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I was lucky enough to get a new laptop over the holiday break and for the first time in years I decided to set it up "as new". Here's a list of defaults I absolutely need to change, otherwise my Mac feels broken:
1. Turn on Tap to click
2. Enable dragging, without drag lock.
I believe Apple changed this default with Snow Leopard â this allows to just double tap on a file in Finder, and move it around (without the need to continuously press down on the trackpad).
I believe Apple changed this default with Snow Leopard â this allows to just double tap on a file in Finder, and move it around (without the need to continuously press down on the trackpad).
3. Clock in Menu Bar
A prefer a simpler look for this, and hide the date and AM/PM
A prefer a simpler look for this, and hide the date and AM/PM
4. Add "missing" icons in the menu bar
I'm trying to keep this focus just on the defaults, but I need the Sound, Time Machine, and Bluetooth icon there at least. With Big Sur you can drag icons directly from Control Center.
I'm trying to keep this focus just on the defaults, but I need the Sound, Time Machine, and Bluetooth icon there at least. With Big Sur you can drag icons directly from Control Center.
5. Hot Corners
I like to have the top corners trigger the Screen Saver and Put Display to Sleep. It's a super easy way to "lock" you Mac when you're leaving your desk.
You can hold modifier keys when selecting an option from the dropdown â helpful to avoid accidental triggers.
I like to have the top corners trigger the Screen Saver and Put Display to Sleep. It's a super easy way to "lock" you Mac when you're leaving your desk.
You can hold modifier keys when selecting an option from the dropdown â helpful to avoid accidental triggers.
6. Double-click a window's title bar to minimize
Couldn't believe this wasn't the default anymore
Couldn't believe this wasn't the default anymore
7. Finder: Search on a local folder
This is a must, when using the search field on a Finder window, it default to searching in that folder as opposed to the whole Mac.
This is a must, when using the search field on a Finder window, it default to searching in that folder as opposed to the whole Mac.
8. Finder: Viewing Options
I think this is a way more practical and optimal use of space. Puts the labels on the Right, smaller icons and gridâŠ
Hit âJ in Finder to open this modal.
I think this is a way more practical and optimal use of space. Puts the labels on the Right, smaller icons and gridâŠ
Hit âJ in Finder to open this modal.
9. Touch Bar: Replace Siri with Screen Lock button
I almost never use the Touch Bar, but when I do that Siri button is always the last thing I want to trigger. A quick Screen Lock is a lot more useful in my opinion.
I almost never use the Touch Bar, but when I do that Siri button is always the last thing I want to trigger. A quick Screen Lock is a lot more useful in my opinion.
10. Add a custom user avatar
I can't believe Apple hasn't updated their default user avatars since⊠at least Leopard! It's not super clear, but you can just drag and drop a picture to that field.
I can't believe Apple hasn't updated their default user avatars since⊠at least Leopard! It's not super clear, but you can just drag and drop a picture to that field.
11. Hide Dock
A no-brainer, hide your Dock and then change the delay and animation duration â one of the first things I Google is Kevin's blog post on how to do this:
âł https://kevinclark.ca/articles/hide-your-dock-without-losing-your-mind/
A no-brainer, hide your Dock and then change the delay and animation duration â one of the first things I Google is Kevin's blog post on how to do this:
âł https://kevinclark.ca/articles/hide-your-dock-without-losing-your-mind/
12. Add custom folders to the Dock
I always add my GIFs folder, a quick Share Link folder, and keep the Downloads one there too (you can just drag and drop folders there).
Folders that I need to quickly drag files out of, I set it to display as Grid, anything else as List.
I always add my GIFs folder, a quick Share Link folder, and keep the Downloads one there too (you can just drag and drop folders there).
Folders that I need to quickly drag files out of, I set it to display as Grid, anything else as List.
13. Enable Unlock with Apple Watch
I use my Mac primarily in clamshell mode, attached to an external display. So this is a nice alternative to Touch ID.
I use my Mac primarily in clamshell mode, attached to an external display. So this is a nice alternative to Touch ID.
14. Safari: Open All Windows form last session
No need to freak out if you accidentally quit Safari, all your tabs will still be there when you open it again.
No need to freak out if you accidentally quit Safari, all your tabs will still be there when you open it again.
15. TextEdit: Create new document on open
I love the simplicity of TextEdit for random notes, so I want it to automatically create a new document when I open the app
defaults write http://com.apple .TextEdit NSShowAppCentricOpenPanelInsteadOfUntitledFile -bool false
I love the simplicity of TextEdit for random notes, so I want it to automatically create a new document when I open the app
defaults write http://com.apple .TextEdit NSShowAppCentricOpenPanelInsteadOfUntitledFile -bool false
