Are you tired of using the same default apps on your Mac for various file types? Perhaps you're a developer who prefers using Visual Studio Code for editing code files, but your Mac insists on opening them with TextEdit. Or maybe you're a graphic designer who wants to use Adobe Photoshop as the default image editor. Whatever the reason, setting default apps on Mac is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your productivity. In this article, we'll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to change default programs for file types on your Mac.
Understanding Default Apps on Mac
By default, macOS assigns a specific app to open certain file types. For example, when you click on a .docx file, it opens in Microsoft Word (if installed) or Pages (if Word is not installed). However, you can change these default apps to your preferred ones. This is particularly useful if you have multiple apps that can open the same file type, and you want to use a specific one as the default.
Method 1: Changing Default Apps via File Info
One of the easiest ways to change the default app for a specific file type is by using the “Get Info” window. Here’s how:
- Find the file for which you want to change the default app.
- Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the file and select "Get Info" from the context menu.
- In the "Get Info" window, click on the "Open with" dropdown menu.
- Select the app you want to use as the default from the list of available apps.
- If the app you want to use is not listed, click on "Other..." and navigate to the app's location.
- Once you've selected the app, click on "Add" and then "Change All..." to apply the change to all files of the same type.
| File Type | Default App | Alternative App |
|---|---|---|
| .txt | TextEdit | Visual Studio Code |
| .jpg | Preview | Adobe Photoshop |
| Preview | Adobe Acrobat |
Method 2: Changing Default Apps via System Preferences
Another way to change default apps on Mac is by using the System Preferences. Here’s how:
- Click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
- Click on "General" and then select "Default Apps."
- In the "Default Apps" window, you'll see a list of file types and their corresponding default apps.
- Click on the dropdown menu next to each file type and select the app you want to use as the default.
Key Points
- You can change default apps for specific file types using the "Get Info" window or System Preferences.
- You can select from a list of available apps or choose a different app not listed.
- Changing default apps can enhance your productivity by allowing you to use your preferred apps for specific tasks.
- You can apply changes to all files of the same type or specific files.
- System Preferences provides a centralized location for managing default apps.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While changing default apps on Mac is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- If the app you want to use as the default is not listed, try restarting your Mac or reinstalling the app.
- If you're unable to change the default app for a specific file type, try resetting the app's associations using the "Get Info" window.
- If you're experiencing issues with file associations, try using a third-party app like "Default App" to manage your default apps.
How do I reset the default app for a specific file type?
+To reset the default app for a specific file type, go to the "Get Info" window, click on the "Open with" dropdown menu, and select "Other...". Then, navigate to the app's location and select it. Click on "Add" and then "Change All..." to apply the change to all files of the same type.
Can I change the default app for multiple file types at once?
+Yes, you can change the default app for multiple file types at once using the System Preferences. Go to "General" and then select "Default Apps". In the "Default Apps" window, you'll see a list of file types and their corresponding default apps. Click on the dropdown menu next to each file type and select the app you want to use as the default.
What if the app I want to use as the default is not listed?
+If the app you want to use as the default is not listed, try restarting your Mac or reinstalling the app. You can also try using a third-party app like "Default App" to manage your default apps.
In conclusion, changing default apps on Mac is a simple process that can greatly enhance your productivity. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can change default programs for file types and use your preferred apps for specific tasks.