October 28, 2009
How to Install Putty on OS X
Some people are very used to Putty and they miss it when they are on a Mac. Is there a version for OS X? No, so this post is for those people. This really isn’t an install per se, it’s actually called a port. Putty doesn’t work “naturally” on OS X, so you need to use MacPorts to ‘port’ it to your Mac. When utilizing MacPorts, you can find that there are thousands of programs you can run on your Mac that normally wouldn’t be available. The interfaces may feel or act a bit differently, but it’s better than not having them at all.
Here are the steps to get it geared up:
1) Install MacPorts – Download/instructions for MacPorts (Be sure to pick the correct file for your OS X version.)
2) Open the saved .dmg file to install MacPorts.
3) After installation of MacPorts is complete, there’s one more item to check. Make sure you have XCode installed on your computer. If you are running OS X 10.6, you should download and run XCode 3.2. You will have to be a member (which is free) of Apple Developer Connection to download the file. The reason you need developer tools is because you are actually compiling source code in order to get this working, as a developer does.
4. After installing XCode, open up Terminal and paste this command:
sudo port -v selfupdate
This updates your install of MacPorts. You should see the update take place. If you don’t, leave a comment here so we can help you out with the error. But everything should work fine if the steps above have been followed exactly.
5. All you have to do next is paste this command:
sudo port install putty
This should take a few minutes and work without a hitch.
6. Now to start using it, type this into Terminal and Putty will then pop right up into an X11 window:
putty
7. To put a shortcut on the Desktop, run an additional command in the terminal:
cp /opt/local/bin/putty ~/Desktop/PuTTY
Additonal Install/Migration Instructions
If you have installed MacPorts prior to Snow Leopard, you have to run a few fixes to get Putty to work again properly.
1. Open Terminal
2. Paste:
sudo port uninstall glib1; sudo port uninstall gtk1; sudo port install putty
3. Once done, all the necessary libraries should be updated and you should have a new Putty up and running.
Note:
When I first started to write this article, I was going to use Fink, however, it appears they dropped the package. So I opted for MacPorts which is the most recently updated and compatible. It all works – for now.What this means:
Eventually, everyone who is accustomed to Putty will need to change directions indefinitely, so please take a look at Daniel’s post on Terminal in OS X. Until then, keep hacking and compiling if you really need to.






Thank you for your help! Appreciated post.
I have OS X Tiger. I installed MacPorts. Then, I isnstalled X-Code and WebObjects.mpkg. I wrote the X- Code update comment on Terminal. It gave an error: command not found. I have a router and Firewall was on. Could you please help me how to install Putty?
Thanks in advance
Carl
Make sure you install MacPorts properly prior to running the ‘sudo port -v selfupdate’. It’s saying ‘command not found’, because ‘port’ (ie. macports) cannot be found.
Thanks.
Your network equipment or settings should not be preventing a successful install of MacPorts. Since you have Tiger, did you install XCode 2.5?
Hi Daniel & Kayla – Thanks for publishing this information, you are a great resource. Once I had PuTTy installed, it works fine. The only issue I have is getting a serial console session via a USB-Serial adapter. The adapter is installed and accessible using the Apple provided pl2303 driver. I can open a connection pointing to the /dev/tty.PL2303-00001004 serial line, and I can see physical evidence that my keystrokes are passing through (via the LED on the USB device), but the terminal screen remains blank. I’ve tried changing the normal serial options (local echo, etc) with no result. Any ideas?
Computing dependencies for puttyError: Unable to execute port: can’t read “build.cmd”: Failed to locate ‘make’ in path: ‘/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin’ or at its MacPorts configuration time location, did you move it?
Before reporting a bug, first run the command again with the -d flag to get complete output.
I did not know how to add -d flag. Did try adding it like this: sudo port install putty -d
Got the above message 2x. Thanks for any help
@Guido: try messing with the baud rate settings – typically most devices will use 9600 bps, 8N1 (bps, parity, bits). If you have a manual for the device that you’re trying to console, it most likely has a section which describes how to access it via serial. Another possibility – the device might require you to use a serial or a null modem cable – both look identical, however are wired differently. Finally, just to be sure – you can also try to access the serial device by opening Terminal and typing the following:
‘screen /dev/tty.PL2303-00001004 9600′
Again, try to mess with the baud rate depending on what the device takes.
@Kathleen,
It wasn’t able to locate the ‘make’ binary. ‘make’ should ship with all the compilers etc. that are provided with XCode.
Are you sure you have XCode fully installed?
