How do I exit man page from the terminal? Once you have finished viewing a Linux manual page (man page) for a command or program, you'll usually want to exit or quit the manual so that you can return to your terminal and continue working. While this is a simple step, many new Linux users frequently ask: "How do I exit the man page?"
Since this question comes up often, here's a clear guide on how to exit man pages (and info pages), plus a few extra tips on how to navigate them effectively.
What Are Man Pages in Linux?
Linux man pages (short for manual pages) are built-in documentation files included with most software and commands. They explain what a program does and how to use it. Info pages (info) serve a similar purpose, often with more detail or a different format.
How to Access Man Pages
To open a manual page, type man followed by the program name, then press Enter:
man fdiskNavigating Man Pages
Once inside a man page, you can scroll or navigate as follows:
- Up/Down Arrow Keys – Move line by line.
- Enter – Scroll down one line at a time.
- Spacebar – Jump forward one full page.
- b – Move back one page.
Getting Help Inside Man Pages
If you need extra help while inside a man page, simply press:
hThis opens the built-in help screen explaining available navigation commands.
How to Exit Man Page
When you are finished reading, exit by pressing:
qThis will quit the man page and return you to the terminal prompt.
Practical Example: Using Man Pages
- Open a terminal.
- Type
man fdiskto display the manual for the fdisk disk utility. - Scroll using the arrow keys.
- When finished, press q to return to the terminal.
How to Use Info Pages
Info pages are another form of documentation. Instead of man, type info followed by the program name:
info fdiskFor commands, for example:
info cpYou can exit info pages the same way as man pages, by simply pressing q.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I exit the man page in Linux?
Simply press the q key. This quits the manual and returns you to your terminal prompt.
How do I scroll faster inside a man page?
Use the Spacebar to jump forward one screen at a time, and press b to move back one screen.
Is there a difference between man and info pages?
Yes. Man pages are concise reference manuals, while info pages often provide more detailed, hyperlinked documentation. Both can be exited by pressing q.
How do I search inside a man page?
Type /keyword and press Enter to search for a specific term. Press n to jump to the next match.
Can I view man pages for commands I don't have installed?
Yes, you can often view online man pages (for example, on
man7.org) if they aren't installed locally.
Conclusion
Exiting a man page in Linux is relatively simple, just press q. While that key command may seem obvious to experienced users, it often trips up beginners who are new to working in the terminal. By learning not only how to quit, but also how to navigate, search, and use both man and info pages, you gain a powerful tool for understanding and mastering Linux commands. With this knowledge, you can quickly reference documentation, troubleshoot issues, and continue working seamlessly in the terminal.