defaults

reference:

usage

commands

commands
comments

read

prints the user’s settings to standard output

read-type

prints the plist type for a given key

write

write a value for the given key

rename

rename a key

import

import a plist to a given domain

export

export a domain and all the keys as a plist

delete

delete a given key or a domain / all keys for a given domain

domains

prints the name of all domains

find

search all domains, keys, and values for a given word

usage

basic usage

# gets all
$ defaults read DOMAIN

# gets
$ defaults read DOMAIN PROPERTY_NAME

# find
$ defaults find <KEYWORD>

# get type
$ defaults read-type <DOMAIN> <KEY>

# rename
$ defaults rename <DOMAIN> <OLD_KEY> <NEW_KEY>

# sets
$ defaults write DOMAIN PROPERTY_NAME VALUE

# resets a property
$ defaults delete DOMAIN PROPERTY_NAME

# resets preferences
$ defaults delete DOMAIN

list all domains

$ defaults domains

  • i.e.

    $ defaults domains | tr ',' '\n' | head
ContextStoreAgent
 MobileMeAccounts
 com.100hps.captin
 com.ScooterSoftware.BeyondCompare
 com.app77.pwsafemac
 com.apple.AMPLibraryAgent
 com.apple.ATS
 com.apple.Accessibility
 com.apple.AdLib
 com.apple.AddressBook

defaults

programming

xCode

add additional Counterpart Suffixes

# `"ViewModel" "View"`
$ defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode IDEAdditionalCounterpartSuffixes -array-add "ViewModel" "View" && killall Xcode

# `"Router" "Interactor" "Builder"`
$ defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode IDEAdditionalCounterpartSuffixes -array-add "Router" "Interactor" "Builder" && killall Xcode

show build durations

$ defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode ShowBuildOperationDuration -bool true && killall Xcode

add additional counterpart suffixes

# add "ViewModel" and "View"
$ defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode "IDEAdditionalCounterpartSuffixes" -array-add "ViewModel" "View" && killall Xcode

# add "Router", "Interactor" and "Builder"
$ defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode "IDEAdditionalCounterpartSuffixes" -array-add "Router" "Interactor" "Builder" && killall Xcode

show build durations

$ defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode "ShowBuildOperationDuration" -bool "true" && killall Xcode

iTerm2

profile

# reset
$ cd ~/Library/Preferences/com.googlecode.iterm2.plist
$ defaults delete com.googlecode.iterm2

prompt when quitting

# disable
$ defaults write com.googlecode.iterm2 PromptOnQuit -bool false

terminal

# UTF-8 encoding
$ defaults write com.apple.terminal StringEncodings -array 4

# theme
$ defaults write com.apple.terminal "Default Window Settings" -string "gruvbox-dark"
$ defaults write com.apple.terminal "Startup Window Settings" -string "gruvbox-dark"

# more
$ defaults read com.apple.terminal

enable security keyboard

[!NOTE|label:references:]

$ defaults write com.apple.terminal SecureKeyboardEntry -bool true

line marks

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.terminal ShowLineMarks -int 0

modify theme

$ osascript <<EOD

tell application "Terminal"

  local allOpenedWindows
  local initialOpenedWindows
  local windowID
  set themeName to "Solarized Dark xterm-256color"

  (* Store the IDs of all the open terminal windows. *)
  set initialOpenedWindows to id of every window

  (* Open the custom theme so that it gets added to the list
     of available terminal themes (note: this will open two
     additional terminal windows). *)
  do shell script "open '$HOME/init/" & themeName & ".terminal'"

  (* Wait a little bit to ensure that the custom theme is added. *)
  delay 1

  (* Set the custom theme as the default terminal theme. *)
  set default settings to settings set themeName

  (* Get the IDs of all the currently opened terminal windows. *)
  set allOpenedWindows to id of every window

  repeat with windowID in allOpenedWindows

    (* Close the additional windows that were opened in order
       to add the custom theme to the list of terminal themes. *)
    if initialOpenedWindows does not contain windowID then
      close (every window whose id is windowID)

    (* Change the theme for the initial opened terminal windows
       to remove the need to close them in order for the custom
       theme to be applied. *)
    else
      set current settings of tabs of (every window whose id is windowID) to settings set themeName
    end if

  end repeat
end tell
EOD

developer mode

[!NOTE|label:references:]

$ sudo spctl developer-mode enable-terminal
Terminal added as a developer tool. Enable in the Privacy & Security Settings.

# or
$ sudo /usr/sbin/DevToolsSecurity --enable

utilities

startup sounds

# disable
$ sudo nvram StartupMute=%01
# or
$ sudo nvram SystemAudioVolume=" "

# enable
$ sudo nvram StartupMute=%00

forbidden spell automatic correction

$ defaults write -g NSAutomaticQuoteSubstitutionEnabled  -bool false
$ defaults write -g NSAutomaticDashSubstitutionEnabled   -bool false
$ defaults write -g NSAutomaticSpellingCorrectionEnabled -bool false

disable notification centers

$ launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.notificationcenterui.plist && killall NotificationCenter

are you sure you want to open this application?

references:

# old version
$ sudo spctl --master-disable
# new version
$ sudo spctl --global-disable
Globally disabling the assessment system needs to be confirmed in System Settings

# disable quarantine
$ defaults write com.apple.LaunchServices LSQuarantine -bool false

$ /usr/bin/xattr -c /path/to/app
# or
$ /usr/bin/xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /path/to/app

screenshot

suppress "Allow For One Month"

[!NOTE|label:references:]