Thanks,
I was able to download xCode 2.5 and installed then went back and followed these instructions. Everything seemed to go fine. But when I type in putty per step 6 I get this message: kathleens-computer:~ kathleenhallren$ putty
Gtk-WARNING **: cannot open display: :0
Thanks for any assistance. I seem to be making progress.
I was able to solve the problem. I did not have x11 installed for some reason. Loaded it from Xcode Tools and downloaded upgrade from apple. Now I am up and running PuTTY. Thank you, the notes and hints on here led me through the process.
Instructions work AS Advertised for Snow Leopard
I did have minor issue with needing to update XCode. But, after that, I am as happy as a WinDoZe user could ever be… ease for all of my tunneled connections.
Thx for the post !!!
Martin
In my system settings I have selected the option for the F keys to function as F1, F2 etc. They work up to F8. I have had this problem with other VPN and emulation programs. Is there a key combination or work around for this. Thank you.
Hi Kathleen! To use the actual function keys, just hold down the ‘function’ key (“FN”, bottom left of your keyboard) and press whichever F[1-12] key you need (ie. FN+F4 etc.).
Hello I have mac os 10.6.5 and XCode 3.2.4 i installed MacPorts and then i did
>sudo port -v selfupdate
as a super user and everything was fine but when i did
>sudo port install putty
as a super user after long time i got this error
Error: The following dependencies were not installed: gtk1 xorg-libXext xorg-libX11 xorg-libxcb python26 db46 gdbm openssl zlib readline sqlite3 xorg-libpthread-stubs xorg-xcb-proto libxml2 xorg-util-macros xorg-xcmiscproto xorg-xextproto xorg-xf86bigfontproto xorg-xtrans xorg-libXt xorg-libsm xorg-libice
any advice?
I already finished the installation, everything looks good but i need to wait few days after test that, but im pretty sure this can work without problem.
I enter the first command to update in terminal but required password i tried to write but I couldnt write anything for the password.
I’m confused. Do you have to download the exe from http://www.putty.org first?
sent 36 bytes received 77 bytes 25.11 bytes/sec
total size is 512 speedup is 4.53
Creating port index in /opt/local/var/macports/sources/rsync.macports.org/release/tarballs/ports
Hi,
Can you please help me out why i am getting this error while update the port i used the cammand which is mentioned in the website
i.e :sudo port -v selfupdate
Total number of ports parsed: 0
Ports successfully parsed: 0
Ports failed: 0
Up-to-date ports skipped: 13523
—> MacPorts base is already the latest version
The ports tree has been updated. To upgrade your installed ports, you should run
port upgrade outdated
Thanks,
Snehith
Running OS X 10.3. Trying to install putty. have installed mac ports and xcode 4,
This is message I get.
Last login: Sun Feb 26 15:10:12 on ttys000
Roberts-MacBook-Air:~ rhadstate$ sudo port install putty
Password:
Warning: xcodebuild exists but failed to execute
Warning: Xcode does not appear to be installed; most ports will likely fail to build.
—> Computing dependencies for puttyError: Unable to execute port: can’t read “build.cmd”: Failed to locate ‘make’ in path: ‘/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin’ or at its MacPorts configuration time location, did you move it?
To report a bug, see
Roberts-MacBook-Air:~ rhadstate$
If you can help I would appreciate.
Thanks.
Hi Kayla,
It doesn’t work.
sudo port install putty
Warning: xcodebuild exists but failed to execute
Warning: Xcode appears to be installed but xcodebuild is unusable; some ports will likely fail to build.
Warning: You may need to run `sudo xcode-select -switch /Applications/Xcode.app`
Warning: The Command Line Tools for Xcode don’t appear to be installed; most ports will likely fail to build.
Warning: See http://guide.macports.org/chunked/installing.xcode.html for more information.
—> Computing dependencies for puttyError: Unable to execute port: can’t read “build.cmd”: Failed to locate ‘make’ in path: ‘/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin’ or at its MacPorts configuration time location, did you move it?
To report a bug, see
Hi Kayla,
Almost forgot, I’m OSX Lion at the moment.
how do i go to the terminal?
Hi,
having this error
$ sudo port install putty
Warning: The Command Line Tools for Xcode don’t appear to be installed; most ports will likely fail to build.
Warning: See http://guide.macports.org/chunked/installing.xcode.html for more information.
—> Computing dependencies for puttyError: Unable to execute port: can’t read “build.cmd”: Failed to locate ‘make’ in path: ‘/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin’ or at its MacPorts configuration time location, did you move it?
To report a bug, see
running on macbook air – lion 10.7.4
thank and regard
If you’re getting error while installing please be remember to open your Xcode and download all require library files. As I know the new Xcode doesn’t come with it.
After install everything, do a reboot then follow above method to install your putty.
p/s: Tested OK!
