System-wide finder view preferences I know that .DS_Store files are created in every directory I enter with the finder in Mac OS X, and that keeps track of the folder's metadata (including how is it being displayed). I also know that this command:

sudo find /Users/[USERNAME]/ -name ".DS_Store" -depth -exec rm -f {} \;


... will recursively delete all .DS_Store files insite the /Users/[USERNAME]/ folder.

Also, I know that when pressing CMD+J inside a finder window, selecting the configuration I want (40x40 icons, small-medium grid space, arrange by kind, text size 10px, show item info, show icon preview, background white) and selecting "use as defaults" will.. well, make it the default, and holding OPT will restore it to THAT default.

The thing is that, when I create a new folder, it doesn't take those parameters. And the folders that HAD .DS_Store files deleted keep that previous configuration, not the "default" one.

What can I do to set a system-wide, consistent finder look?

I'm on Mac OS X 10.6.6.
There is a simpler way.


In the Terminal, navigate to your $HOME directory: cd ~
Remove all the .DS_Store files:

find ~ -name ".DS_Store" -depth -exec rm -f {} \;

Relaunch finder going to: Force Quit → Finder






Set your global preferences using ⌘J and press the Use as default button.
Now, every folder you open or create will have the new settings.