Deploying Custom PLIST Files using Intune (macOS)

Introduction

Deploying custom property list (PLIST) files is a powerful tool that Intune offers! PLIST files allow us to configure the applications installed on our macOS devices. For example, you can use a PLIST file to manage Google Chrome's preferences, such as setting the startup page. This article shows how to use Intune to deploy PLIST files so you can manage macOS applications. Let's see how!

Property list files, also called preference files, include information about your macOS apps. You define app properties or settings that you want to preconfigure. --Microsoft

Table of Contents

Creating a Custom PLIST File

Deploying PLIST Files

Creating a Custom PLIST File

Step 1: Research

Before you create your custom PLIST file, you must know what <key> elements are available to configure and their possible values. Once you know, you can put them in your PLIST file. There are two options:

Option 1: Consult the Application Vendor's Documentation

Some application vendors will provide documentation or even PLIST templates on their websites. I recommend performing a quick internet search to see what is already available. For example, click here to view and download Google Chrome's PLIST template.

Below is a screenshot of what Google Chrome's PLIST template looks like in Visual Studio Code:

Option 2: Install the Application and Inspect the PLIST File

If you are unsure of the key-value pairs to use and the application vendor doesn’t offer a PLIST template, you may still be able to see the options. See the steps below:

1. Install the application on a test machine.

2. Manually set the desired settings.

3. Inspect the PLIST file to see what key-value pairs were used. The PLIST file will most likely be saved in one of the following folders:

   1. ~/Library/Preferences

   2. /Library/Preferences

Step 2: Create the PLIST File

Now that you know which <key> elements are available to configure and their possible values, you can create your PLIST file. I recommend using an editor program like Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code. PLIST files must be saved with either a .plist or .xml file extension; if you use an editor program like those mentioned above, I recommend saving the file with the .xml extension.

IMPORTANT:

Only include the key-value pairs. Remove any <dict>, <plist>, or <xml> tags and anything else that isn't a key-value pair.

Deploying PLIST Files

Once you've created and saved your PLIST file, use the steps below to deploy it to your devices.

• Launch the Intune portal.

• Select Devices in the left-hand menu blade.

• Select macOS > Configuration (expand Manage Devices)

• Select + Create > + New Policy

  • Platform: macOS

  • Profile type: Templates > Preference file

• Select Create.

• Under the Basics tab, input a name and optionally, a description.

• Preference Domain Name: enter the preference domain name (BundleIdentifier) of the application for which the PLIST file is for (e.g., com.apple.Safari). Click here to learn how to find an application's preference domain name or BundleIdentifier.

• Property List File: select the folder icon to search for and upload the PLIST file you created and saved earlier.

Once done, select Next, choose the device assignment, and create the app deployment.

NOTE:

PLIST files you deploy this way via Intune will be stored in the following directory on your macOS devices: /Library/Managed Preferences

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