- MacBook users complain about the sharp edges of their devices
- More have decided to archive their laptops for more comfort
- One recently outlined the process in detail on their blog
Apple is known for its keen sense of design and the exacting standards it holds its designers to, which is why it’s all the more surprising to see users of the best MacBooks sharpening the edges of their prized laptops. Yet that’s exactly what’s happened over the past few months, with many claiming it makes for a far more enjoyable experience.
The latest example comes from software engineer Max Bretschneider, who posted a blog post explaining their decision and how they did it. They described their motivation this way: “A laptop will often be used on the lap, which means that the wrists will touch the sharp edge at an angle that is very uncomfortable.”
To file down the edge and reduce its sharpness, Bretschneider used a metal file and a block of progressive sandpaper. They taped off areas like the keyboard and trackpad, clamped the MacBook in place, and then got to work.
Despite describing the process as “very scary,” Bretschneider added that the change was “much easier and accessible than it first appears.” They were able to “achieve an even level” when filing and sanding, leaving them with a device that could “better serve its primary purpose as a tool.”
A ton of MacBook mods
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Bretschneider is far from the only person who has recently sanded down their MacBook’s sharp edges – you’ll find an example from April 2026 with designer Kent Walters, for example. Going back further, users have apparently been taking a file and sandpaper to the edges of their MacBooks since at least 2010.
And readers chimed in with their own thoughts, with one Hacker News user testifying that “the sharp edges have been bothering me since they started unibody.” Another claimed that sharp edges were “my biggest complaint about the M series [MacBook Pro] line.”
People have been extending their Apple devices in new and creative ways for years now. We’ve seen people try to turn old iPhones into new ones, add USB-C to iPhones that didn’t have it, make custom mechanical keyboards with built-in Touch ID, stuff Mac minis into old iMacs, and more.
So if you’ve found that the edges of your MacBook are a little too sharp for comfort, know that it’s entirely possible to grind them down for a more comfortable experience. Just make sure you plan ahead – and don’t expect Apple to take too kindly to your work.
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