orbstack-cli
OrbStack CLI is the command reference and recipe book for driving OrbStack—a Docker and Linux VM runtime for macOS—from the terminal. It covers the orb and orbctl commands for machine lifecycle management, file transfer, Docker operations, container domains, networking, and CI automation.
OrbStack CLI provides the complete command syntax and flags for managing Linux VMs, Docker containers, and Kubernetes on macOS.
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Install
bastos/skills/orbstack-cli · repository language: Python
git clone https://github.com/bastos/skills
cp -r skills/orbstack-cli ~/.claude/skills/orbstack-clinpx skillfed install bastos/skills/orbstack-cliFrequently asked questions
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How to use orb command on Mac with OrbStack CLI?
OrbStack CLI provides the `orb` command as your primary interface for managing Docker containers and Linux VMs on macOS. Use `orb` for container operations, file transfers with `orb push` and `orb pull`, port forwarding setup, and accessing container domains via `orb.local`. The command syntax follows standard Docker patterns, making it familiar if you've used Docker Desktop. Run `orb --help` to see all available subcommands and flags for your current OrbStack version.
What is the orbctl command and how do I create a Linux VM?
OrbStack CLI's `orbctl` command manages machine lifecycle operations. Create a Linux VM with `orbctl create`, then use `orbctl start`, `orbctl stop`, and `orbctl restart` to control it. You can configure CPU and memory limits via `orb config` flags. `orbctl` also handles machine export/import for backup and migration. Check `orbctl --help` for the full syntax and available machine management options specific to your setup.
How do I set up Docker on Mac with OrbStack CLI?
OrbStack CLI integrates Docker directly into your macOS environment. After installing OrbStack, the `orb` command becomes your Docker interface. Set up the Docker context to point to OrbStack, then use standard Docker commands through the CLI. For networking, OrbStack provides `orb.local` container domains and automatic host-docker-internal resolution. If Docker context isn't working, run `orb doctor` to diagnose and fix integration issues.
How do I troubleshoot OrbStack CLI connection issues?
OrbStack CLI includes the `orb doctor` command to diagnose and fix connection problems. Run it to check machine status, Docker context configuration, and networking setup. For SSH access, verify your setup with `orb` commands and check exit codes via `orb status` for scripting. If migrating from Docker Desktop, ensure the Docker context is properly switched to OrbStack. The CLI provides detailed error messages to guide troubleshooting.
Can I automate OrbStack CLI in CI/CD and headless environments?
Yes, OrbStack CLI supports headless automation in CI/CD pipelines. Use `orb` and `orbctl` commands with exit codes for scripting and conditional logic. Automate machine lifecycle with `orbctl start/stop/restart`, run commands inside VMs, and manage containers via standard `orb` Docker operations. The CLI is designed for non-interactive environments, making it suitable for GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, and other automation platforms.
How do I transfer files and set up networking with OrbStack CLI?
OrbStack CLI handles file transfer with `orb push` to send files to containers and `orb pull` to retrieve them. For networking, configure port forwarding and access containers via `orb.local` domains. OrbStack automatically provides host-docker-internal resolution for container-to-host communication. Use `orb` commands to manage these networking features, and consult `orb --help` for specific flags and syntax for your use case.
SKILL.md
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OrbStack CLI
OrbStack is a fast Docker + Linux VM runtime for macOS (a Docker Desktop replacement). You drive it from the terminal with four commands. This skill is the
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orbstack-cli/SKILL.md
orbstack-cli/references/config.md
orbstack-cli/references/docker.md
orbstack-cli/references/domains.md
orbstack-cli/references/headless.md
orbstack-cli/references/kubernetes.md
orbstack-cli/references/machines.md
orbstack-cli/references/networking.md
orbstack-cli/references/ssh.md
orbstack-cli/references/troubleshooting.md