Switching your Mac’s default apps can save time and improve productivity. To change a default app on Mac, right-click any file in Finder, select “Get Info,” click the dropdown menu next to “Open with,” choose your preferred application, and click “Change All” to apply this setting to all files of that type. This simple process lets you customize which apps handle different file types based on your workflow preferences.
Many Mac users don’t realize how easy it is to customize their file associations. When you download new software like Adobe Photoshop or alternative browsers such as Firefox, you might want certain files to automatically open in these apps instead of Apple’s default options. The system makes this easy with just a few clicks, giving you control over your Mac experience without needing technical knowledge.
Changing Default Apps / File Associations
Changing default apps on your Mac allows you to customize how files open and which applications handle certain tasks. Here’s how to do it for different types of files and tasks.
Change Default Apps for a Specific File Type
- Find a file of the type you want to change (e.g., a
.jpgimage,.pdfdocument). - Right-click (or Control + click) the file.
- Select “Get Info” from the menu.
- In the “Open with” section, click the dropdown menu and select the app you want as the default.
- Click “Change All…” to apply this setting to all files of this type.
- Confirm the change by clicking “Continue” in the pop-up window.
Change the Default Web Browser
- Click on the Apple menu and go to System Settings.
- Scroll down and select Desktop & Dock.
- Under “Default web browser”, select your preferred browser from the dropdown menu.
Change the Default Email App
- Open Mail.
- Click Mail in the menu bar and select Settings (or Preferences in older macOS versions).
- In the General tab, find “Default email reader”.
- Click the dropdown and select your preferred email client.
Change Default Apps for Other File Types
For other file types, use the “Get Info” method mentioned above. However, if you need a system-wide default change (such as changing the default PDF viewer or media player), you may need to adjust settings within the specific app or install a third-party utility.
Key Takeaways
- Right-click on a file, select “Get Info,” and use the “Open with” dropdown to change default apps for specific file types.
- System Settings lets you change default web browsers and email clients under the Desktop & Dock section.
- Changes can be made for individual files or applied globally to all files of the same type using the “Change All” button.
Understanding File Associations on Mac
File associations on macOS determine which applications open specific file types by default. This system helps users quickly access their files while allowing customization based on workflow needs and preferences.
File Types and Their Default Applications
In macOS, files are identified by their extensions (like .jpg, .docx, or .pdf). Each file extension is typically associated with a default application that opens when you double-click the file. For example, .jpg and .png image files usually open in Preview, while .docx files open in Microsoft Word if installed, or Pages if not.
MacOS comes with preset default applications for common file types. These defaults are usually Apple’s own applications like Safari for web links, Preview for images and PDFs, and QuickTime Player for videos.
Users can view the current default application for any file by selecting it in Finder and pressing Command+I or right-clicking and selecting “Get Info.” The “Open with:” section shows which application is set to open that file type.
How MacOS Determines Default Apps
MacOS uses a system-wide database to track file associations. When you install new software, applications register themselves as capable of opening certain file types. The operating system then determines the default opener based on these registrations.
The first application installed that can handle a particular file type often becomes the default. However, this isn’t always the case, as Apple prioritizes its own applications for many common file types.
MacOS also offers “Recommended Applications” for each file type. These appear in the “Open With” submenu when you right-click a file in Finder. This list includes all compatible applications capable of handling that file type.
If you’ve ever changed a default application for a file type, MacOS remembers this preference. The system stores these user-defined associations separately from the default settings.
Changing Default Apps via Finder
macOS gives users control over which applications open specific file types. The Finder offers several straightforward methods to change these default associations without requiring technical knowledge.
Using Get Info to Set Default Apps
The most common way to change a default app on Mac is through the Get Info panel in Finder. To access this feature, users should first locate any file of the type they want to modify.
Once found, they can right-click (or Control-click) on the file and select “Get Info” from the context menu. Alternatively, they can select the file and press Command+I or choose File > Get Info from the menu bar.
In the Info window that appears, look for the “Open with” section, which displays the current default application. Clicking the dropdown menu reveals all compatible applications installed on the Mac. Users simply select their preferred app from this list.
