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Not long ago I made a post asking about using Homebrew and Applite (a GUI “App Store” for Homebrew Casks) with some questions about the potential for new users getting a better “App Store.” Fortunately, after some testing, I can confirm that this might be a viable solution for most people!

I just migrated nearly my entire setup from apps installed online on respective websites over to Homebrew, and I’m glad I did. Things are working well, and I was even able to update my Application Sheet to have a column for Homebrew casks to quickly reproduce Brewfiles for future setups. Now, I’m looking into some “Quick Setup Brewfiles” for my tech support clients! For instance, a “Xdobe Setup Pack” might consist of GIMP, Darktable, Inkscape, a link to Photopea, and DaVinci Resolve. I also have my Google Sheet linked of my app recommendations, and am glad to explain any to anyone here! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pSsLcM4lVnqGt68yu-GgKFApOJBv2aIzMmUs_8iT_2c/edit?usp=drivesdk

As for the actual setup process, my goal was to remove as many elements of the CLI and any other potentially “technical” things that could be off-putting to non-techs. The process as of now is as follows. Please recommend any additional improvements as they come to mind!

  1. Install Homebrew from the website’s pkg installer https://brew.sh/
  2. Install the Command-Line Tools (automatically prompted by Homebrew)
  3. (Optionally) add Brew to path. Users generally SHOULD do this, but Applite may not force you to, and the goal is to not have to interact with the CLI
  4. Install Applite via the website (could also be done via Homebrew CLI, but again, goal is to avoid it) https://aerolite.dev/applite
  5. Import my Brewfiles and/or search for apps

P.S. Yes, my apps have a tagging system. This is also for tech support and organization. I’d highly recommend this anyone who frequently helps others’ setups or modifies your own!

  • Blue tags are for App Store apps.
  • Green tags are for web apps.
  • Orange tags are for Homebrew apps.
  • Purple tags are for apps from anywhere else online.
  • System apps have no tags.
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