Nov 06, 2013 How to set the default application to open specific file types in settings on Mac OS X computers. How to set the default application to open specific file types in settings on Mac OS X. Jun 19, 2017 Setting Default Apps on Chrome OS. RELATED: How to Set Default Apps on Android. Unlike on Android, where you can set default apps in a central location, you have to open a file in order to change the default for that file type. For this example, we’re going to use an image file, but it should work the same regardless of what you’re trying.
Sometimes, if your Mac doesn’t recognize a file type as something that one of its programs can handle, or if you want a specific file type to always open in a specific program, Mac OS X Lion might need a little help from you. Mac OS X Lion lets you specify the application in which you want to open a document in the future when you double-click it. Suppose that you want all .tif graphic files that usually open in Preview to open instead in Pixelmator, a more capable third-party program
More than that, you can specify that you want all documents of that type to open with the specified application. “Where is this magic bullet hidden?” you ask. Right there in the file’s Info window.
Here’s how you do it:
How To Set Default App In Mac
Click one of the files in the Finder.
Choose File→Get Info (Command+I).
In the Info window, click the gray triangle to disclose the Open With pane.
From the pop-up menu, choose an application that Mac OS X believes will open this document type.
(Optional) If you click the Change All button at the bottom of the Open With pane, you make Pixelmator the new default application for all .tif files that would otherwise be opened in Preview.
Notice the handy alert that appears when you click the Change All button and how nicely it explains what will happen if you click Continue.
Certain actions that you perform on your Mac will cause default apps to open. For example, clicking a document may open Pages. But what if you want Microsoft Word to open instead? You can also set your default web browser and email reader.
Here's how!
Mac Os Change Default Open With
How to change the default Mac app for specific file types
- Right-click on a file that uses the file type you'd like to change the default for. For example, one with a .jpg extension (a photo).
- Click on Get Info in the pop-up.
- Click Open With if the section isn't already expanded.
Click the dropdown and choose an app.
Source: iMore
- Click Change All...
Click Continue when the Finder asks you if you're sure.
Source: iMore
Now any time you open a file with that extension, the Finder will automatically open it with the app you've selected.
How to set your default web browser
- Launch System Preferences from the dock, Finder, or by clicking the Apple icon in the Menu bar.
- Click General at the top left of the window.
- Click the dropdown next to Default web browser.
Click the web browser you'd like to use as the default.
Source: iMore
How to set your default email reader
Mail is likely the default email app on your Mac, but just in case you have others downloaded, you can set the default reader. Here's how:
- Launch Mail from your dock or the Finder.
- Click Mail in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
- Click Preferences.
- Click the dropdown next to Default Mail Reader.
Click the app you'd like to set as the default.
Source: iMore
Questions?
How To Set Default Programs Mac
Let us know in the comments below.
Updated February 2020: Updated for macOS Catalina!
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