iTerm2 inline image
also: iTerm2 image protocol, imgcat
A feature in iTerm2 (macOS terminal emulator) that displays images directly in the terminal using a proprietary escape sequence protocol, allowing inline image rendering without opening external applications.
iTerm2 inline images are a macOS-specific terminal feature that lets programs embed and display images directly within the terminal window. This is accomplished through iTerm2's custom escape sequence protocol, which differs from standard ANSI terminal codes.
When a script or program outputs the proper escape sequence followed by base64-encoded image data, iTerm2 renders the image inline with text. For example, a Python script using the imgcat utility can display a PNG file: imgcat image.png.
Common use cases include terminal-based image viewers, machine learning tools showing plots, and development utilities displaying screenshots or diagrams. The feature is not POSIX-standard and only works in iTerm2, making it less portable than other terminal image protocols like Sixel or Kitty's graphics protocol.