Cheers
Like piece of Cake. Many many Thanks….
Thanks, very helpful:o)
Just a couple of additional points required to make this work…
1. Current version of XCode is 4.3.3 (Free)
2. Once this is installed you need to run it, then go to Preferences > Download and install Command Line Tools before Putty can be ported in.
Cheers =OD
I installed every bit but when I start putty on my mac osx lion. I t gives me following error:
Please help
(putty:76713): GdkPixbuf-WARNING **: Error loading XPM image loader: Image type ‘xpm’ is not supported
(putty:76713): GLib-GObject-CRITICAL **: g_object_ref: assertion `G_IS_OBJECT (object)’ failed
(putty:76713): GdkPixbuf-WARNING **: Error loading XPM image loader:
Image type ‘xpm’ is not supported
(putty:76713): GdkPixbuf-WARNING **: Error loading XPM image loader: Image type ‘xpm’ is not supported
(putty:76713): GdkPixbuf-WARNING **: Error loading XPM image loader: Image type ‘xpm’ is not supported
(putty:76713): Gdk-CRITICAL **: void gdk_window_set_icon_list(GdkWindow *, GList *): assertion `GDK_IS_PIXBUF (pixbuf)’ failed
How to fix???
Computing dependencies for puttyError: Unable to execute port: can’t read “build.cmd”: Failed to locate ‘make’ in path: ‘/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin’ or at its MacPorts configuration time location, did you move it?
I tried to install putty, but got this error:
Computing dependencies for puttyError: Unable to execute port: can’t read “build.cmd”: Failed to locate ‘make’ in path: ‘/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin’ or at its MacPorts configuration time location, did you move it?
I did use the -d flag that someone suggested. Any advice?
Hallo!
I have Mac OS X 10.7.4. I installed MacPorts-2.1.2-10.7-Lion and Xcode-4.3.2.
And now I have trouble like Rana:
I enter “sudo port -v self update” to update in terminal but required password. I tried to write but I couldn’t write anything for the password.
Thank you.
Hey,
This is what I get
Anubhav-Singhs-iMac:~ itsmeanubhav$ sudo port -v selfupdate
—> Updating MacPorts base sources using rsync
rsync: failed to connect to rsync.macports.org: Operation timed out (60)
rsync error: error in socket IO (code 10) at /SourceCache/rsync/rsync-42/rsync/clientserver.c(105) [receiver=2.6.9]
Command failed: /usr/bin/rsync -rtzv –delete-after rsync://rsync.macports.org/release/tarballs/base.tar /opt/local/var/macports/sources/rsync.macports.org/release/tarballs
Exit code: 10
Error: /opt/local/bin/port: port selfupdate failed: Error synchronizing MacPorts sources: command execution failed
Can you please help ?
Sorted the last error out !… Got this new one, just installed xcode, restarted my imac and tried to run these commands from the terminal
Anubhav-Singhs-iMac:~ itsmeanubhav$ sudo port install putty
Warning: The Command Line Tools for Xcode don’t appear to be installed; most ports will likely fail to build.
Warning: See http://guide.macports.org/chunked/installing.xcode.html for more information.
—> Computing dependencies for puttyError: Unable to execute port: can’t read “build.cmd”: Failed to locate ‘make’ in path: ‘/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin’ or at its MacPorts configuration time location, did you move it?
sudo: port: command not found
That is exactly what it said. I installed the Mac Ports and I already have xcode.
xCode 4.3 has the command line tool in a different folder, which will break the command ‘sudo port install putty’
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/10346369/where-to-open-xcode-4-2-command-line-tools
I fixed the problem copying the command line tool to the usual path
sudo cp /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/usr/bin/* /usr/bin/
I got an error trying to do the update
sudo port -v selfupdate
Error: /opt/local/bin/port: port selfupdate failed: Error installing new MacPorts base: shell command failed (see log for details)
just thought to show the full output
checking build system type… i386-apple-darwin12.2.0
checking host system type… i386-apple-darwin12.2.0
checking target system type… i386-apple-darwin12.2.0
checking MacPorts version… 2.1.2
checking for sw_vers… /usr/bin/sw_vers
checking for defaults… /usr/bin/defaults
checking for xcode-select… /usr/bin/xcode-select
checking Mac OS X version… 10.8.2
checking Xcode location… /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer
checking Xcode version… 4.5.1
checking for gcc… /usr/bin/cc
checking whether the C compiler works… no
configure: error: in `/opt/local/var/macports/sources/rsync.macports.org/release/tarballs/base’:
configure: error: C compiler cannot create executables
See `config.log’ for more details
shell command “cd /opt/local/var/macports/sources/rsync.macports.org/release/tarballs/base && CC=/usr/bin/cc ./configure –prefix=/opt/local –with-tclpackage=/Library/Tcl –with-install-user=root –with-install-group=admin –with-directory-mode=0755 –enable-readline && make && make install SELFUPDATING=1″ returned error 77
Error: /opt/local/bin/port: port selfupdate failed: Error installing new MacPorts base: shell command failed (see log for details)
I just went to xcode and installed “Command Line Tools” and re-run the command ! works now
Hi ,
I have MAC OSX Lion. I installed Macports, Xcode and also putty using cmd line. I typed ‘putty’ in cmd line but it is giving the following error.
