Getting Connected

Prompt is an iOS terminal emulator that supports connecting via SSH and Telnet.

Saved servers can be organized in list format or stored in folders. Tap the name of a server to open a connection.

Select the information icon to the right of a server name to view or edit the server details.

Above the saved favorites are two additional connection options.

Quick Connect: Creates a one-time connection without saving the server information.
Shared Servers: Displays a list of available servers visible on the local network.

Creating a Server

Launch Prompt, the tap the +** button in the bottom-right corner, and choose the option for New Server….

After choosing the connection protocol that will be used for this server you will be prompted to configure the following information.

Nickname: The name that will be displayed for this server in the Servers list.
Server Type: Choose if the connection will be made via SSH or Telnet.
Address: The address of the remote server Prompt will connect to.
Port: The port to use when connecting to the remote server. The default port (22) is usually correct, but may be edited if necessary.
Username: The user name required to log into the remote server.
Password: The password required for the above user name. (If you use private keys instead of passwords to connect to the server, tap the key icon in this field and select the appropriate key file. The key icon will glow purple if a private key is associated with the server.); If you’d prefer to not store your passwords in the iOS keychain you can leave the password blank and enter it during the connection process.; If you are unsure of what to enter contact your server administrator or hosting provider for server address, user name, or password information.

Advanced Server Settings

Advanced server settings can be accessed from the Server Settings option at the bottom of the configuration screen.

Text Encoding: Displays the encoding for the current connection. Tap to change to a different encoding.
Location: Choose the folder where this server will be stored in the Servers List.
Startup Command: Set a command that will be sent to the remote server as part of the initial connection process.
Terminal Type: Defines how the information will be exchanged with the remote server. You can leave this at the default setting if you are unsure of the connection type.
Delete Sends ^H: Some server expect a different keyboard command for Delete. If the delete key isn’t working properly try toggling this setting.
Close On Disconnect: When enabled, the current terminal window will be automatically closed when Prompt disconnects from the server.
Agent Forwarding: Enable this setting to use agent forwarding for this server. Details about agent forwarding can be found on Steve Friedl’s Tech Tips Guide.
Autocomplete: Enable this setting to use the built in Terminal autocomplete with this specific server.
Prompt String: This should match the string used in your server prompt. (Make sure to include a trailing space or autocomplete will likely not work correctly.) In this example: $ command arg1 arg2 the Prompt String would be $
Host Key Fingerprint: Tap to view (or clear) the host key fingerprint associated with this server.
Reset Autocomplete Data: Removes all autocomplete data associated with this server from Prompt.

The Terminal

After your server details have been entered tap the Connect button. Assuming the connection succeeds, the connection panel will be replaced by the Terminal view.

The Terminal view works more or less just like the Terminal app provided with OS X. All further operations are performed by typing commands with your keyboard.

In addition to the built in autocomplete, Prompt’s Terminal supports copy and paste of text, just like the editor. Double tap anywhere in the buffer to display copy/paste actions.

Prompt has a special keyboard bar that provides access to frequently used keys. Choose between preset key configurations or customize it with your own favorites.

Tap the session icon on the far right side of the bar to quickly switch between active connections.

Settings

Prompt’s settings can be accessed from the gear icon in the bottom-right corner of the connection view.

The following sections can be accessed through settings:

Theme: Adjust App and Terminal themes, font size and settings and more.
Font Size: Changes the font size displayed in Prompt’s terminal.
Beep: Toggle audio or visual beep settings
Keep Display On: Prevents your iOS device from sleeping when Prompt is open and running in the foreground.
Panic Sync: Create an account to automatically keep your servers, clips, and credentials in sync between devices.
Clips: Stores and manages a collection of text clippings that can be quickly inserted into the terminal.
Keys: View, import, or create keys that can be used for SSH connections.
Touch ID & Passcode: When enabled, you will be prompted to enter passcode or Touch ID authentication when you open Prompt.
Keyboard: Enable this setting to allow the use of third-party keyboards in Prompt.
About Prompt: Displays the version of Prompt you are currently running on your iOS device.
Support: Access Prompt’s support resources. More information about technical support for Prompt can be found in the Getting Help section below.

Getting Help

Technical support for Prompt is provided via email. Our support email address is prompt@panic.com.

In your email, please mention the version of Prompt you are using, and which version of iOS.

To get the fastest and most accurate response please describe what you were trying to do, what you expected to happen, and what actually happened. Also describe any steps you have already taken to try to solve the problem. The more detail you can provide, the better.

A screenshot of the problem (specifically if an error message appears) is almost always helpful in troubleshooting. Press the home and sleep/wake buttons on your iOS device at the same time to save a screenshot to your Camera Roll.

For crashing issues Prompt will usually offer to submit a bug report on your behalf the next time you open it. Please make sure to add your name and email address in the Support section of Prompt’s Settings so that we can refer your crash report directly.