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:

defaults [domain] write [key] [type] [value]

MacOS defaults Options:

Option	Description
write	Sets the value for the specified key in the domain.

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.

Caution

Exercise caution when using the defaults command as it modifies system settings and preferences. Be sure to use the correct domain, key, type, and value to prevent unexpected behavior on your system.

How to use defaults command:

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

defaults write com.apple.finder FXEnableExtensionChangeWarning -bool false

Disables the warning prompt when changing a file extension.

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

defaults write com.apple.screencapture location /path/to/desired/location

Sets a custom default location for saving screenshots.

Enable the Quit option for Finder

defaults write com.apple.finder QuitMenuItem -bool true

Enables the Quit option in the Finder menu.

Show hidden files in Finder

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true

Displays hidden files in Finder.

Change the default web browser

defaults write -g default-web-browser bundle-identifier

Changes the default web browser to the specified one.

Enable key repeat for the keyboard

defaults write -g ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool false

Enables key repeat functionality for the keyboard.

Tip

When using the defaults command in MacOS, make sure to double-check the syntax and options to avoid unintended changes to your system settings.

How do I use defaults in MacOS?

To use the defaults command in MacOS, execute the following command:

defaults write com.example.app key value

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?

To read a default value using the defaults command, use the following syntax:

defaults read com.example.app key

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 value

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 key

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.app

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 domains

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 cfprefsd

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.plist

Applications of the defaults command

1. Modify system preferences
2. Manage user defaults
3. Customize application settings
4. Set preferences for specific applications
5. Reset default settings for applications