# check info
$ defaults read ~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.apple.replayd/ScreenCaptureApprovals.plist
{
    "/Applications/Bob.app/Contents/MacOS/Bob" = "2024-09-19 22:33:43 +0000";
    "/Applications/GIF Brewery 3.app/Contents/MacOS/GIF Brewery 3" = "2024-09-21 10:34:48 +0000";
    "/Applications/Snipaste.app/Contents/MacOS/Snipaste" = "2024-10-22 07:04:02 +0000";
    "/Applications/zoom.us.app/Contents/MacOS/zoom.us" = "2024-10-15 06:12:23 +0000";
}

# update one
$ defaults write ~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.apple.replayd/ScreenCaptureApprovals.plist \
           "/Applications/Snipaste.app/Contents/MacOS/Snipaste" \
           -date "3024-01-01 00:00:00 +0000"

# update all
$ defaults read ~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.apple.replayd/ScreenCaptureApprovals.plist |
  sed -nr 's|^\s*"([^"]+)".*$|\1|p' |
  while read -r _name; do
    defaults write ~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.apple.replayd/ScreenCaptureApprovals.plist \
             "${_name}" -date "3024-01-01 00:00:00 +0000" ;
  done

# verify
$ defaults read ~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.apple.replayd/ScreenCaptureApprovals.plist
{
    "/Applications/Bob.app/Contents/MacOS/Bob" = "3024-01-01 00:00:00 +0000";
    "/Applications/GIF Brewery 3.app/Contents/MacOS/GIF Brewery 3" = "3024-01-01 00:00:00 +0000";
    "/Applications/Snipaste.app/Contents/MacOS/Snipaste" = "3024-01-01 00:00:00 +0000";
    "/Applications/zoom.us.app/Contents/MacOS/zoom.us" = "3024-01-01 00:00:00 +0000";
}

set screenshot location

# `~/Picture/Screenshots`
$ defaults write com.apple.iphonesimulator ScreenShotSaveLocation -string ~/Pictures/Screenshots

# `~/Picture/Simulator Screenshots`
$ defaults write com.apple.iphonesimulator ScreenShotSaveLocation -string ~/Pictures/Simulator Screenshots

shadow

# show
$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture disable-shadow -bool false && killall SystemUIServer

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture disable-shadow -bool true && killall SystemUIServer

include date

# include
$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture include-date -bool true && killall SystemUIServer

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture include-date -bool false && killall SystemUIServer

save location

# `~/Desktop`
$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture location -string ~/Desktop && killall SystemUIServer

# `~/Pictures`
$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture location -string ~/Pictures && killall SystemUIServer

thumbnail

# display
$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture show-thumbnail -bool true

# disable thumbnail
$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture show-thumbnail -bool false

screenshot format

# `png`
$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture type -string png

# `jpg`
$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture type -string jpg

finder

hidden file

show hidden files

# show
$ defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true && killall Finder
# or
$ defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool false && killall Finder
# or
$ defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles NO

disable the .DS_Store and ._*

[!NOTE|label:references:]

  • Junk files created by macOS (or Finder)...

    • You can disable MDS on a specific volume, but you need to create a hidden file to do it

      $ sudo touch /Volumes/{drive name}/.metadata_never_index

  • more details

    • .DS_Store – The name of a file in the Apple OS X operating system for storing custom attributes of a folder such as the position of icons or the choice of a background image (Read more)

    • .Spotlight-V100 – This file holds information to speed up the 'Spotlight Search' feature. Deleting would simply force this information to be re-indexed if you performed another Spotlight Search for an item in this folder.

    • .apDisk – This file holds information about shared folders and can be safely removed as it will be automatically re-created if Apple needs it.

    • .VolumeIcon.icns – This file is used to store the icon of the volume (USB device) if the volume uses a custom icon and not the default icon. If you want the device to continue using this default icon, or if the folder/device you want to clean contains an application, you might want to keep this file in your system. As a side note, if you wanted to create a custom icon for your device you could create/download an .icns file and rename it .VolumeIcon.icns and place in your folder/device.

    • .fseventsd – This file is used as a buffer for the File System Events daemon. If you are using a program that is monitoring this folder/device, this file might be used to store temporary data.

    • .Trash & .Trashes – These folders are used to hold deleted items the same way that the 'Trash' icon from the dock works. If you don't need this feature on your folder/device, you can clean this folder to save space.

    • .TemporaryItems – This file is used by the OS to hold temporary data when files are being copied/moved/appended. If you are running any programs that are accessing the folder/device you want to clean, and you aren't copying or moving any files, then this file can simply hold old data for caching.

# network drives
$ defaults write com.apple.desktopservices DSDontWriteNetworkStores -bool true
# usb drives
$ defaults write com.apple.desktopservices DSDontWriteUSBStores -bool true

# enable
$ defaults write com.apple.desktopservices DSDontWriteNetworkStores -bool false
$ defaults write com.apple.desktopservices DSDontWriteUSBStores -bool false

  • result

    $ defaults read com.apple.desktopservices
{
    DSDontWriteNetworkStores = 1;
    DSDontWriteUSBStores = 1;
}

quit via ⌘ + Q

# hidden quite
$ defaults write com.apple.finder QuitMenuItem -bool false && killall Finder

# enable quite
$ defaults write com.apple.finder QuitMenuItem -bool true && killall Finder

default location

$ defaults write com.apple.finder NewWindowTarget -string "PfDe"
$ defaults write com.apple.finder NewWindowTargetPath -string "file://${HOME}/"

timestamp on zip filenames

# enable
$ defaults write com.apple.Finder ArchiveTimestamp -bool true

# disable
$ defaults delete com.apple.Finder ArchiveTimestamp

empty trashcan after 30 days

$ defaults write com.apple.finder "FXRemoveOldTrashItems" -bool "true" && killall Finder

finder sound

# turn on
$ defaults write com.apple.Finder FinderSounds -bool false

# turn off
$ defaults delete com.apple.Finder FinderSounds

trash sounds

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.Finder WarnOnEmptyTrash -bool false

extension

# show
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions -bool true && killall Finder
# disable
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions -bool false && killall Finder

