Customizing a New Mac

Finder Customizations

• Sidebar Settings:

  • Remove unused items: Tags, Movies, Music, Pictures, iCloud, Airdrop.
  • Add most-used folders from external drives and cloud.

• Folder Windows Settings:

  • Change view to list for easier navigation.
  • Show path bar to easily track location within subfolders.
  • Enable status bar to always know folder size.

• Toolbar Customizations:

  • Remove Tags, Groups, Get Info.
  • Add Airdrop for quick file sharing.
  • Customize Share button to remove unused extensions.
  • Change default search to current folder in Finder settings.

• Default App Settings:

  • Change default app for file types by right-clicking, selecting Info, and specifying the app.

• Startup Folder:

  • Change default Finder start location to Documents instead of Recents.

• Recents Folder Customization:

  • Create own version of Recents by setting last open date to within 7 days and excluding applications.

Widgets and Desktop

• Widgets on Desktop:

  • Add interactive widgets like Calendar, HomeKit, Weather, and Battery.
  • Widgets can be resized and repositioned.
  • Widgets turn monochrome when an app is open.

• System Settings for Widgets:

  • Change widget color settings under System Settings > Desktop and Dock.
  • Place less-used widgets in the Control Center.

• Desktop Cleanliness:

  • Remove external drives from displaying on desktop.

CleanMyMac X

• Features:
  • Smart Scan for cleanup, malware removal, speed optimization.
  • Space lens for managing storage.
  • App Updater and Uninstaller for app management.

Dock and Hot Corners

• Dock Customization:

  • Remove unnecessary apps and adjust dock size.
  • Change minimize animation to scale for snappier performance.
  • Tweak minimize settings to prevent clutter.
  • Disable suggested and recent applications.

• Hot Corners:

  • Set Hot Corners with modifier keys to prevent accidental activation.
  • Example: Use command for Quick Notes bottom right corner.

Menu Bar

• Settings:
  • Show battery percentage.
  • Customize items on the menu bar, such as adding Bluetooth and removing Spotlight.

Trackpad Settings

• Adjustments:
  • Increase default speed and enable tap to click.
  • Toggle off natural scrolling.
  • Enable three-finger drag for window movement.

System Settings

• Spotlight Search:

  • Customize what Spotlight indexes for faster and relevant searches.

• Apple Watch Integration:

  • Use Apple Watch for password unlocking.

• Touch ID:

  • Add multiple fingerprints for flexibility.
  • Accommodate multiple users with additional fingerprints.

• Network Settings:

  • Prioritize Ethernet over Wi-Fi by adjusting service order.

• Keyboard Settings:

  • Disable auto-correct for more control over typing.
  • Adjust sleep settings for longer durations.

• Display Settings:

  • Turn off automatic brightness and True Tone for color accuracy.
  • Enable Night Shift for warmer screens at night or use Flux for more control.

• App Recommendations:

  • Apps like Flux for better night-time working conditions.
  • Future video coming on more apps to enhance Mac experience.