Imessage — Send and receive iMessages/SMS via the imsg CLI on macOS
Imessage — Send and receive iMessages/SMS via the imsg CLI on macOS
Start with meaning, then move to detail.
This lesson explains Imessage — Send and receive iMessages/SMS via the imsg CLI on macOS as part of extending Hermes and connecting external tools. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.
If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?
For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.
For advanced readers, inspect Skill metadata, Reference: full SKILL.md, Prerequisites, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.
Complete installation and one successful task before adding new capabilities.
A clear outcome before you read.
- Understand Imessage — Send and receive iMessages/SMS via the imsg CLI on macOS without assumed prior knowledge.
- Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
- Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Short definitions before the details.
- Skill
- An instruction bundle that teaches Hermes a repeatable workflow without necessarily adding an external service.
Send and receive iMessages/SMS via the imsg CLI on macOS
What does the source say, and in what order?
- 01Skill metadata
Start here to understand the core idea or structure.
- 02Reference: full SKILL.md
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 03Prerequisites
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 04When to Use
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 05When NOT to Use
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 06Quick Reference
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 07List Chats
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 08View History
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 09Send Messages
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 10Watch for New Messages
Finish here to verify the result and special cases.
Copy only after you understand the effect.
imsg chats --limit 10 --json# By chat ID
imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --json
# With attachments info
imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --attachments --json# Text only
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hello!"
# With attachment
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Check this out" --file /path/to/image.jpg
# Force iMessage or SMS
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hi" --service imessage
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hi" --service smsRead the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.