dyld: lazy symbol binding failed: Symbol not found: _cairo_xlib_surface_create
Referenced from: /opt/local/lib/libgdk-x11-2.0.0.dylib
Expected in: /opt/local/lib/libcairo.2.dylib
dyld: Symbol not found: _cairo_xlib_surface_create
Referenced from: /opt/local/lib/libgdk-x11-2.0.0.dylib
Expected in: /opt/local/lib/libcairo.2.dylib
Trace/BPT trap: 5
Please help me to resolve this.
I face a problem.I did download all the things you said(Xcode,MacPort) and now I am running terminal and in the demand sudo port install putty it writes to meError:
Error: No Xcode installation was found.
Error: Please install Xcode and/or run xcode-select to specify its location.
Error:
Warning: xcodebuild exists but failed to execute
Warning: Xcode does not appear to be installed; most ports will likely fail to build.
—> Computing dependencies for puttyError: Unable to execute port: can’t read “build.cmd”: Failed to locate ‘make’ in path: ‘/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin’ or at its MacPorts configuration time location, did you move it?
I do have the latest version of iOS and I do have the latest version of Xcode
Error: The following dependencies were not installed: gtk2 gdk-pixbuf2 hicolor-icon-theme pango Xft2 shared-mime-info xorg-libXcomposite xorg-compositeproto xorg-libXext xorg-xextproto xorg-libXfixes xorg-fixesproto xorg-libXcursor xorg-libXdamage xorg-damageproto xorg-libXi xorg-inputproto xorg-libXinerama xorg-xineramaproto xorg-libXrandr xorg-randrproto
To report a bug, follow the instructions in the guide:
http://guide.macports.org/#project.tickets
Error: Processing of port putty failed
I have the above errors, so I failed in installing it.
Looking forward to your help.
Thanks.
Jenny
I have Mac OS X 10.7.4. I installed MacPorts-2.1.2-10.7-Lion and Xcode-4.3.2.
i got the error below,
Kindly help.
CHARLESs-MacBook-Pro:~ charlesduru$ sudo port -v selfupdate
updating MacPorts base sources using rsync
rsync: getaddrinfo: rsync.macports.org 873: nodename nor servname provided, or not known
rsync error: error in socket IO (code 10) at /SourceCache/rsync/rsync-42/rsync/clientserver.c(105) [receiver=2.6.9]
Command failed: /usr/bin/rsync -rtzv –delete-after rsync://rsync.macports.org/release/tarballs/base.tar /opt/local/var/macports/sources/rsync.macports.org/release/tarballs
Exit code: 10
Error: /opt/local/bin/port: port selfupdate failed: Error synchronizing MacPorts sources: command execution failed
PC-782:~ Shahid$ sudo port install putty
Warning: The Command Line Tools for Xcode don’t appear to be installed; most ports will likely fail to build.
Warning: See http://guide.macports.org/chunked/installing.xcode.html for more information.
—> Computing dependencies for puttyError: Unable to execute port: can’t read “build.cmd”: Failed to locate ‘make’ in path: ‘/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin’ or at its MacPorts configuration time location, did you move it?
any idea how to fix it?
I have installed putty sucessfully on Mountain Lion, but when I try to run it, I get the following error:
(putty:13696): Gtk-WARNING **: cannot open display:
I answered my own question on the GTK error… I used XQuartz for my X11 emulator… logged back out and in then it worked.: http://xquartz.macosforge.org/landing/
How can I install PuTTY on Mac OS 10.7.5? I always used Windows but recently bought a MacBook Air and don’t know how to do a lot of things but I am getting better with time…thanks in advance…
Got this far, all a seems fine until this point:
6. Now to start using it, type this into Terminal and Putty will then pop right up into an X11 window:
putty
Error displayed in Terminal:
(putty:26948): Gtk-WARNING **: cannot open display:
It then just displays the command prompt. Can’t find anything online that mentions this issue. I am running Mountain Lion 10.8.2
Any ideas?