# show warning when change file extension warning
$ defaults write com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning -bool true && killall Finder
# silent when change file extension warning
$ defaults write com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning -bool false && killall Finder

view

full POSIX path in toolbar title

$ defaults write com.apple.finder _FXShowPosixPathInTitle -bool true

column view

[!TIP]

$ defaults write com.apple.finder FXPreferredViewStyle clmv && killall Finder

keep folder on top

$ defaults write com.apple.finder "_FXSortFoldersFirst" -bool "true" && killall Finder

# for desktop
$ defaults write com.apple.finder "_FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop" -bool "true" && killall Finder

animation when opening the Info window in Finder

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.Finder DisableAllAnimations -bool true

icon

set sidebar icon size

# small: 1
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSTableViewDefaultSizeMode -int 1 && killall Finder

# medium: 2
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSTableViewDefaultSizeMode -int 2 && killall Finder

# large: 3
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSTableViewDefaultSizeMode -int 3 && killall Finder

show item info near icons

$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :DesktopViewSettings:IconViewSettings:showItemInfo true" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :FK_StandardViewSettings:IconViewSettings:showItemInfo true" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :StandardViewSettings:IconViewSettings:showItemInfo true" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist

show item info to right of icons

$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set DesktopViewSettings:IconViewSettings:labelOnBottom false" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist

snap-to-grid for icons

$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :DesktopViewSettings:IconViewSettings:arrangeBy grid" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :FK_StandardViewSettings:IconViewSettings:arrangeBy grid" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :StandardViewSettings:IconViewSettings:arrangeBy grid" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist

increase grid spacing for icons

$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :DesktopViewSettings:IconViewSettings:gridSpacing 100" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :FK_StandardViewSettings:IconViewSettings:gridSpacing 100" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :StandardViewSettings:IconViewSettings:gridSpacing 100" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist

increase the size of icons

$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :DesktopViewSettings:IconViewSettings:iconSize 80" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :FK_StandardViewSettings:IconViewSettings:iconSize 80" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Set :StandardViewSettings:IconViewSettings:iconSize 80" ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist

bars

show path bar

$ defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool true

show status bar

$ defaults write com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar -bool true

show icon in the title bar

$ defaults write com.apple.universalaccess "showWindowTitlebarIcons" -bool "true" && killall Finder

adjust toolbar title rollover delay

# `0.5`
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSToolbarTitleViewRolloverDelay -float 0.5 && killall Finder
# `0`
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSToolbarTitleViewRolloverDelay -float 0 && killall Finder
# `1`
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSToolbarTitleViewRolloverDelay -float 1 && killall Finder

panel

# expand save panel by default
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSNavPanelExpandedStateForSaveMode -bool true
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSNavPanelExpandedStateForSaveMode2 -bool true

# expand print panel by default
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain PMPrintingExpandedStateForPrint -bool true
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain PMPrintingExpandedStateForPrint2 -bool true

others

search scope

[!TIP]

  • default search scope

    • SCcf : Search the current folder

    • SCsp : Use the previous search scope

    • SCev : Search this Mac

# use current directory as default search scope
$ defaults write com.apple.finder FXDefaultSearchScope -string "SCcf"

disk image verification

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.frameworks.diskimages skip-verify -bool true
$ defaults write com.apple.frameworks.diskimages skip-verify-locked -bool true
$ defaults write com.apple.frameworks.diskimages skip-verify-remote -bool true

silent quiet

# quit printer app once the print jobs complete
$ defaults write com.apple.print.PrintingPrefs "Quit When Finished" -bool true

save to disk or iCloud

# yes: save to iCloud
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSDocumentSaveNewDocumentsToCloud -bool true

# no: save to disk by default
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSDocumentSaveNewDocumentsToCloud -bool false

select && copy from quicklook

$ defaults write com.apple.finder QLEnableTextSelection -bool true ; killall Finder

spring loading

# enable spring loading
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.springing.enabled -bool true

# disable spring loading delay
defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.springing.delay -float 0

volume mounted

# open finder automatically
$ defaults write com.apple.frameworks.diskimages auto-open-ro-root -bool true
$ defaults write com.apple.frameworks.diskimages auto-open-rw-root -bool true
$ defaults write com.apple.finder OpenWindowForNewRemovableDisk -bool true

desktop

show wallpaper location

# show
$ defaults write com.apple.dock desktop-picture-show-debug-text -bool true

# not show
$ defaults delete com.apple.dock desktop-picture-show-debug-text

keep folders on top

$ defaults write com.apple.finder "_FXSortFoldersFirstOnDesktop" -bool "true" && killall Finder

quick hidden desktop icons

$ defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop -bool false && killall Finder

# revert back
$ defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop true && killall Finder

icons

  • show external disk

    $ defaults write com.apple.finder ShowExternalHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool true

  • show hard drive

    $ defaults write com.apple.finder ShowHardDrivesOnDesktop -bool false

  • show connected servers

    $ defaults write com.apple.finder ShowMountedServersOnDesktop -bool true

  • show removeable media ( CDs, DVDs and iPods )

    $ defaults write com.apple.finder ShowRemovableMediaOnDesktop -bool true

menu bar

transparency

# disable transparency
$ defaults write com.apple.universalaccess reduceTransparency -bool true

highlight color

# green
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleHighlightColor -string "0.764700 0.976500 0.568600"

# black
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleHighlightColor -string "0.500000 0.500000 0.500000"

flash clock time separators

# stay solid
$ defaults write com.apple.menuextra.clock FlashDateSeparators -bool false && killall SystemUIServer

# separator flashes
$ defaults write com.apple.menuextra.clock FlashDateSeparators -bool true && killall SystemUIServer

set menu bar digital clock format

[!NOTE|label:region settings:]

  • ss for seconds.