This method initially changes the association for only the selected file. For permanent changes that affect all files of the same type, an additional step is required.
The ‘Change All’ Button and Its Function
After selecting a new application in the “Open with” dropdown menu, the “Change All” button becomes active. This button serves a critical function in the default app assignment process.
Clicking “Change All” applies the selected application choice to all files with the same extension. For example, changing a .jpg file to open with Preview instead of Photos will affect all .jpg files when the user clicks “Change All.”
The system displays a confirmation dialog asking if the user wants to change all similar documents. This safeguard prevents accidental mass changes to file associations.
Once confirmed, the Mac will use the newly selected application to open all files of that type when double-clicked. This setting persists until changed again through the same process.
Batch Changing Default Applications
For users who need to modify multiple file types, batch changing can save significant time. While macOS doesn’t provide a built-in tool specifically for batch operations, there are efficient approaches.
One method involves selecting a representative file for each type requiring changes. Users can open multiple Get Info windows simultaneously by selecting different file types and pressing Command+Option+I.
The Finder allows modification of each file type independently through their respective Get Info panels. This approach works well when changing several related file types to use the same application.
For more complex needs, users might consider third-party utilities designed specifically for managing file associations. These tools often provide a comprehensive interface for viewing and modifying all file associations at once.
Users should exercise caution when batch changing applications to avoid unintended consequences with critical system files.
Adjusting Default Web Browser and Email Reader
Mac users can easily select which applications should handle web browsing and email tasks through System Settings. This allows you to choose preferred apps that better match your workflow needs or personal preferences.
Setting Default Web Browser in System Settings
Changing your default web browser on Mac is straightforward. Go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Settings.” In the sidebar, scroll down and click on “Desktop & Dock.”
Look for the “Default web browser” dropdown menu. Click it to see a list of all compatible web browsers installed on your Mac. Options typically include Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and any other browsers you’ve installed.
Simply select your preferred browser from the list. The change takes effect immediately – no restart required. The next time you click a link in any application, it will automatically open in your newly selected default browser.
If you don’t see your preferred browser in the list, make sure it’s properly installed on your Mac first.
Choosing Your Default Email App
Setting your default email client requires a different approach. Interestingly, you need to use the Mail app itself to change this setting, even if you plan to stop using Mail afterward.
First, open the Mail app on your Mac. If it’s not in your Dock, you can find it in the Applications folder or by searching with Spotlight.
Once Mail is open, click “Mail” in the menu bar at the top of the screen, then select “Settings” (or “Preferences” in older macOS versions). In the Settings window, click the “General” tab.
Look for the “Default email reader” dropdown menu and select your preferred email application. Common choices include:
- Mail (Apple’s default)
- Microsoft Outlook
- Spark
- Thunderbird
After making your selection, close the Settings window. Your Mac will now use your chosen email client whenever you click an email link or use mail-related functions in other applications.
Navigating Advanced Options in System Preferences
System Preferences (now called System Settings in recent macOS versions) contains powerful options for controlling how your Mac handles files and applications. These settings allow users to customize their default applications for specific file types.
Accessing Detailed Application Preferences
To access detailed application settings, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “System Settings” (or “System Preferences” on older macOS versions). This opens the central hub for all Mac configuration options.
Once inside System Settings, users can search for specific settings using the search bar in the top-right corner. Type “default” or “applications” to quickly find relevant options.
For changing default applications, navigate to “General” and then look for “Default Apps” or similar options depending on your macOS version. Some versions require users to find this under categories like “Desktop & Dock” instead.
The Dock also provides a quick way to access System Settings. Users can right-click (or Control-click) the System Settings icon in the Dock and pin it for easier access in the future.
To change file associations, users should find a file of the type they want to modify, right-click it, and select “Get Info.” The “Open with” section allows changing the default application for that file type and applying the change to all similar files.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with ‘Open With’
When the ‘Open With’ feature on Mac doesn’t work correctly, it can disrupt your workflow. Several common issues might prevent files from opening with your preferred applications.
