Day-One Settings

These are the settings worth changing right after unboxing.

Trackpad

• Tracking speed: Turn it up to 70-80% (default is too slow for most people)
• Tap to click: Enable this so you can tap instead of physically clicking
• Look up & data detectors: Set to "Force Click with One Finger"
• Enable Three-Finger Drag (see Three-Finger Drag)

Dock

System Settings > Desktop & Dock

• Size: Make it smaller if you want more screen space
• Magnification: Nice visual effect when hovering over Dock icons
• Automatically hide and show the Dock: Turn on to reclaim screen real estate
• Show recent applications in Dock: Your choice (turn off for a cleaner Dock)

Battery

System Settings > Battery

• Low Power Mode: Set to "Only on Battery" to extend battery life
• Check Battery Health to monitor long-term battery condition

Display

System Settings > Displays

• Resolution: Choose "More Space" to fit more content on screen, or "Larger Text" for readability
• True Tone: Keep on (adapts display warmth to ambient light)
• Night Shift: Schedule it to reduce blue light in the evening

Keyboard

System Settings > Keyboard

• Key repeat rate: Slide to Fast
• Delay until repeat: Slide to Short
• Press 🌐 key to: Set to "Show Emoji & Symbols" for quick emoji access
• Keyboard Shortcuts > Modifier Keys: If you also use Windows, you can swap Ctrl and Cmd

iCloud

System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud

• iCloud Drive: Enable to sync files across devices
• Photos: Enable to back up and sync your photo library
• Find My Mac: Enable so you can locate your Mac if lost
• Passwords & Keychain: Enable to sync passwords across Apple devices