NSGlobalDomain is a key component in macOS that allows users to set and manage system-wide preferences. These settings can be configured using the defaults command in the Terminal, which provides a way to read, write, and delete macOS user defaults. This article will guide you through the process of using NSGlobalDomain to customize your macOS environment.

What is NSGlobalDomain?

NSGlobalDomain is a special domain in macOS that contains default settings that apply globally across all applications and system components. By modifying NSGlobalDomain, you can change system-wide preferences such as the appearance of scroll bars, the default save location for files, and more.

Using the defaults Command

The defaults command is a powerful tool in macOS for managing user defaults. You can use it to read, write, and delete preferences for any application or for the system as a whole.

Examples

Example 1: Changing the Appearance of Scroll Bars

By default, macOS automatically hides scroll bars. You can change this behavior so that scroll bars are always visible.

Command:

defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowScrollBars -string "Always"

To revert to the default setting:

defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowScrollBars -string "Automatic"

Example 2: Setting the Default Save Location to iCloud

You can configure macOS to default to saving files in iCloud instead of locally.

Command:

defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSDocumentSaveNewDocumentsToCloud -bool true

To revert to saving files locally by default:

defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSDocumentSaveNewDocumentsToCloud -bool false

Example 3: Enabling Key Repeat

By default, macOS has key repeat disabled in favor of special character pop-ups. You can enable key repeat for faster typing.

Command:

defaults write NSGlobalDomain ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool false

To revert to the default setting:

defaults write NSGlobalDomain ApplePressAndHoldEnabled -bool true

Example 4: Adjusting the Key Repeat Rate

If you have enabled key repeat, you might want to adjust the repeat rate to suit your typing speed.

Command:

defaults write NSGlobalDomain KeyRepeat -int 1
defaults write NSGlobalDomain InitialKeyRepeat -int 15

To revert to the default settings:

defaults delete NSGlobalDomain KeyRepeat
defaults delete NSGlobalDomain InitialKeyRepeat

Conclusion

NSGlobalDomain provides a powerful way to customize your macOS experience by changing system-wide settings. Using the defaults command, you can easily read, write, and delete preferences to tailor your environment to your liking. Whether you want to change the appearance of scroll bars, set default save locations, or adjust key repeat settings, NSGlobalDomain has you covered.