defaults command in MacOS
The MacOS defaults command is a powerful tool that allows users to manage system and application preferences through the command line interface. By using the defaults command, users can modify a wide range of settings such as appearance, behavior, and functionality. This command is especially useful for advanced users who prefer working with the terminal to customize their MacOS experience. With the defaults command, users can easily tweak settings to suit their preferences and streamline their workflow.
defaults Syntax:
Section titled “defaults Syntax:”defaults [domain] write [key] [type] [value]MacOS defaults Options:
Section titled “MacOS defaults Options:”| Option | Description |
|---|---|
write | Sets the value for the specified key in the domain. |
defaults Parameters:
Section titled “defaults Parameters:”| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
[domain] | The domain of the setting. |
[key] | The key for the setting to be modified. |
[type] | The data type of the value (e.g., string). |
[value] | The new value to be set for the key. |
How to use defaults command:
Section titled “How to use defaults command:”Set the default Finder view to list
Section titled “Set the default Finder view to list”defaults write com.apple.finder FXPreferredViewStyle -string "Nlsv"Sets the default Finder view to list.
Disable the warning when changing a file extension
Section titled “Disable the warning when changing a file extension”defaults write com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning -bool falseDisables the warning prompt when changing a file extension.
Change the default screenshot format to PNG
Section titled “Change the default screenshot format to PNG”defaults write com.apple.screencapture type -string "png"Changes the default screenshot format to PNG.
Customize the default location for saving screenshots
Section titled “Customize the default location for saving screenshots”defaults write com.apple.screencapture location /path/to/desired/locationSets a custom default location for saving screenshots.
Enable the Quit option for Finder
Section titled “Enable the Quit option for Finder”defaults write com.apple.finder QuitMenuItem -bool trueEnables the Quit option in the Finder menu.
Show hidden files in Finder
Section titled “Show hidden files in Finder”defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool trueDisplays hidden files in Finder.
Change the default web browser
Section titled “Change the default web browser”defaults write -g default-web-browser bundle-identifierChanges the default web browser to the specified one.
Enable key repeat for the keyboard
Section titled “Enable key repeat for the keyboard”defaults write -g ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool falseEnables key repeat functionality for the keyboard.
How do I use defaults in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I use defaults in MacOS?”To use the defaults command in MacOS, execute the following command:
defaults write com.example.app key valueWhat is the purpose of the defaults command in MacOS?
Section titled “What is the purpose of the defaults command in MacOS?”The defaults command in MacOS is used to read, write, and delete user defaults from a command-line interface.
How can I read a default value using the defaults command?
Section titled “How can I read a default value using the defaults command?”To read a default value using the defaults command, use the following syntax:
defaults read com.example.app keyHow do I write a default value using the defaults command in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I write a default value using the defaults command in MacOS?”To write a default value using the defaults command in MacOS, execute the following command:
defaults write com.example.app key valueHow can I delete a specific default using the defaults command?
Section titled “How can I delete a specific default using the defaults command?”To delete a specific default using the defaults command, use the following syntax:
defaults delete com.example.app keyCan I list all the default values for a specific application using the defaults command?
Section titled “Can I list all the default values for a specific application using the defaults command?”Yes, you can list all the default values for a specific application using the defaults command by executing:
defaults read com.example.appIs it possible to find out the available domains using the defaults command?
Section titled “Is it possible to find out the available domains using the defaults command?”To find out the available domains using the defaults command, you can use the following command:
defaults domainsHow do I synchronize changes made with defaults command to disk immediately?
Section titled “How do I synchronize changes made with defaults command to disk immediately?”To synchronize changes made with defaults command to disk immediately, use the following command:
killall cfprefsdCan I import default settings from a plist file using the defaults command?
Section titled “Can I import default settings from a plist file using the defaults command?”Yes, you can import default settings from a plist file using the defaults command by executing the following command:
defaults import com.example.app file.plistApplications of the defaults command
Section titled “Applications of the defaults command”- Modify system preferences
- Manage user defaults
- Customize application settings
- Set preferences for specific applications
- Reset default settings for applications