dotfiles/macos

macOS System Configuration

This directory contains scripts to configure macOS system preferences, security settings, and keyboard shortcuts.

Scripts Overview

Main Scripts

• setup-macos.sh - Master script that runs all configurations
• defaults.sh - Complete system defaults (automatic)
• defaults-interactive.sh - Interactive system defaults
• security.sh - Security and privacy settings
• keyboard-shortcuts.sh - Custom keyboard shortcuts

Utility Scripts

• backup-defaults.sh - Backup current settings before changes

Quick Start

Run the master setup script:

~/dotfiles/macos/setup-macos.sh

This will:

1. Offer to backup current settings
2. Let you choose how to apply defaults
3. Configure security settings
4. Set up keyboard shortcuts

Individual Scripts

System Defaults

# Interactive mode (recommended)
~/dotfiles/macos/defaults-interactive.sh

# Apply all at once
~/dotfiles/macos/defaults.sh

Security Settings

~/dotfiles/macos/security.sh

Backup Current Settings

~/dotfiles/macos/backup-defaults.sh

What Gets Configured

System Defaults

• General UI/UX: Save panels, auto-correct, smart quotes
• Keyboard: Key repeat, full keyboard access
• Trackpad: Tap to click, gestures
• Finder: Show extensions, path bar, status bar, search settings
• Dock: Position, size, animations, auto-hide
• Screen: Screenshots location/format, screen saver
• Safari: Developer tools, privacy, security
• Other apps: Mail, Terminal, Activity Monitor, TextEdit

Security Settings

• Screen lock immediately after sleep
• Firewall enabled with stealth mode
• Disable analytics and tracking
• Secure Safari settings
• Disable unnecessary services
• Gatekeeper enabled
• FileVault check

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Mission Control shortcuts
• App-specific shortcuts
• Custom service shortcuts

Customization

Modifying Defaults

Edit the scripts to match your preferences:

• Dock position: Change orientation value
• Key repeat speed: Adjust KeyRepeat and InitialKeyRepeat
• Screenshot location: Modify screencapture location

Adding New Settings

1. Find the setting: defaults read domain
2. Test the change: defaults write domain key value
3. Add to appropriate script
4. Test with a backup

Useful Commands

# Find current setting
defaults read com.apple.dock orientation

# Test a change
defaults write com.apple.dock tilesize -int 64

# Reset to default
defaults delete com.apple.dock tilesize

# List all domains
defaults domains

# Read entire domain
defaults read com.apple.dock

Manual Configuration Still Required

Some settings must be configured manually:

1. System Preferences > Security & Privacy

   • FileVault encryption
   • App permissions (Camera, Microphone, etc.)
   • Privacy settings

2. System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts

   • Some Mission Control shortcuts
   • Service shortcuts

3. App-specific settings

   • Third-party app preferences
   • Login items

Troubleshooting

Settings Not Taking Effect

• Some changes require logout/restart
• Try: killall SystemUIServer or killall Dock
• Clear preferences cache: killall cfprefsd

Backing Out Changes

• Restore from backup: Run backup script first
• Reset specific domains: defaults delete domain
• System reset: System Preferences > General > Reset

Finding Setting Names

• Use GUI first, then check defaults domains
• Monitor changes: defaults read domain > before.txt, make change, defaults read domain > after.txt, diff before.txt after.txt

References

• macOS defaults reference
• Awesome macOS Command Line
• macOS Security Guide