Custom Configs
Build your own setup, save it on openboot.dev, and share it as a one-line install command. Anyone with the URL can install your exact environment.
Creating a Config
- Sign in with GitHub or Google — click Login in the header (no email/password needed)
- Go to your Dashboard
- Click Create Config
- Pick a base preset (
minimal,developer, orfull) as your starting point - Add or remove packages using the search
- Save
What a Config Can Include
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Homebrew formulae | CLI tools installed via brew install |
| Homebrew casks | GUI apps installed via brew install --cask |
| Custom scripts | Shell commands that run after packages install (SSH setup, repo cloning, etc.) |
| Dotfiles repo | A Git URL — gets cloned and linked with stow |
| macOS preferences | Whitelisted system settings (Dock, Finder, key repeat, etc.) |
See Config Options for the full schema and all available fields.
Importing a Brewfile
Already have a Brewfile? Upload it in the dashboard. OpenBoot parses all brew and cask entries and maps them to a config automatically.
Sharing
Every config gets a URL:
openboot install sarah/frontend-teamPut it in your README, onboarding docs, or Slack. One command, same environment for everyone.
Visibility
Every config has a visibility setting you can change in the dashboard:
| Visibility | Listed on Profile | Install URL | Config Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public | Yes | Works for everyone | Viewable by anyone |
| Unlisted (default) | No | Works for everyone | Viewable with direct link |
| Private | No | Requires auth | Owner only |
Installing Private Configs
Run openboot login first to authenticate, then install as usual:
openboot login
openboot install yourname/my-setupShort URLs
Config slugs are auto-generated, but you can edit them in the dashboard. Keep them short:
openboot.dev/yourname/iosinstead ofopenboot.dev/yourname/ios-development-team-2024openboot.dev/yourname/mlinstead ofopenboot.dev/yourname/machine-learning-setup
Install Tracking
Each config tracks the number of times it’s been installed. The install count is visible on your dashboard and config page. This helps you understand which configs are most popular and widely used.