Change Default App for File Type on Mac OS X
Changing Default Application for File Types on macOS
New users of Mac OS X often inquire about the process of assigning a specific file type to open with an application other than the system's default. Regardless of whether you're already familiar with this functionality, a clear explanation will be provided.
This customization is particularly beneficial after installing alternative software, such as VLC. You might prefer to utilize VLC for video playback instead of the pre-installed QuickTime Player.
How to Modify File Association Settings
The process involves a few simple steps within the macOS operating system. It allows for granular control over how different file extensions are handled.
- Right-Click: Locate a file of the type you wish to modify. Right-click (or Control-click) on the file.
- Get Info: Select “Get Info” from the contextual menu that appears.
- Open With: In the “Get Info” window, find the section labeled “Open with.”
- Choose Application: Click the dropdown menu and select the application you want to use as the new default.
- Change All: Crucially, click the “Change All…” button. This ensures that all files with the same extension will now open with your chosen application.
Important Considerations
Confirming the change is essential to ensure the desired outcome. The system will prompt you to verify that you want to alter the default application for all files of that type.
This method provides a straightforward way to personalize your macOS experience. It allows you to leverage the features of your preferred applications for various file formats.
Should you wish to revert to the original default application, simply repeat these steps and select the original application from the “Open with” dropdown menu, then click “Change All…”.
Modifying Default Application Associations in macOS
Altering the default application used to open specific file types in macOS is a straightforward process. Simply select a file of the desired type and navigate to File > Get Info from the menu bar. Alternatively, utilize the keyboard shortcut Cmd+I.
Another method involves right-clicking (or Ctrl-clicking, or a two-finger click) on the file and choosing the "Get Info" option from the contextual menu.
Changing the Application Preference
Upon opening the "Get Info" window, locate the "Open With" section. From the dropdown menu, select the application you wish to use as the default.
Following this selection, click the "Change All..." button to apply this preference to all files of the same type.
A confirmation dialog will appear, requesting verification of your choice. Click "Continue" to proceed with the modification.
The system will then update the association, ensuring that all files of that type will subsequently open with the newly selected application.
This completes the process of changing the default application for a particular file type within the macOS operating system.
Modifying Application Association for a Single File
To alter the program used to open a specific file, access the contextual menu. This can be achieved by right-clicking, Control-clicking, or utilizing a two-finger click on the desired file.
From the menu that appears, select "Open With," then choose "Other."
Selecting the Desired Application
A window will then appear, allowing you to browse and select the application you wish to use. Locate the appropriate program from the list.
Once selected, ensure you check the "Always Open With" option. This ensures future access of the file will utilize your chosen application.
Finally, click "Open." The selected file will subsequently open consistently with the application you specified.
Limitations with Network Shares
It's important to note that this method may not function with files located on read-only network shares. Attempting to modify the association in such cases will likely be unsuccessful.
To circumvent this limitation, a copy of the file must be transferred to your Mac’s local storage. Only then can the application association be altered.
Otherwise, an error message will be displayed, preventing the change from being applied.
With this process completed, you can, for example, choose to open video files using VLC media player instead of the default QuickTime player.