Setup MacBook Productivity
Overview
Use this skill to configure local macOS productivity preferences with a bias toward repeatable setup, verification, and opening the relevant System Settings pane when macOS requires a user confirmation.
The current supported workflow is voice typing / Dictation with a Control-Control shortcut.
Voice Typing Workflow
- Confirm the host is macOS:
sw_vers
- Run the bundled setup script:
python3 "$CODEX_HOME/skills/setup-macbook-productivity/scripts/setup_voice_typing.py"
When CODEX_HOME is unset, use:
python3 "$HOME/.codex/skills/setup-macbook-productivity/scripts/setup_voice_typing.py"
Tell the user that macOS may still show a one-time Dictation privacy or download prompt. They should click Enable if asked. For Apple audio sharing, recommend Not Now unless the user explicitly wants to share recordings.
Ask the user to test in any text field by pressing Control twice. They can stop Dictation with Esc or by pressing the same shortcut again.
What The Script Does
The script:
- Enables the known Dictation preference flags.
- Sets the Dictation symbolic hotkey (
AppleSymbolicHotKeysid164) to the working Control-Control modifier shortcut. - Restarts preference services so macOS notices the change.
- Opens System Settings > Keyboard so the user can approve any required prompt and inspect Dictation settings.
- Prints the resulting Dictation and shortcut state for verification.
Verification
Use these checks after setup:
defaults read com.apple.HIToolbox AppleDictationAutoEnable 2>/dev/null
defaults read com.apple.assistant.support "Dictation Enabled" 2>/dev/null
defaults read com.apple.symbolichotkeys AppleSymbolicHotKeys | sed -n '/164 =/,/};/p'
Expected signal:
- The first two commands return
1. - Hotkey
164hasenabled = 1,type = modifier, and parameters matching Control-Control.
If Dictation still does not start, open System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation, verify Dictation is on, set Shortcut to Press Control Key Twice, and choose the intended microphone source.
Boundaries
Do not try to bypass macOS privacy prompts. Open Settings and let the user approve prompts that require a human choice.
Do not enable full Voice Control unless the user asks for Mac control by voice. Voice Control replaces standard Dictation behavior while it is on.