ie8 fix
Game time

Use Lion Tweaks to customize your OS X Lion experience

Are there some things about OS X Lion that you just cannot stand? Lion Tweaks aims to give users who aren't comfortable with making command line changes in Terminal an easy method of tweaking Lion.

(Credit: Apple)

We know, there are some things about OS X Lion you just hate. We feel the same way. Major changes in the tech we use daily are not always welcomed, and the transition hardly ever goes smooth or in a timely manner.

Thankfully, 9to5Mac has pointed out that some creative developers have put together a one-click solution for those who aren't comfortable cracking open Terminal and changing system level settings, the app is called Lion Tweaks. 

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani)

First you will need to download and install the Lion Tweaks app. Once it is downloaded and unpackaged, make sure to move it into your Applications folder. If you don't, the app will alert you to move it to the Applications folder, or else you may see some issues.

From here, it's as simple as selecting Yes or No on any of the settings you would like to change. Ranging from making the invisible scrollbar in Lion permanently visible, revealing the Library folder, to removing animation from some apps such as Mail.

Below are some examples of the tweaks in action:

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani)

  • The 3D dock (top) can be changed to a 2D dock (bottom), similar to that found in Snow Leopard.

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani)

  • For some the leather look of iCal in Lion is a great change, for others it's a bit too much. Lion Tweaks gives you the option to change from a leather to an aluminum appearance. (The same change can be made for Lion's Address Book).
(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Cipriani)
  • There isn't an option in Safari Preferences to remove the Reader icon from the browser. With a click of a button you can remove the Reader icon from Safari in Lion Tweaks.

The tweaks shown above are just three of the 17 total tweaks possible with Lion Tweaks.You can always reverse a tweak by running the app again and selecting No.

Words to the wise: some of these tweaks can and will change the behavior of some apps, not just appearance. When tweaks like those made in this app are made, they can sometimes create issues with the app(s). We strongly encourage you either have a Time Machine backup or create a backup of the app's package before making any tweaks should things go wrong.

If something does go wrong, you can always restore the backed-up app package--allowing you to either try again or retain the stock settings.

Don't Miss

How to

Make your old iPhone run like new

Want to make your iPhone 4 run like an iPhone 5? Donald Bell has some easy tips.

Play Video

How to

Set up the ultimate home theater PC

From configuring your PC to choosing the right accessories, Sharon Vaknin shows you what you need to turn your PC into the ultimate TV companion.

Play Video

How to

Maximize your Galaxy S4's battery life

Stretch your S4's battery life with a few built-in features and lesser-known tricks that keep your phone from draining quickly. Sharon Vaknin shows you how.

Play Video

How to

Let guests DJ your party

CNET's Donald Bell shows you how to turn your iPhone into a shared jukebox that guests can access and control using a free app.

Play Video

How to

Take creative photos with the HTC One

The camera on the HTC One is capable of some pretty cool tricks. CNET's Donald Bell highlights some of this smartphone camera's slick features.

Play Video

 

Member Comments