TheAdmin for Mac

Quick summary

Managing multiple user accounts on macOS can be time-consuming if done manually for each person. TheAdmin is a utility designed to simplify setting up user preferences and applications across several accounts from a single admin console.

Recommended free add-on

CheatSheet (beta) — a free utility worth trying. It’s still in early development, so expect some instability and missing capabilities, but it can streamline parts of the workflow while TheAdmin matures.

Core capabilities

• Apply different application lists and Dock configurations to each account, so every user sees only the apps you want and in the order you choose.
• Batch-install chosen apps and files into one or more accounts from a central table view.
• Remove an application from a user’s configuration quickly with a single keystroke.

How to perform common tasks

• Pick the applications and files you want to deploy and drop them into the table at the top of the window.
• From the left-side menu pick the specific accounts to target, or use the “select all” option in the bottom drop-down to affect every user.
• To delete an entry, highlight the application and press the Backspace key.

Known limitations and future hopes

TheAdmin is in Beta, so it currently lacks deeper controls such as system security settings and sharing preferences. Those are logical next steps; future releases will hopefully expand control over these areas and add stability.

Bottom line

If you administer a Mac with multiple users and want a faster, centralized way to configure apps and Docks, TheAdmin is worth evaluating despite being a work in progress. Supplementing it with lightweight tools like CheatSheet can help bridge gaps until more features arrive.