MacBook Setup Guide

Introduction

An opinionated guide to setting up a new MacBook for developers.

I am a full-stack developer who mainly uses React and .NET.

• System Setup
  • Trackpad
  • Spaces
  • Dock
  • Others
• Productivity Tools
  • Arc
  • Raycast
  • Bear
  • Grammarly
  • Snipaste
  • Things 💰
  • Xmind 💰
  • 1Password 💰
  • Setapp 💰
• Developer Tools
  • Git
  • nvm
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Docker Desktop
  • Postman
  • iTerm2
  • Fira Code
  • Rider 💰

System Setup

Trackpad

• Increase Tracking Speed to maximum
• Switch Lookup & data detectors to Tap with three fingers
• Enable Tap to click
• Switch Dragging style to Three-Finger Drag

Spaces

• Add multiple spaces and assign apps to the desired space
• Disable Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use

Dock

You don't need the dock. Hide it to get more screen space:

• Enable Automatically hide and show the Dock
• Switch Position on screen to Left

Use Raycast to launch apps and command + tab/~ to switch apps.

Others

• Enable Reduce motion
• Unlock with Apple Watch (Optional)

Productivity Tools

Arc

Raycast

• Google Translate
• Kill Process
• Coffee
• Folder Search
• Cheatsheets

Bear

Grammarly

Snipaste

Things 💰

Xmind 💰

1Password 💰

Setapp 💰

• Bartender
• CleanShot X - Only for scrolling screenshot
• CleanMyMac X
• Paste
• iStat Menus
• Timing
• Be Focused
• Endurance
• Mosaic

Developer Tools

Git

nvm

Visual Studio Code

Docker Desktop

Postman

iTerm2

• Oh My Zsh
  • autojump
  • git
  • zsh-autosuggestions
• Powerlevel10k

Fira Code

Rider 💰