  • HH for 24-hour clock.

  • EEE for 3-letter day of the week.

  • d MMM for day of the month and 3-letter month.

# `EEE d MMM HH:mm:ss`
$ defaults write com.apple.menuextra.clock DateFormat -string "EEE d MMM HH:mm:ss"

# `EEE h:mm:ss`
$ defaults write com.apple.menuextra.clock DateFormat -string "EEE h:mm:ss"

# `EEE HH:mm:ss`
$ defaults write com.apple.menuextra.clock DateFormat -string "EEE HH:mm:ss"

menu bar transparency

# disable transparency
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleEnableMenuBarTransparency -bool false

dock

[!NOTE|label:references:]

show

add a blank space

$ defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-apps -array-add '{tile-data={}; tile-type="spacer-tile";}' && killall Dock

add recent items folder

$ defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-others -array-add '{"tile-data" = {"list-type" = 1;}; "tile-type" = "recents-tile";}' && killall Dock

# current status
$ defaults read com.apple.Dock persistent-others
(
)

group window by app

$ defaults write com.apple.dock "expose-group-apps" -bool "true" && killall Dock

position

[!TIP]

# `left`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock orientation -string left   && killall Dock

# `right`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock orientation -string right  && killall Dock

# `bottom`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock orientation -string bottom && killall Dock

disable delay of dock displaying

$ defaults write com.apple.Dock autohide-delay -float 0 && killall Dock

show recently

# show
$ defaults write com.apple.dock show-recents -bool true && killall Dock

# disable show
$ defaults write com.apple.dock show-recents -bool false && killall Dock

recent use rearrange space

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.dock mru-spaces -bool false && killall Dock

icon

highlight icon

$ defaults write com.apple.dock mouse-over-hilite-stack -bool true && killall Dock

# revert
$ defaults delete com.apple.dock mouse-over-hilite-stack && killall Dock

icon size

  • tilesize

    # `48`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock tilesize -int 48 && killall Dock

# read current value
$ defaults read com.apple.dock tilesize
46

  • largesize

    # 72
$ defaults write com.apple.dock largesize -float 72 && killall Dock

remove none-opened apps ( show only active Apps )

$ defaults write com.apple.dock static-only -boolean true && killall Dock

# revert
$ defaults delete com.apple.dock static-only && killall Dock

whether show hidden icon

# show
$ defaults write com.apple.dock showhidden -bool true && killall Dock

# not show
$ defaults delete com.apple.Dock showhidden && killall Dock

animation

opening applications animation

# enable
$ defaults write com.apple.dock launchanim -bool true

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.dock launchanim -bool false

animations when opening and closing windows

# disable
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSAutomaticWindowAnimationsEnabled -bool false

animations when opening a Quick Look window

# disable
$ defaults write -g QLPanelAnimationDuration -float 0

animation of minimize windows

# * `suck`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock mineffect suck && killall Dock

# `genie`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock mineffect genie && killall Dock

# `scale`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock mineffect -string scale && killall Dock

autohide

# auto hide
$ defaults write com.apple.dock autohide -bool true && killall Dock

# always show
$ defaults write com.apple.dock autohide -bool false && killall Dock

autohide animation delay

[!NOTE|label:precondition]

  • setup autohide to true

# `0.5`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock autohide-time-modifier -float 0.5 && killall Dock

# `2`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock autohide-time-modifier -float 2 && killall Dock

# `0`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock autohide-time-modifier -float 0 && killall Dock

# read current value
$ defaults read com.apple.dock autohide-time-modifier
1

autohide delay

[!NOTE|label:precondition]

  • setup autohide to true

# `0.5`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock autohide-delay -float 0.5 && killall Dock

# `0`
$ defaults write com.apple.dock autohide-delay -float 0 && killall Dock

# read current value
$ defaults read com.apple.dock autohide-delay
0

others

2D Dock

$ defaults write com.apple.dock no-glass -bool true

enable iTunes track notifications in the dock

$ defaults write com.apple.dock itunes-notifications -bool true

highlight hover effect

# enable highlight
$ defaults write com.apple.dock mouse-over-hilte-stack -bool true

speeding up mission control animations

$ defaults write com.apple.dock expose-animation-duration -float 0.1
$ defaults write com.apple.dock "expose-group-by-app" -bool true

spring loading for all Dock items

$ defaults write com.apple.dock enable-spring-load-actions-on-all-items -bool true

indicator lights for open apps

# show indicators lights
$ defaults write com.apple.dock show-process-indicators -bool true

mission control

rearrange automatically

# base on most of recent use
$ defaults write com.apple.dock mru-spaces -bool true && killall Dock

# keep space arrangement
$ defaults write com.apple.dock mru-spaces -bool false && killall Dock

switch to space with open windows

$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain "AppleSpacesSwitchOnActivate" -bool "true" && killall Dock

displays have separate spaces

$ defaults write com.apple.spaces "spans-displays" -bool "true" && killall SystemUIServer

keyboard

[!NOTE|label:references:]

key repeat

$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -boolean false

# or
$ defaults write -g ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool false

  • restore

    $ defaults delete -g ApplePressAndHoldEnabled

  • key repeat for in specific apps

    # chrome
$ defaults delete -g ApplePressAndHoldEnabled
$ defaults write "com.google.Chrome" ApplePressAndHoldEnabled 0

# vscode
$ defaults delete com.microsoft.VSCode ApplePressAndHoldEnabled
$ defaults write com.microsoft.VSCode ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool false

  • read form NSGlobalDomain

    $ defaults read NSGlobalDomain KeyRepeat
2

fast keyboard response

$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain KeyRepeat -int 0.02

reduce key repeat delay

$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain InitialKeyRepeat -int 12

enable full keyboard access

[!TIP] Enable full keyboard access for all controls (e.g. enable Tab in modal dialogs)

$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleKeyboardUIMode -int 3

auto-correct

# disable
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSAutomaticSpellingCorrectionEnabled -bool false

# enable
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSAutomaticSpellingCorrectionEnabled -bool true

keyboard illumination

# turn off keyboard illumination when computer is not used for 5 minutes
$ defaults write com.apple.BezelServices kDimTime -int 300

increasing sound quality for bluetooth

$ defaults write com.apple.BluetoothAudioAgent "Apple Bitpool Min (editable)" -int 40

trackpad

[!TIP]

click weight

# light: 0
$ defaults write com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad "FirstClickThreshold" -int "0"

# medium: 1
$ defaults write com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad "FirstClickThreshold" -int "1"

# firm: 2
$ defaults write com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad "FirstClickThreshold" -int "2"

enable dragging with drag lock

$ defaults write com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad "DragLock" -bool "true"

Enable dragging without drag lock

$ defaults write com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad "Dragging" -bool "true"

enable dragging with three finger drag

$ defaults write com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad "TrackpadThreeFingerDrag" -bool "true"

enable tap to click

[!NOTE|label:references:]

$ defaults -currentHost read NSGlobalDomain  | grep trackpad
    "com.apple.trackpad.enableSecondaryClick" = 1;
    "com.apple.trackpad.fiveFingerPinchSwipeGesture" = 2;
    "com.apple.trackpad.fourFingerHorizSwipeGesture" = 2;
    "com.apple.trackpad.fourFingerPinchSwipeGesture" = 2;
    "com.apple.trackpad.fourFingerVertSwipeGesture" = 2;
    "com.apple.trackpad.momentumScroll" = 1;
    "com.apple.trackpad.pinchGesture" = 1;
    "com.apple.trackpad.rotateGesture" = 1;
    "com.apple.trackpad.scrollBehavior" = 2;
    "com.apple.trackpad.threeFingerDragGesture" = 0;
    "com.apple.trackpad.threeFingerHorizSwipeGesture" = 2;
    "com.apple.trackpad.threeFingerTapGesture" = 2;
    "com.apple.trackpad.threeFingerVertSwipeGesture" = 2;
    "com.apple.trackpad.twoFingerDoubleTapGesture" = 1;
    "com.apple.trackpad.twoFingerFromRightEdgeSwipeGesture" = 3;
    "com.apple.trackpad.version" = 5;
$ defaults write com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad Clicking -int 1
$ defaults -currentHost write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.mouse.tapBehavior -int 1
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.mouse.tapBehavior -int 1

  • or

    # read
$ defaults read NSGlobalDomain com.apple.trackpad.forceClick
0
# set via:
$ defaults write -g com.apple.trackpad.forceClick 0

enable three finger to drag

$ defaults write com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad TrackpadThreeFingerDrag -bool true
$ defaults write com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad TrackpadThreeFingerDrag -bool true

trackpad & mouse speed

$ defaults write -g com.apple.trackpad.scaling 2
$ defaults write -g com.apple.mouse.scaling 2.5

# read
$ defaults read NSGlobalDomain com.apple.trackpad.scaling
2
$ defaults read NSGlobalDomain com.apple.mouse.scaling
2.5

battery percent

# show battery percent
$ defaults write com.apple.menuextra.battery ShowPercent -string "YES"

remaining battery time

$ defaults write com.apple.menuextra.battery ShowTime -string "YES"

browser

chrome

sensitive backswipe

# disable on trackpads
$ defaults write com.google.Chrome AppleEnableSwipeNavigateWithScrolls -bool false
$ defaults write com.google.Chrome.canary AppleEnableSwipeNavigateWithScrolls -bool false

# disable on magic mouse
$ defaults write com.google.Chrome AppleEnableMouseSwipeNavigateWithScrolls -bool false
$ defaults write com.google.Chrome.canary AppleEnableMouseSwipeNavigateWithScrolls -bool false

system-native print preview

$ defaults write com.google.Chrome DisablePrintPreview -bool true
$ defaults write com.google.Chrome.canary DisablePrintPreview -bool true

expand the print dialog

$ defaults write com.google.Chrome PMPrintingExpandedStateForPrint2 -bool true
$ defaults write com.google.Chrome.canary PMPrintingExpandedStateForPrint2 -bool true

safari

show full url

$ defaults write com.apple.Safari "ShowFullURLInSmartSearchField" -bool "true" && killall Safari

dns prefetching

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.safari WebKitDNSPrefetchingEnabled -boolean false

# enable
$ defaults write com.apple.safari WebKitDNSPrefetchingEnabled -boolean true

bookmarks

# hidden bookmark
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari ShowFavoritesBar -bool false

# removing useless icons from bookmark bar
defaults write com.apple.Safari ProxiesInBookmarksBar "()"

sidebar

# hidden
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari ShowSidebarInTopSites -bool false

thumbnail cache

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari DebugSnapshotsUpdatePolicy -int 2

debug mode

# enable debug menu
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari IncludeInternalDebugMenu -bool true
# or
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari IncludeInternalDebugMenu 1

standard deply

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKitInitialTimedLayoutDelay 0.25

develop menu and the web inspector

# develop menu and the web inspector
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari IncludeDevelopMenu -bool true
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKitDeveloperExtrasEnabledPreferenceKey -bool true
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari "com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2DeveloperExtrasEnabled" -bool true

