How to export the system preferences

-setupconfigurationsettingssystem-prefs

Is there a way for me to export my system preferences on my Mac for quick install on another machine?

An example of what I am trying to accomplish is, when I start a new job, I would like to import my settings and have my system preference work without having to manually configure all of my custom settings.

I am most interested in exporting settings for :

  • Trackpad / Mouse
  • Keyboard
  • Dock
  • dashboard (I like to disable it)

Best Answer

I updated my answer because all of it was wrong:

You will want to use an applescript for your preference setups. Here is the code for some of them and screenshots of the actual plist so you get an idea of the options possible. IF this does not apply straight away, you might need to restart the computer. Don't forget to save applescript as an Application. NOT script

Trackpad/Mouse

In here, it varies. It is either com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse for mouse, com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse for bluetooth mouse, and com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad for trackpad

tell application "Terminal"
do shell script "defaults write com.apple.AppleHIDMouse Button2 1"
end tell

The example above changes right click to be left click as well

Keyboard

Unfortunately, I could not find a preference for keyboard. I will keep on searching though.

Dock

tell application "Terminal"
do shell script "defaults write com.apple.dock autohide YES"
end tell

This was just an example. Switch autohide with whatever option and YES with value or boolean. Booleans are YES and NO (unlike in scripts "true" "false") I put a picture on the end so you can see all the possible options for all the options.

Disable Dashboard

I also could not find how to. Though it is presumably in com.apple.spaces

Dock options: enter image description here

Mouse: enter image description here

Bluetooth Mouse enter image description here

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