Target unit files

To group various systemd units through a chain of dependencies during a boot process, use targets in systemd. Targets in systemd are groups of related units to act as synchronization points when your system boots.

Target unit files end with the .target file extension. It represents the systemd targets. For example, the multi-user.target unit starts other essential system services such as NetworkManager (NetworkManager.service) or D-Bus (dbus.service) and activates another target unit named basic.target.

You can set the following systemd targets as default or current targets.

Table 1. Common systemd targets
Target Purpose

rescue.target

unit target that pulls in the base system and spawns a rescue shell

multi-user.target

unit target for setting up a multi-user system

graphical.target

unit target for setting up a graphical login screen

emergency.target

unit target that starts an emergency shell on the main console

For more information, see systemd.special(7) and systemd.target(5) man pages on your system