Lesson 6: macOS Preferences

Jamf 100 Course
Solution
Application
Content Type
Training Content
Utilities & Services
ft:locale
en-US

Goal

Understand macOS app settings and preferences.

Video

Key points

  • Many systems require a way to store preferences. For macOS, these preferences could include:

    • Layout of the Dock

    • Default home page in a web browser

    • Light or dark mode settings

  • App preferences can be stored in property list (PLIST) files.

    • Property lists are XML files with the .plist file extension.

      • Specialized text editors, like the Xcode app, can be used to properly display binary-formatted property lists.

    • These files contain information that affects how both macOS and individual apps function.

  • Quick Look is a feature in macOS that lets the user preview a file.

    • This is a fast and easy way to view property lists but not edit them.

    • Select the file and press the Space bar to preview its contents.

  • Common directories containing property lists include:

    • /Library/Preferences

      • These root library preferences affect all users on a computer.

    • ~/Library/Preferences

      • These user library preferences only affect the current user.

  • Navigating to the Go menu and holding the Option key reveals the current user's hidden Library directory.

  • Changes to preferences take effect immediately, but the macOS process cfprefsd may cause a delay before the changes are written to a property list.

  • Property lists can be configured and deployed remotely from Jamf Pro to control app preferences.

Review

To view answers, click arrow next to each question.

  1. What does the .plist file extension stand for?
    The .plist file extension represents a property list (PLIST) file.
  2. How do PLIST files impact the user experience?
    PLIST files store app preferences. For example, a property list might store default Dock layout, web browser home page, or display options.
  3. Why is it important for IT administrators to understand PLIST files?
    Property list files can be customized by the user, or configured by administrators remotely to enforce preferences with tools like Jamf Pro.

Practice

  1. Locate the appropriate PLIST file to determine if Find My Mac is enabled on a Mac.

    1. Using Finder, navigate to Macintosh HD > Library > Preferences.

    2. Click com.apple.FindMyMac.plist and press the space bar to use Quick Look and view the file.

    3. Locate <key>FMMEnabled</key> and the associated true or false value to determine if Find My is enabled.

  2. Find the bundle identifier of the first app in the Dock.

    1. With the Desktop selected, navigate to the Go menu, hold the Option key, click Library, and find the Preferences folder.

    2. Click com.apple.dock.plist and press the space bar to use Quick Look and view the file.

    3. Locate <key>bundle-identifier</key> and the associated <string> to determine the bundle identifier of the first app in the Dock.

Resources

Property List Programming Guide

Terminal User Guide

Mac User Guide