My 2023 mac setup

First things when installing a new mac

• Optional: start the Apple migration from the previous mac. I prefer starting fresh to avoid bringing clutter or unused stuff back.
• Get rid of everything from the dock except the Finder, and the Trash
• Connect my Logitech MX Anywhere 3 via Bluetooth and install Logi Options software to get the useful control gestures. Settings are synced in the cloud so everything is set up exactly as I want automatically.
• Fundamental apps
  • Raycast
  • 1Password
  • Arc
  • Obsidian
• Useful apps/utilities
  • Rectangle
  • Cleanshot X – best screenshot app so far
  • Spotify
  • Google Drive

Custom settings

Set the dock to automatically hide, then launch Terminal and type (source):

# Disable the small delay before the dock appears
defaults write com.apple.dock "autohide-delay" -float "0" && killall Dock

# Disable the animation when the dock appears so it's super fast
# Note: I don't use 0 because it would look choppy. 0.25 is the sweet spot as it's fast but keeps a bit of effect
defaults write com.apple.dock "autohide-time-modifier" -float "0.25" && killall Dock 

Set Arc as the default browser > System Settings > Desktop and Dock, scroll a bit to set the Default web browser

Code tools

• git (xcode-select --install from any terminal)
• brew
• warp – next-gen terminal replacement
• VSCode