GitHub

What is OpenBoot

One command. Your Mac is ready to code.

OpenBoot is an open-source CLI that sets up your entire macOS development environment — Homebrew packages, GUI apps, shell config, dotfiles, and macOS preferences — in minutes instead of hours.

What You Get

  • Packages & Apps — Install CLI tools (node, go, docker, ripgrep…) and GUI apps (VS Code, Chrome, Warp…) from Homebrew, all at once
  • Shell Configuration — Oh-My-Zsh with plugins, a clean theme, and useful aliases, configured automatically
  • Dotfiles — Clone and link your dotfiles repo so your personal config follows you to any machine
  • macOS Preferences — Developer-friendly system settings (fast key repeat, Finder path bar, Dock icon size…) applied in one pass
  • Snapshot — Capture your current Mac’s setup and turn it into a shareable config URL

How It Works

Install via Homebrew (recommended):

brew tap openbootdotdev/tap
brew install openboot
openboot

Or use the one-line installer:

curl -fsSL https://openboot.dev/install.sh | bash

The installer:

  1. Installs Xcode Command Line Tools and Homebrew (if needed)
  2. Downloads the openboot binary
  3. Launches an interactive TUI where you pick your packages
  4. Installs everything, configures your shell, and applies macOS preferences

Already have your Mac set up? Run openboot snapshot to capture what you have and share it.

Three Ways to Use It

Start from a preset — Choose minimal, developer, or full. Each is a curated package set you can customize in the TUI before installing. Learn more

Create a custom config — Build your own setup on the dashboard, then share it as a one-line install URL. Great for teams. Learn more

Snapshot your existing Mac — Scan your installed packages, shell config, and preferences. Upload to openboot.dev or save locally. Learn more

System Requirements

  • macOS 12 (Monterey) or later
  • Apple Silicon and Intel Macs supported
  • Internet connection
  • Admin privileges (you’ll be prompted when needed)