdr command is at <path>. You can delete it.` You normally see this message only once. It can show again if Skimmark cannot save to its settings folder.

Skimmark never touches or mentions an `mdr` that some other program installed, a shortcut (symlink) named `mdr`, or an `mdr` that opens a different or moved copy of Skimmark. If you have not installed `skimmark` yet, choose **Install 'skimmark' Command…** first (see above), then change any scripts or aliases that call `mdr` to `skimmark`.