My preferred settings on a new Mac

My go-to setup checklist when starting fresh on a new Mac. Tested on macOS Catalina.

Step 1: Run the laptop script

The thoughtbot/laptop script installs essential macOS and developer tools in one shot.

Step 2: Install apps via Homebrew

brew install iterm2 alfred bartender dropbox google-chrome licecap skype slack sublime-text virtualbox whatsapp visual-studio-code karabiner-elements sourcetree araxis-merge itsycal the-unarchiver brave-browser easyfind omnidisksweeper vlc barrier keycastr

Step 3: Set up Hexo (for this blog)

npm install hexo-cli -g

Then download and configure HexoClient for a GUI editor.

Step 4: Configure productivity tools

• Hydra — window management
• Karabiner Elements — keyboard remapping

Step 5: System preferences

• Disable Siri
• Configure Itsycal date format: EEEE, d-MMM-y h:mm a

Step 6: Install older VLC (for Automator compatibility)

The latest VLC can have issues with Automator scripts. Download version 2.2.8:
VLC download archive

Step 7: App Store apps

1. Super Easy Timer
2. Microsoft Remote Desktop

Tip: Reset function keys for easier debugging

By default, the top row acts as media keys. To use them as standard F1–F12:

1. Go to System Preferences → Keyboard
2. Check Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys

Tip: Increase Apple Mouse tracking speed

System Preferences → Mouse → Tracking speed — drag the slider to the right.

Tip: Show battery percentage in menu bar

System Preferences → Battery → check Show percentage.

Reference

• Better development experience on Mac

Mac setup video by Coding Garden: