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nix-plist-manager

Hover Text

Everything under System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text, as Nix options. Each one is named after the control you'd click, and set under programs.nix-plist-manager.options in home-manager.

19 options 14 verified against System Settings

Hover Color

Section titled “Hover Color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverColor = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverColorEnabled

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverColorEnabled -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverColorEnabled -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverColorEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverColorEnabled -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverColorEnabled -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverColorEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverColorEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverColorEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

Hover Text

Section titled “Hover Text”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Text

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverText = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextEnabled

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextEnabled -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextEnabled -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextEnabled -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextEnabled -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

Hover Typing

Section titled “Hover Typing”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Typing

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverTyping = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingEnabled

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingEnabled -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingEnabled -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingEnabled -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingEnabled -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

Hover Typing (i)

Section titled “Hover Typing (i)”

Background color

Section titled “Background color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Typing (i) › Background color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverTypingOptions.backgroundColor = "Black";

One of: "Black""Blue""Cyan""Default""Green""Magenta""Red""White""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor

For Black:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Cyan:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Magenta:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Red:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For White:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

Border color

Section titled “Border color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Typing (i) › Border color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverTypingOptions.borderColor = "Black";

One of: "Black""Blue""Cyan""Default""Green""Magenta""Red""White""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor

For Black:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Cyan:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Magenta:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Red:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For White:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

Element-highlight color

Section titled “Element-highlight color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Typing (i) › Element-highlight color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverTypingOptions.elementHighlightColor = "Black";

One of: "Black""Blue""Cyan""Default""Green""Magenta""Red""White""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor

For Black:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Cyan:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Magenta:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Red:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For White:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

Insertion-point color

Section titled “Insertion-point color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Typing (i) › Insertion-point color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverTypingOptions.insertionPointColor = "Black";

One of: "Black""Blue""Cyan""Default""Green""Magenta""Red""White""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor

For Black:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Cyan:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Magenta:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Red:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true

For White:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomCursorColor 2>/dev/null || true

Text color

Section titled “Text color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Typing (i) › Text color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverTypingOptions.textColor = "Black";

One of: "Black""Blue""Cyan""Default""Green""Magenta""Red""White""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor

For Black:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Cyan:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Magenta:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Red:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For White:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

Text-entry location

Section titled “Text-entry location”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Typing (i) › Text-entry location

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverTypingOptions.textEntryLocation = "Custom";

One of: "Custom""Near Current Line""Top Left""Top Right" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition

For Custom:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition -int 5 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition -int 5' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition 2>/dev/null || true

For Near Current Line:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition 2>/dev/null || true

For Top Left:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition 2>/dev/null || true

For Top Right:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextTypingWindowPosition 2>/dev/null || true

Text font

Section titled “Text font”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Typing (i) › Text font

home-manager · per user Not verified

"Default" or the name of a font, e.g. "Helvetica".

applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverTypingOptions.textFont = "Default";

Text "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFont
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontStyle

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFont 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontStyle -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontStyle -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFont 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontStyle 2>/dev/null || true

For Helvetica:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFont -dict fontName -string Helvetica fontSize -float 13.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFont -dict fontName -string Helvetica fontSize -float 13.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontStyle -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontStyle -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFont 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontStyle 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFont 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontStyle 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFont 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontStyle 2>/dev/null || true

Text size

Section titled “Text size”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Typing (i) › Text size

home-manager · per user Not verified 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.hoverTypingOptions.textSize = 12.0;

A number from 12 to 128 "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontSize

For 12.0:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontSize -float 12.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontSize -float 12.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontSize 2>/dev/null || true

For 128.0:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontSize -float 128.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontSize -float 128.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontSize 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontSize 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTypingFontSize 2>/dev/null || true

Hover Text (i)

Section titled “Hover Text (i)”

Activation modifier

Section titled “Activation modifier”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Text (i) › Activation modifier

home-manager · per user Not verified 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.options.activationModifier = "⌃ Control";

One of: "⌃ Control""⌘ Command""⌥ Option" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier 2>/dev/null || true

For ⌃ Control:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier 2>/dev/null || true

For ⌘ Command:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier 2>/dev/null || true

For ⌥ Option:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextModifier 2>/dev/null || true

Background color

Section titled “Background color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Text (i) › Background color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.options.backgroundColor = "Black";

One of: "Black""Blue""Cyan""Default""Green""Magenta""Red""White""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor

For Black:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Cyan:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Magenta:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Red:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For White:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomBackgroundColor 2>/dev/null || true

Border color

Section titled “Border color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Text (i) › Border color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.options.borderColor = "Black";

One of: "Black""Blue""Cyan""Default""Green""Magenta""Red""White""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor

For Black:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Cyan:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Magenta:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Red:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For White:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextBorderColor 2>/dev/null || true

Element-highlight color

Section titled “Element-highlight color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Text (i) › Element-highlight color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.options.elementHighlightColor = "Black";

One of: "Black""Blue""Cyan""Default""Green""Magenta""Red""White""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor

For Black:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Cyan:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Magenta:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Red:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For White:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextElementHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

Text color

Section titled “Text color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Text (i) › Text color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.options.textColor = "Black";

One of: "Black""Blue""Cyan""Default""Green""Magenta""Red""White""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor

For Black:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Cyan:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Magenta:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Red:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 0.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For White:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 1.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor -dict alpha -float 1.000000 blue -float 0.000000 green -float 1.000000 red -float 1.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextCustomFontColor 2>/dev/null || true

Text font

Section titled “Text font”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Text (i) › Text font

home-manager · per user Not verified

"Default" or the name of a font, e.g. "Helvetica".

applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.options.textFont = "Default";

Text "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFont
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontStyle

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFont 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontStyle -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontStyle -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFont 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontStyle 2>/dev/null || true

For Helvetica:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFont -dict fontName -string Helvetica fontSize -float 13.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFont -dict fontName -string Helvetica fontSize -float 13.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontStyle -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontStyle -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFont 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontStyle 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFont 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontStyle 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFont 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontStyle 2>/dev/null || true

Text size

Section titled “Text size”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Text (i) › Text size

home-manager · per user Not verified 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.options.textSize = 12.0;

A number from 12 to 128 "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontSize

For 12.0:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontSize -float 12.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontSize -float 12.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontSize 2>/dev/null || true

For 128.0:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontSize -float 128.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontSize -float 128.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontSize 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontSize 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextFontSize 2>/dev/null || true

Triple-press modifier to set activation lock

Section titled “Triple-press modifier to set activation lock”

System Settings › Accessibility › Hover Text › Hover Text (i) › Triple-press modifier to set activation lock

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.hoverText.options.triplePressModifierToSetActivationLock = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextActivationLockMode

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextActivationLockMode -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextActivationLockMode -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextActivationLockMode 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextActivationLockMode -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextActivationLockMode -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextActivationLockMode 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextActivationLockMode 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess hoverTextActivationLockMode 2>/dev/null || true