SlowQuitApps
A macOS app that adds a global delay to Command-Q to prevent accidental app quits.
What is SlowQuitApps?
Slow Quit Apps is a macOS application that adds a global delay to the Command-Q keyboard shortcut, requiring users to hold the key combination for a set time before an application quits. It solves the common problem of accidentally quitting apps and losing work, similar to Google Chrome's "Warn Before Quitting" feature but system-wide. The app includes a visual overlay, whitelist/blacklist functionality, and customizable delay settings.
Mac users who frequently work with multiple applications and have experienced accidental app quits, particularly developers, writers, and professionals managing many open windows or tabs.
It provides a simple, system-wide solution to a pervasive macOS annoyance without requiring app-specific settings or complex remapping. Unlike disabling Command-Q entirely, it maintains the shortcut's functionality while adding a safety net, and its customization options cater to power users.
Overview
Add a global delay to Command-Q to stop accidental app quits.
Use Cases
Best For
- Preventing accidental app quits when mistyping Command-Q instead of Command-W
- Users who want a Chrome-like 'Warn Before Quitting' feature for all macOS apps
- Mac power users who manage many open applications and browser tabs
- Enhancing keyboard shortcut safety without disabling functionality
- Customizing quit behavior for specific applications via whitelist/blacklist
- Adding a visual indicator for quit actions to improve user awareness
Not Ideal For
- Users who require instant app quitting for workflow efficiency, such as in testing or automation environments
- Organizations with strict macOS security policies that prohibit third-party accessibility utilities
- Individuals using macOS versions older than Mountain Lion (10.8) or newer than actively supported versions
- Users who prefer graphical interfaces for configuration and dislike command-line tools
Pros & Cons
Pros
Adds a configurable delay to Command-Q across all macOS applications, preventing accidental quits without needing app-specific settings, as highlighted in the README's philosophy.
Allows adjustment of delay times, application whitelists/blacklists, and overlay visibility via Terminal commands or the `sqa` script, offering flexibility for power users.
Supports Homebrew Cask installation and updates, with a dedicated `sqa` script for management, simplifying setup for users familiar with package managers.
Displays a countdown overlay during the delay to enhance user awareness, though it can be hidden if desired, as mentioned in the customization section.
Cons
After each update, users must manually reset accessibility permissions in System Preferences, a cumbersome process admitted in the README under 'Post-update Maintenance'.
The README states active development is only for Mojave, with older versions requiring legacy downloads that may not receive updates, limiting compatibility.
All settings, including whitelisting and delay changes, rely on Terminal commands, lacking a graphical user interface for easier customization.
As a system-wide utility modifying keyboard events, it might interfere with other apps that use accessibility features or shortcut remappers, though not explicitly warned in the README.
Frequently Asked Questions
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