Use Secrets to customize OS X

by Ross McKillop on July 7, 2008

Mac

Secrets, a utility/prefPane brought to you by the same folks who created Quicksilver, allows you to quickly access hundreds of “hidden” OS X settings. Keep reading for a mini-review.

  1. To install, just download Secrets, unzip it and double-click Secrets.prefPane. Your System Preferences will open and you’ll be prompted to install Secrets for “just you” or everyone on your computer. Then you’ll be greeted with a warning message that you really should pay attention to. Secrets is beta software and if used incorrectly it can rather seriously mess up your Mac. Also, because it’s still in beta, not all of the features work perfectly (clicking More Info can take you to a blank page etc).
  2. secrets warning message
    click to enlarge

  3. Use the left column to uncover various hidden/buried settings by category.

  4. click to enlarge

  5. One of the very neat features of Secrets is that it detects the software you have installed, and offers customizations for that software. As displayed in the screenshot below, I have CyberDuck installed as my FTP client, and Secrets picked up on that and offers a couple of settings options.

  6. click to enlarge

  7. To access Secrets in the future, it can be found in the Other section of your System Preferences.
  8. secrets in your system preferences

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    Secret Access to Hidden OS X System and Software Settings
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