# context menu for web inspector
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain WebKitDeveloperExtras -bool true

search banners

# search banners default to Contains instead of Starts With
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari FindOnPageMatchesWordStartsOnly -bool false

backspace key to previous page

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2BackspaceKeyNavigationEnabled -bool true

safari font size

$ defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2MinimumFontSize -int 14

system

hot corners

[!TIP|label:references:]

# bottom left - desktop
$ defaults write com.apple.dock wvous-bl-corner -int 4 && killall Dock

# bottom right - application windows
$ defaults write com.apple.dock wvous-br-corner -int 3 && killall Dock

# top right - mission control
$ defaults write com.apple.dock wvous-tr-corner -int 2 && killall Dock

# current settings
$ defaults read com.apple.dock | grep corner
    "wvous-bl-corner" = 4;
    "wvous-br-corner" = 3;
    "wvous-tr-corner" = 2;

# or
$ defaults read com.apple.dock | grep corner | sed -n -E 's/    "(.+)" = (.+);/\1=\2/p'
wvous-bl-corner=4
wvous-br-corner=3
wvous-tr-corner=2

modifiers

[!TIP|label:references:]

# current settings
$ defaults read com.apple.dock | grep 'modifier'
    "autohide-time-modifier" = "0.5";
    "wvous-bl-modifier" = 0;
    "wvous-br-modifier" = 0;
    "wvous-tr-modifier" = 0

# or
$ defaults read com.apple.dock | grep modifier | sed -n -E 's/    "(.+)" = (.+);/\1=\2/p'
autohide-time-modifier="0.5"
wvous-bl-modifier=0
wvous-br-modifier=0
wvous-tr-modifier=0

reduce the menu bar item spacing

[!TIP|label:see also]

# get current status
$ defaults -currentHost read -globalDomain NSStatusItemSpacing
$ defaults -currentHost read -globalDomain NSStatusItemSelectionPadding

# setup spacing
$ defaults -currentHost write -globalDomain NSStatusItemSpacing -int 12
$ defaults -currentHost write -globalDomain NSStatusItemSelectionPadding -int 8
$ killall SystemUIServer

# revert
$ defaults -currentHost delete -globalDomain NSStatusItemSpacing
$ defaults -currentHost delete -globalDomain NSStatusItemSelectionPadding
$ killall SystemUIServer

Launchpad

enlarge icon

# enlarge
$ defaults write com.apple.Dock springboard-rows -int 4
$ defaults write com.apple.Dock springboard-columns -int 4

# shrink
$ defaults write com.apple.Dock springboard-rows -int 10
$ defaults write com.apple.Dock springboard-columns -int 10

# reset
$ defaults delete com.apple.Dock springboard-rows
$ defaults delete com.apple.Dock springboard-columns
$ defaults write com.apple.Dock ResetLaunchPad -bool true

reset launchpad

$ defaults write com.apple.dock ResetLaunchPad -bool true && killall Dock
# or
$ [ -e ~/Library/Application\ Support/Dock/*.db ] && rm ~/Library/Application\ Support/Dock/*.db

# revert back
$ defaults delete com.apple.dock springboard-rows
$ defaults delete com.apple.dock springboard-columns
$ defaults write com.apple.dock ResetLaunchPad -bool true && killall Dock

dashboard

disable dashboard

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean YES && killall Dock

# enable
$ defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean NO && killall Dock

keyboard remapping

[!NOTE|label:references:]

keyboard

# read
$ defaults read NSGlobalDomain NSUserDictionaryReplacementItems

# quote option
$ defaults read NSGlobalDomain "KB_DoubleQuoteOption"
"abc"
$ defaults read NSGlobalDomain "KB_SingleQuoteOption"
'abc'

# repeat

reset dns cache

[!NOTE|label:references:]

$ sudo dscacheutil -flushcache && sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
MACOS VERSION
COMMAND

macOS 12 (Monterey)

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

macOS 11 (Big Sur)

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

macOS 10.15 (Catalina)

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

macOS 10.14 (Mojave)

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

macOS 10.12 (Sierra)

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)

sudo discoveryutil udnsflushcaches

OS X 10.9 (Mavericks)

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)

sudo lookupd -flushcache

Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)

lookupd -flushcache

cursor

  • blink rate

    # 1000 = 1 sec
$ defaults write -g NSTextInsertionPointBlinkPeriodOn -float 200
$ defaults write -g NSTextInsertionPointBlinkPeriodOff -float 200

# revert
$ defaults delete -g NSTextInsertionPointBlinkPeriodOn
$ defaults delete -g NSTextInsertionPointBlinkPeriodOff

active dark mode

$ defaults write -g NSRequiresAquaSystemAppearance -bool true
# logout and login

# revert
$ defaults write -g NSRequiresAquaSystemAppearance -bool false

  • read from NSGlobalDomain

    $ defaults read NSGlobalDomain AppleInterfaceStyle
Dark

automatic terminate inactive apps

# disable
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSDisableAutomaticTermination -bool true

# enable
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSDisableAutomaticTermination -bool false

viewer windows mode

# non-floating mode
$ defaults write com.apple.helpviewer DevMode -bool true

# floating mode
$ defaults write com.apple.helpviewer DevMode -bool false

textEdit

# plain text mode
$ defaults write com.apple.TextEdit RichText -int 0
# revert
$ defaults delete com.apple.TextEdit RichText

# UTF-8 in TextEdit
$ defaults write com.apple.TextEdit PlainTextEncoding -int 4
$ defaults write com.apple.TextEdit PlainTextEncodingForWrite -int 4

disk utility

# enable debug menu
$ defaults write com.apple.DiskUtility DUDebugMenuEnabled -bool true
$ defaults write com.apple.DiskUtility advanced-image-options -bool true

QuickTime

[!NOTE|label:references:]

auto-play

# enable autostart movies
$ defaults write com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX MGPlayMovieOnOpen -bool true

