October 6, 2025

Customizing macOS: Tips for Former Arch Users

Transitioning from Arch to macOS? Discover practical tips for customizing your new environment and making it feel more personal.

What you’ll build / learn

In this tutorial, you will learn how to customise your macOS experience to make it more personal and efficient, especially if you are transitioning from an Arch Linux environment. You will discover various tips and techniques to modify the appearance, functionality, and performance of your macOS system. By the end of this guide, you will have a better understanding of how to leverage built-in tools and third-party applications to create a macOS environment that suits your preferences and workflow.

We will cover essential areas such as the System Preferences, Terminal commands, and useful applications that can enhance your macOS experience. Additionally, you’ll learn about best practices for maintaining your customisations and troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the process.

This guide is designed for beginners, so you will find step-by-step instructions and practical tips that are easy to follow. Whether you want to change the look of your desktop, improve your productivity, or simply make your system feel more like your own, this tutorial will provide you with the tools you need.

Why it matters

Customising your macOS setup is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to tailor your computing environment to your personal preferences and workflow. This can lead to increased productivity, as you can arrange your workspace in a way that feels natural and intuitive to you. For users coming from a more flexible environment like Arch Linux, where customisation is a core feature, adapting to macOS may initially feel restrictive.

Secondly, personalisation can enhance your enjoyment of using your device. A system that reflects your style and meets your needs can make daily tasks more pleasant. This is particularly relevant for those who spend extended periods on their computers for work or leisure.

Lastly, understanding how to customise macOS can empower you to make the most of the operating system’s features. Many users may not be aware of the full capabilities of macOS, and customisation can serve as a gateway to discovering new functionalities that can improve your overall experience.

Prerequisites

Before diving into customising macOS, there are a few prerequisites to ensure a smooth experience. Firstly, you should have a basic understanding of how to navigate macOS, including familiarity with the Finder, System Preferences, and the Dock. This foundational knowledge will help you follow the steps outlined in this tutorial more effectively.

Additionally, it is advisable to have administrative access to your macOS device. Many customisation options require admin privileges, especially when installing third-party applications or making system-wide changes.

Lastly, consider backing up your system using Time Machine or another backup solution. This precaution will allow you to restore your settings if something goes wrong during the customisation process, ensuring that you can experiment with confidence.

Step-by-step

Start by exploring the System Preferences. You can access this by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting ‘System Preferences’. Familiarise yourself with the various options available, such as ‘Desktop & Screen Saver’, ‘Dock’, and ‘Mission Control’.
Change your desktop wallpaper to something more personal. In ‘Desktop & Screen Saver’, you can choose from Apple’s collection or upload your own images. This simple change can significantly enhance your workspace.
Adjust the Dock settings to suit your preferences. You can change its size, position on the screen, and whether to magnify icons when hovered over. These adjustments can make accessing your favourite applications quicker and more intuitive.
Explore the ‘Mission Control’ settings to customise how you manage your open applications and desktops. You can set up multiple desktops and configure how windows are displayed, which can help streamline your workflow.
Consider using Terminal for deeper customisations. Open Terminal from the Utilities folder and start experimenting with commands to change system settings. For example, you can adjust the default screenshot format or enable hidden features.
Install third-party applications that enhance functionality. Popular options include Alfred for productivity, Magnet for window management, and Bartender for managing menu bar items. Research and choose applications that fit your needs.
Personalise your Finder by adjusting the sidebar and toolbar. You can add frequently used folders and remove unwanted items, making file navigation more efficient.
Regularly check for updates for both macOS and your installed applications. Keeping your system updated ensures you have the latest features and security improvements, which is crucial for maintaining a smooth experience.

Best practices & security

When customising macOS, it is essential to adhere to best practices to ensure a smooth and secure experience. Firstly, always download applications from trusted sources, such as the Mac App Store or the developer’s official website. This reduces the risk of malware and ensures that you are getting legitimate software.

Secondly, consider using a standard user account for daily tasks and reserving the administrator account for installations and system changes. This practice can help protect your system from accidental changes and reduce the risk of malware affecting your device.

Additionally, regularly back up your system using Time Machine or another backup solution. This ensures that you can easily restore your settings and files in case of issues during the customisation process or system updates.

Common pitfalls & troubleshooting

As you customise your macOS, you may encounter some common pitfalls. One frequent issue is installing incompatible applications that can cause system instability. To avoid this, always check the compatibility of third-party software with your macOS version before installation.

Another common problem is accidentally changing critical system settings that affect performance. If you notice any unusual behaviour after making changes, consider reverting to the default settings or using the backup you created earlier.

If you experience issues with customisations not applying correctly, try restarting your Mac. Some changes require a reboot to take effect, and this simple step can often resolve minor glitches.

Alternatives & trade-offs

Customisation Method	Pros	Cons
System Preferences	User-friendly, no additional software required	Limited to built-in options
Terminal Commands	Deep customisation, access to hidden features	Requires technical knowledge, risk of errors
Third-party Applications	Enhanced functionality, tailored solutions	Potential security risks, compatibility issues
Manual Tweaks	Highly personalised, complete control	Time-consuming, requires research

When considering customisation methods, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of each approach. System Preferences offer a straightforward way to make changes without the need for additional software, but they may not provide the level of personalisation that some users desire. On the other hand, Terminal commands and manual tweaks can provide deeper customisation but require a greater understanding of macOS and may involve risks if not executed correctly.

Third-party applications can greatly enhance your macOS experience, but they come with potential security risks and compatibility issues. Always ensure that any software you install is from a reputable source and compatible with your macOS version.

What the community says

The macOS community is generally supportive of customisation efforts, with many users sharing tips and tricks on forums and social media. Many former Arch users express their desire for more flexibility in macOS, often discussing workarounds and applications that can help bridge the gap between the two operating systems.

Community members frequently recommend applications like Homebrew for package management, which allows users to install software more akin to the Linux experience. Additionally, forums often feature discussions on Terminal commands that can unlock hidden features or streamline workflows.

Overall, the community encourages experimentation and sharing of customisation techniques, fostering an environment where users can learn from one another and enhance their macOS experience.

FAQ

Q: Can I revert my customisations if I don’t like them?

A: Yes, you can revert most customisations by going back into System Preferences and changing the settings back to their defaults. If you’ve made changes using Terminal, you may need to use specific commands to undo those changes. Always keep a backup of your system to restore previous settings if needed.

Q: Are third-party applications safe to use?

A: While many third-party applications are safe, it’s essential to download them from reputable sources. Check reviews and ensure they are compatible with your version of macOS. Using trusted software significantly reduces the risk of malware.

Q: What if my customisations cause my Mac to run slowly?

A: If you notice performance issues after customising your Mac, try disabling or uninstalling the last changes you made. Additionally, check for software updates and ensure your system is not overloaded with background processes.

Q: Can I customise the Finder interface?

A: Yes, you can customise the Finder by adjusting the sidebar, toolbar, and view options. You can add frequently used folders to the sidebar and choose how files are displayed, making navigation more efficient.

Q: Is it possible to change system fonts in macOS?

A: Changing system fonts is not straightforward in macOS, as it is designed to maintain a consistent look. However, you can change fonts in specific applications and use third-party tools for more extensive customisation.

Q: How can I find more customisation tips?

A: Many resources are available online, including forums, blogs, and YouTube channels dedicated to macOS customisation. Engaging with the community can provide valuable insights and new ideas for personalising your experience.

Source

For more tips and discussions on customising macOS, visit the original Reddit post here.