macOS Setup Script

Automated macOS setup script that installs Homebrew, apps, fonts, and configures system defaults.

Oneliner (Needs sudo account permissions)

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/samsoeapp/macos/refs/heads/main/macos-setup-client/prep.sh | sudo bash

Oneliner with Client Profile

Use --client NAME or a positional NAME.

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/samsoeapp/macos/refs/heads/main/macos-setup-client/prep.sh | sudo bash -s -- --client RD curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/samsoeapp/macos/refs/heads/main/macos-setup-client/prep.sh | sudo bash -s -- RD

Quick Start

1. Copy the macos-setup folder to your Mac
2. Open Terminal and navigate to the folder
3. Run: ./prep.command
4. Enter your admin password when prompted

Files

prep.command

Main executable script. Run this to set up your Mac.

.Brewfile

Homebrew packages (formulae, casks, fonts). Contains brief editing instructions at the top of the file.

.Masfile

Mac App Store apps. One app per line: app_id|App Name. Contains brief editing instructions at the top of the file.

.prep-YYYYMMDD.log

Hidden log file with detailed output from script runs. Appends if run multiple times on the same day.

What It Does

1. Obtains admin privileges (password stored securely)
2. Installs Homebrew (if needed)
3. Prepares Homebrew (updates, configures)
4. Installs Rosetta 2 (Apple Silicon only)
5. Installs packages from .Brewfile
6. Sets default browser from prep.command
7. Configures Dock from prep.command
8. Applies macOS defaults from prep.command
9. Cleans up Homebrew locks
10. Installs App Store apps from .Masfile (optional, requires Apple ID)

Editing Files

Each file (.Brewfile, .Masfile) contains brief editing instructions at the top. Open the file to see how to add/remove items.

Requirements

• macOS (tested on macOS Sonoma+)
• Admin account
• Internet connection

Troubleshooting

• Script fails: Check that prep.command is executable: chmod +x prep.command
• Gatekeeper prompt on double-click: Remove quarantine once: xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine prep.command (or run it from Terminal)
• Homebrew fails: Check internet connection or install manually from https://brew.sh
• App Store apps: Sign in to Mac App Store first: open -a "App Store"
• Dock fails: Grant Terminal.app Full Disk Access in System Settings
• Full log: Check .prep-YYYYMMDD.log for detailed output

Settings Scope

Most settings are user-only (apply only to the current user). Only 2 settings are system-wide:

• /Volumes folder visibility (affects all users)
• Login window hostname display (affects all users)

All other settings (Finder, Safari, Dock, screenshots, etc.) are user-specific. See SETTINGS_SCOPE.md for details.

Security

Password is stored securely in a temporary file, cleared from memory immediately, and deleted on script exit.