# disable autostart movies
$ defaults delete com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX MGPlayMovieOnOpen

rounded corners

# diable rounded corners
$ defaults write com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX MGCinematicWindowDebugForceNoRoundedCorners -bool true

# enable rounded corners
$ defaults delete com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX MGCinematicWindowDebugForceNoRoundedCorners

controller bar

# disable controller bar
$ defaults write com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX MGUIVisibilityNeverAutoshow -bool true

# enable controller bar
$ defaults delete com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX MGUIVisibilityNeverAutoshow

auto show subtitles

# enable auto show subtitles
$ defaults write com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX MGEnableCCAndSubtitlesOnOpen -bool true

# disable auto show subtitles
$ defaults delete com.apple.QuickTimePlayerX MGEnableCCAndSubtitlesOnOpen

App Store

# enable the webkit developer tools
$ defaults write com.apple.appstore WebKitDeveloperExtras -bool true

# enable debug menu
$ defaults write com.apple.appstore ShowDebugMenu -bool true

# enable the automatic update check
$ defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate AutomaticCheckEnabled -bool true

# check for software updates daily instead of weekly
$ defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate ScheduleFrequency -int 1

# download newly available updates in background
$ defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate AutomaticDownload -int 1

# install system data files & security updates
$ defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CriticalUpdateInstall -int 1

# automatically download apps purchased on other macs
$ defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate ConfigDataInstall -int 1

# turn on app auto-update
$ defaults write com.apple.commerce AutoUpdate -bool true

# allow the app store to reboot machine on macos updates
$ defaults write com.apple.commerce AutoUpdateRestartRequired -bool true

activity monitor

# show main window
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor OpenMainWindow -bool true

# visualize cpu usage
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor IconType -int 5

# show all processes
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor ShowCategory -int 0

# sort via cpu usage
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor SortColumn -string "CPUUsage"
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor SortDirection -int 0

# update frequency
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor "UpdatePeriod" -int "1" && killall Activity\ Monitor

# dock icon type
## 1: regular icon
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor "IconType" -int "0" && killall Activity\ Monitor
## 2: show network usage over time
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor "IconType" -int "2" && killall Activity\ Monitor
## 3: show disk usage over time, as two mirrored line graphs
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor "IconType" -int "3" && killall Activity\ Monitor
## 5: show the current cpu usages, as a verticle meter.
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor "IconType" -int "5" && killall Activity\ Monitor
## 6: show cpu usage history, graphed over time
$ defaults write com.apple.ActivityMonitor "IconType" -int "6" && killall Activity\ Monitor

over-the-top focus ring animation

# disable
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSUseAnimatedFocusRing -bool false

spotlight

# disable
$ sudo launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.metadata.mds.plist

# enable
$ sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.metadata.mds.plist

# [not recommended] hide icon
$ sudo chmod 600 /System/Library/CoreServices/Search.bundle/Contents/MacOS/Search

# stop indexing in a specific volume
$ sudo mdutil -i off "/Volumes/<name>"

# stop mdutil in a specific volume
$ sudo defaults write /.Spotlight-V100/VolumeConfiguration Exclusions -array "/Volumes/<name>"

change indexing order

defaults write com.apple.spotlight orderedItems -array \
  '{"enabled" = 1;"name" = "APPLICATIONS";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 1;"name" = "SYSTEM_PREFS";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 1;"name" = "DIRECTORIES";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 1;"name" = "PDF";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 1;"name" = "FONTS";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "DOCUMENTS";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "MESSAGES";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "CONTACT";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "EVENT_TODO";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "IMAGES";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "BOOKMARKS";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "MUSIC";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "MOVIES";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "PRESENTATIONS";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "SPREADSHEETS";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "SOURCE";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "MENU_DEFINITION";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "MENU_OTHER";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "MENU_CONVERSION";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "MENU_EXPRESSION";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "MENU_WEBSEARCH";}' \
  '{"enabled" = 0;"name" = "MENU_SPOTLIGHT_SUGGESTIONS";}'

# Load new settings before rebuilding the index
killall mds > /dev/null 2>&1
# make sure indexing is enabled for the main volume
sudo mdutil -i on / > /dev/null
# rebuild the index from scratch
sudo mdutil -E / > /dev/null

crash reporter

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.CrashReporter DialogType none

notification center

# disable
$ launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.notificationcenterui.plist && killall NotificationCenter

# enable
$ launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.notificationcenterui.plist && killall NotificationCenter

time machine

# disable dialog
$ defaults write com.apple.TimeMachine DoNotOfferNewDisksForBackup -bool true

# or disable local backup
$ hash tmutil &> /dev/null && sudo tmutil disablelocal

scrollbars

# always show
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowScrollBars -string "Auto"

rubber-band scrolling

# disable
$ defaults write -g NSScrollViewRubberbanding -int 0

# enable
$ defaults delete -g NSScrollViewRubberbanding

airdrop

# enable airdrop from ethernet
$ defaults write com.apple.NetworkBrowser BrowseAllInterfaces -bool true

ASCII control characters using caret notation in standard text views

[!NOTE|label:references:]

$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSTextShowsControlCharacters -bool true

system-wide resume ( disable tab memory )

# disable
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSQuitAlwaysKeepsWindows -bool false

loginwindow

# reveal ip address, hostname, os version, etc. when clicking the clock in the login window
$ sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow AdminHostInfo HostName

# revert
$ sudo defaults delete /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow AdminHostInfo

sleep mode

[!TIP]

$ pmset -g
System-wide power settings:
 DestroyFVKeyOnStandby    0
Currently in use:
 standby              1
 Sleep On Power Button 1
 hibernatefile        /var/vm/sleepimage
 powernap             1
 networkoversleep     0
 disksleep            180
 sleep                0 (sleep prevented by bluetoothd, sharingd, powerd, useractivityd, runningboardd)
 hibernatemode        3
 ttyskeepawake        1
 displaysleep         30
 tcpkeepalive         1
 lowpowermode         0
 womp                 1