Addressing Duplicate Application Listings
Duplicate applications in the ‘Open With’ menu often cause confusion. These duplicates appear when macOS loses track of application references or after software updates.
To fix this issue, users can rebuild the Launch Services database. Open Terminal and enter:
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user
This command refreshes the database of application associations. After running it, restart the Mac to apply the changes completely.
Mac PowerSuite offers a more user-friendly solution. This utility includes an ‘Open With’ feature that lets users easily edit file associations without using Terminal commands.
Sometimes simply uninstalling and reinstalling the problematic application resolves duplicate entries. Remember to check for app updates, as outdated software can cause these issues.
Repairing Broken File Associations
When a file refuses to open with your selected application despite using “Always Open With,” the file association may be corrupted.
The first troubleshooting step is to try changing the default app through Finder’s “Get Info” panel:
- Select the file in Finder
- Press Command+I to open “Get Info”
- Expand the “Open with:” section
- Choose the desired application
- Click “Change All…”
If this doesn’t work, try resetting the file type association. Right-click on a file and hold the Option key to see “Always Open With” instead of just “Open With.”
For persistent problems, check file permissions. Files with incorrect permissions may not respect your application preferences. Select the file, press Command+I, and ensure you have Read & Write permissions under the Sharing & Permissions section.
Another solution is deleting the preferences file at ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.LaunchServices.plist, then restarting your Mac to regenerate a fresh file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Changing default applications on macOS involves several simple methods that apply across different file types. Users can modify these settings through Finder or using specific system preferences.
How can I modify the default program for opening PDF files on a Mac?
To change the default program for PDF files, locate any PDF file in Finder. Right-click on the file and select “Get Info.”
In the Info window, find the “Open with” section and click the dropdown menu to select your preferred application like Adobe Acrobat or Preview.
After selecting the desired app, click the “Change All” button to apply this setting to all PDF files. A confirmation dialog will appear, and clicking “Continue” will finalize the change.
What command allows me to set a default application for file types in macOS using Terminal?
The Terminal command duti allows advanced users to set default applications for file types on macOS. This third-party utility must be installed first using a package manager like Homebrew.
After installation, the basic syntax is duti -s bundle_identifier file_extension. For example, to set Preview as the default PDF viewer: duti -s com.apple.Preview .pdf.
Users should exercise caution when using Terminal commands as incorrect usage can affect system functionality.
What are the steps to change the default application for a particular file on a Mac?
First, locate the file in Finder and right-click (or Control-click) on it. From the context menu, select “Open With.”
A list of compatible applications will appear. Select the desired application from this list. This only changes the default for this particular instance.
To make the change permanent for all files of this type, hold the Option key after opening the “Open With” menu. The “Always Open With” option will appear, allowing you to set the default application for all similar files.
How is Microsoft Word set as the default word processor on Mac instead of Pages?
To set Microsoft Word as the default word processor, find any document with the extension you want to change (like .docx). Right-click on it and select “Get Info.”
In the “Open with” section, click the dropdown menu and select Microsoft Word. Make sure it’s properly installed on your Mac.
Click the “Change All” button to apply this setting to all documents with the same extension. This will make Word open automatically when you double-click any document of that type.
Where can I find and manage a list of default applications for different file types on a Mac?
macOS doesn’t provide a centralized location to view all file type associations at once. Instead, users must manage them individually through the “Get Info” dialog for specific file types.
Some third-party applications like RCDefaultApp or DefaultApp Manager offer more comprehensive file association management. These utilities provide a single interface to view and modify all file type associations.
System Preferences (or System Settings in newer macOS versions) includes options for some default applications under “General” settings, but this is limited to web browsers, email clients, and calendar apps.
What should I do if the ‘Always Open With’ option is not functioning correctly on my Mac?
If the “Always Open With” option isn’t working, try resetting the Launch Services database. Open Terminal and enter the command: lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user.
Restarting your Mac after changing default applications can help solidify the changes. Sometimes changes don’t take effect immediately until a system restart.
Check if the file type is correctly registered in the system. Some files have unusual or custom extensions that macOS may not recognize properly, requiring manual association through the “Get Info” dialog.
