Change Default Applications on Ubuntu - 4 Methods

Managing Default Applications in Ubuntu

Ubuntu provides multiple methods for altering your default applications. These adjustments can be made for specific tasks, individual file types, or even core system applications, such as the default text editor.

Changing Default Applications for File Types

A key difference between Ubuntu and Windows lies in how applications handle file associations. Unlike Windows, applications installed on Ubuntu do not automatically claim ownership of existing file extensions.

Instead, newly installed applications are presented as options for handling specific file types. This allows for greater user control over application associations.

System-Level Default Application Changes

Modifying the default application used at a system level requires navigating to Ubuntu’s settings. This ensures consistency across the operating system.

The process involves selecting the desired application from a list of installed programs, effectively designating it as the primary handler for related tasks.

How Ubuntu Handles Application Installation

Upon installation, applications simply register themselves as capable of handling certain file types. They do not aggressively attempt to override existing associations.

This approach ensures that users retain control and can consciously choose their preferred applications for each file type or task.

Finding the Right Settings

The location for changing default applications varies depending on the scope of the change. Task-specific defaults are often configured within the application itself.

For system-wide changes, the Ubuntu settings panel provides a centralized location for managing these preferences.

Important Note: Ubuntu’s design prioritizes user choice, preventing applications from unilaterally altering default settings during installation.

Configuring Default Applications

The process of designating your preferred desktop applications for common tasks – such as opening web pages, handling email, or playing videos – is initiated through the System Settings window, accessible from your desktop panel.

Accessing Default Application Settings

Begin by opening the System Settings window. This central hub provides access to various system configurations.

Within System Settings, locate and select the 'Details' icon. This will reveal more granular control options.

Selecting Default Programs

Navigate to the 'Default Applications' category. Here, you can customize which applications are launched when you attempt to perform specific actions.

Utilize the provided drop-down menus to choose your desired default application for each supported file type or protocol.

Installed applications will populate these menus, allowing you to easily assign them. For instance, after installing VLC, you can designate it as your preferred video player through this interface.

The system dynamically updates these lists as you install new software, ensuring your choices remain current.

This method offers a straightforward way to personalize your Ubuntu experience and ensure files open with the programs you prefer.

Removable Media Management

The Details control panel provides options for customizing how Ubuntu handles various types of removable media. Initially, Ubuntu prompts you to choose an application each time a removable device is connected.

This behavior can be altered to automate the process. For instance, you can configure Rhythmbox to launch automatically and begin playing audio CDs upon insertion.

Configuring Default Applications

Through the control panel, you are able to designate specific applications as the default handlers for different removable media formats.

This eliminates the need for repeated prompts and streamlines your workflow. Selecting a default application ensures a consistent experience whenever a compatible device is connected.

• This allows for automated actions, such as music playback.
• It simplifies the user experience by removing the need for manual selection.

By adjusting these settings, you can tailor Ubuntu to your preferences for managing removable storage devices and their associated content.

File Associations

The default program used to open a particular file type can be configured. Begin by finding a file of the desired type within your file manager.

Right-click on the file and choose the Properties option from the context menu.

Changing Default Applications

Within the Properties window, navigate to the Open With tab. This section allows you to specify the application that will handle files of this type.

Select the application you wish to utilize for opening these files. Ensure it is the desired program before proceeding.

To permanently associate the file type with your chosen application, click the Set as default button.

This action will ensure that all files of this type are subsequently opened with the selected program.

The process effectively establishes a link between the file extension and the preferred application.

This customization streamlines file access and enhances user experience.

Managing Default Applications with Update-Alternatives

Ubuntu leverages the update-alternatives system, originally adopted from Debian, to manage default applications that operate outside the graphical user interface. This system governs which application is invoked when a generic command is executed.

For instance, when a command requiring a terminal text editor is run, it actually calls the /usr/bin/editor executable. This isn’t a text editor itself, but rather a symbolic link pointing to the editor currently designated as the system default.

How Update-Alternatives Works

By default, this link directs to the nano text editor. However, the update-alternatives command allows users to select a different editor as their preferred choice. If only a single application fulfilling a particular role is installed, it is automatically assigned as the default.

Consider a scenario where you wish to modify the default text editor used by the system. The following command, executed in a terminal, will initiate the configuration process:

sudo update-alternatives --config editor

A list of all installed editors will then be presented. Simply enter the corresponding number of the editor you wish to designate as the default and press Enter to confirm your selection.