How to install Compass on a Mac via Command Line

Compass is a Ruby gem, so in order to install it you must have Ruby installed. Macs come pre-installed with Ruby.

sudo gem update --system
sudo gem install compass 
compass --version

Notes

  • sudo gem update --system will make sure all gems are up to date
  • You can use sass --version to see if you have installed or what version of Sass is it
  • sudo gem install compass will also install Sass if it isn’t already installed
  • compass --version will confirm the installation by telling you what version of Compass you have installed
  • If command line scares you, you can install GUI apps for Compass, like:

  • compass.app - $10 - Mac, Windows, Linux

  • Scout - Free - Mac, Windows

  • CodeKit - $29 - Mac only