If you enjoy the simplicity of your iPad’s desktop and would like to replicate the look and feel on your desktop Mac, Lifehacker reader Ace Convict might be able to help you.
Ace Convict has transformed the desktop of his MacBook Pro into an iPad replica, even by disguising Finder as Safari and the Trash as the iOS App Store. The transformation has been created for fun rather than practicality, and the apps on the desktop are aliases. A small terminal script was written to remove the small black arrows in the bottom corner of the icons.
Steps to Transform Your MacBook Pro Desktop
If you fancy transforming your MacBook Pro desktop, the icons have been created by Flurry and the black menubar via Nocturne. To start, grab your desired background image, enlarge your dock, and organize your desktop icons into a grid layout. This will give you the initial visual structure similar to an iPad.
To disguise Finder as Safari, you can change the Finder icon to a Safari icon. Similarly, you can change the Trash icon to the iOS App Store icon. This can be done by right-clicking on the application, selecting “Get Info,” and then dragging the new icon over the existing one in the Info window.
Additional Customization Tips
For a more immersive experience, consider using a terminal script to remove the small black arrows that indicate open applications. This script can be found online or written with a few lines of code. Additionally, you can use apps like DockHider to hide the dock when not in use, further mimicking the iPad’s clean interface.
Another tip is to use Alfred or LaunchBar for quick application launching, similar to the iPad’s Spotlight Search. These tools can help you maintain a clutter-free desktop while still providing quick access to your applications.
For those who want to take it a step further, you can use Rainmeter on Windows or GeekTool on macOS to add widgets and other interactive elements to your desktop. This can include weather updates, calendar events, and more, all styled to match the iOS aesthetic.
Finally, don’t forget to customize your system sounds to match those of an iPad. You can find iOS sound packs online and replace your system sounds through the Sound settings in System Preferences. This will complete the transformation and make your MacBook Pro feel even more like an iPad.
By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy the sleek and simple design of an iPad on your MacBook Pro. While this transformation is primarily for fun, it can also provide a unique and enjoyable user experience.
Source: Lifehacker : Ace Convict
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