# or
$ pmset -g
System-wide power settings:
 DestroyFVKeyOnStandby    0
Currently in use:
 standby              1
 Sleep On Power Button 1
 hibernatefile        /var/vm/sleepimage
 powernap             1
 networkoversleep     0
 disksleep            180
 sleep                0 (sleep prevented by sharingd, powerd, bluetoothd)
 hibernatemode        3
 ttyskeepawake        1
 displaysleep         0
 tcpkeepalive         1
 lowpowermode         0
 womp                 1

check status

$ pmset -g assertions | grep SystemSleep
   PreventSystemSleep             0
   PreventUserIdleSystemSleep     1
   pid 1253(sharingd): [0x00005c8600019765] 00:01:29 PreventUserIdleSystemSleep named: "Handoff"
   pid 322(powerd): [0x0000329f000191ea] 03:00:17 PreventUserIdleSystemSleep named: "Powerd - Prevent sleep while display is on"
   pid 371(bluetoothd): [0x00005cdb0001977b] 00:00:04 PreventUserIdleSystemSleep named: "com.apple.BTStack"

no idle

$ pmset noidle

never go to slepp mode

# default
$ sudo systemsetup -getcomputersleep
Computer Sleep: after 120 minutes

# never go to sleep mode
$ sudo systemsetup -setcomputersleep Off
2024-12-09 14:20:14.400 systemsetup[18647:239595] ### Error:-99 File:/AppleInternal/Library/BuildRoots/289ffcb4-455d-11ef-953d-e2437461156c/Library/Caches/com.apple.xbs/Sources/Admin/InternetServices.m Line:379
setcomputersleep: Never
# or
$ sudo systemsetup -setcomputersleep Off > /dev/null

# get
$ sudo systemsetup -getcomputersleep
Computer Sleep: Never

# disable computer sleep and stop the display from shutting off
$ sudo pmset -a sleep 0
$ sudo pmset -a displaysleep 0

# disable hibernatemode to speeds up entering sleep mode
$ sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 0

display sleep

# set display off timer
$ sudo pmset -a displaysleep 30

$ sudo pmset -a displaysleep 180
Warning: Idle sleep timings for "Battery Power" may not behave as expected.
- Display sleep should have a lower timeout than system sleep.
Warning: Idle sleep timings for "AC Power" may not behave as expected.
- Display sleep should have a lower timeout than system sleep.

# get display off timer
$ sudo pmset -g | grep displaysleep
displaysleep         180

set standby

# to 24 hours
$ sudo pmset -a standbydelay 86400

power button in stand-by mode

# disable
$ defaults write com.apple.loginwindow PowerButtonSleepsSystem -bool no

# revert to original
$ defaults write com.apple.loginwindow PowerButtonSleepsSystem -bool yes

remove sleep image file

$ sudo rm /Private/var/vm/sleepimage
# creating a zero-byte file instead of
$ sudo touch /Private/var/vm/sleepimage
# make sure be rewritten
$ sudo chflags uchg /Private/var/vm/sleepimage

un-useful sudden motion sensor for SSDs

# disable
$ sudo pmset -a sms 0

smart quotes and smart dashes

# disable
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSAutomaticQuoteSubstitutionEnabled -bool false
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSAutomaticDashSubstitutionEnabled -bool false

requiring password immediately

$ defaults write com.apple.screensaver askForPassword -int 1
$ defaults write com.apple.screensaver askForPasswordDelay -int 0

subpixel font rendering

# enable subpixel font rendering on non-Apple LCDs
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleFontSmoothing -int 2

HiDPI display modes

$ sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.windowserver DisplayResolutionEnabled -bool true
$ sudo reboot

prevent automatic sleep when display is off

others

feedback assistant

  • auto gather

    # allow large
$ defaults write com.apple.appleseed.FeedbackAssistant Autogather -bool true

# not allow
$ defaults write com.apple.appleseed.FeedbackAssistant Autogather -bool false

sidecar on incompatible macs

$ defaults write com.apple.sidecar.display AllowAllDevices -bool true;
$ defaults write com.apple.sidecar.display hasShownPref -bool true;
$ open /System/Library/PreferencePanes/Sidecar.prefPane

open photos automatically

# disable
$ defaults -currentHost write com.apple.ImageCapture disableHotPlug -bool true

# revert back
$ defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.ImageCapture disableHotPlug

show one application at a time

$ defaults write com.apple.dock single-app -bool true && killall Dock

# revert to orignial
$ defaults write com.apple.dock single-app -bool no && killall Dock

gatekeeper

# disable
$ defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.security GKAutoRearm -bool false

# revert to original
$ defaults delete /Library/Preferences/com.apple.security GKAutoRearm

music song notifications

# show
$ defaults write com.apple.Music "userWantsPlaybackNotifications" -bool "false" && killall Music

confirm changes popup

# disable
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain "NSCloseAlwaysConfirmsChanges" -bool "true"

function keys behavior

# default
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.keyboard.fnState -bool false

# setup
$ defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.keyboard.fnState -bool true

disable Recent Items

[!NOTE|label:references:]

backup & restore

Moon

  • backup

    $ defaults export com.manytricks.Moom ~/Desktop/Moom.plist

  • restore

    $ defaults import com.manytricks.Moom ~/Desktop/Moom.plist

vscode

extension

  • backup

    $ code --list-extensions >> vs_code_extensions_list.txt

  • restore

    $ cat vs_code_extensions_list.txt | xargs -n 1 code --install-extension

settings

  • $HOME/Library/Application Support/Code/User/settings.json

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