In order to use the system environment variables from Graphics Program as TexShop, user needs to create an environment.plist file inside the ~/.MacOSX (case is important) directory. This file need to be in the xml format recognized by the Os X application:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple Computer//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
        <key>TEXINPUTS</key>
        <string>.//:</string>
</dict>
</plist>

In this example we define just the TEXINPUTS variable. If you want to define others variables, please use the format as in the example.

To verify that the file is correct, use the Property List Editor. You can launch it from a terminal by using the command

open .MacOSX/environment.plist

If the program open the file, the file is OK, else you have a problem. In this case, I suggest to download this archive and explode it in ~ (homedir).

<note> This file is read by the system only at the login, so after the file is in place and correctly working, logoff and logon. </note>