How to Change Default App on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide
In the vast ocean of Mac applications, ensuring that your preferred apps handle specific tasks efficiently is crucial for a seamless user experience. If you find yourself repeatedly manually opening a different app to complete an action, it might be time to designate it as the default app for that particular task. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps of changing default apps on Mac, empowering you to optimize your Mac’s functionality and save valuable time.
Understanding Default Apps
Default apps are those that your Mac automatically opens when a file type or action is triggered. For instance, if you have multiple web browsers installed, your Mac may default to opening web links in Safari. Changing the default app allows you to override this behavior and specify your preferred application for each task, ensuring a consistent and personalized experience.
Key Advantages of Changing Default Apps
- Enhanced Productivity: Automate repetitive tasks by assigning specific apps to handle different file types or actions, minimizing manual effort and speeding up your workflow.
- Improved User Experience: Enjoy a seamless user experience by using the apps you prefer for specific tasks, eliminating the need to manually select them each time.
- Customization: Tailor your Mac to your individual preferences by designating your favorite apps as defaults, creating a personalized and efficient operating environment.
Methods to Change Default Apps on Mac
Through System Preferences
- Navigate to System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu (top left corner of the screen) and select "System Preferences."
- Find Default Apps: Under the "General" tab, locate the "Default Apps" section.
- Select Application: For each file type or action (e.g., web browser, email client), click on the dropdown menu and select the preferred app.
Via Finder
- Open Finder: Launch Finder from the Dock or using the "Finder" app icon in the Applications folder.
- Select File: Locate and right-click on a specific file or multiple files that you want to open with a different app.
- Change Default: Select "Get Info" from the context menu and then click on the dropdown menu under "Open With." Choose the preferred app as the new default.
Using Terminal Commands
- Launch Terminal: Open the Terminal application from the Applications folder or using Spotlight Search.
- Enter Command: Type the following command into the Terminal window, replacing "appname" with the name of the preferred app and "fileextension" with the extension of the file type you want to associate with it:
defaults write com.apple.LaunchServices/com.apple.launchservices.secure LSHandlers -array-add '{LSHandlerContentType - LSHandlerRole All - LSHandlerType com.example.appname}'
Customizing Default Apps for Specific File Types
You can also customize default apps for specific file types. Simply perform the following steps:
- Open Finder: Launch Finder from the Dock or using the "Finder" app icon in the Applications folder.
- Select File Type: Navigate to the folder containing files of the desired type (e.g., images, documents, videos).
- Right-click File: Right-click on a file of the desired type and select "Get Info" from the context menu.
- Change Default App: Locate the "Open With" section and select the preferred app from the dropdown menu.
Table: File Types and Associated Default Apps
| File Type | Default App |
|---|---|
| .doc, .docx | Microsoft Word |
| .xls, .xlsx | Microsoft Excel |
| .ppt, .pptx | Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Preview | |
| .jpg, .png | Preview |
| .mov, .mp4 | QuickTime Player |
Conclusion
Changing default apps on Mac is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your productivity and user experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily customize your Mac to open specific file types and perform actions with your preferred applications. Embrace the power of default apps and tailor your Mac to meet your individual needs, unlocking a seamless and efficient computing ecosystem.
FAQ about How to Change Default App on Mac
How to change the default app for opening specific file types?
Go to System Preferences > General > Default Apps. Select a file type and choose an app from the dropdown menu.
How to change the default web browser?
Go to System Preferences > General > Default Web Browser. Select your preferred browser from the dropdown menu.
How to change the default email app?
Go to System Preferences > General > Default Mail App. Select your preferred email app from the dropdown menu.
How to change the default calendar app?
Go to System Preferences > General > Default Calendar App. Select your preferred calendar app from the dropdown menu.
How to change the default notes app?
Go to System Preferences > General > Default Notes App. Select your preferred notes app from the dropdown menu.
How to change the default music player?
Go to System Preferences > General > Default Music Player. Select your preferred music player from the dropdown menu.
How to change the default video player?
Go to System Preferences > General > Default Video Player. Select your preferred video player from the dropdown menu.
How to change the default image viewer?
Go to System Preferences > General > Default Image Viewer. Select your preferred image viewer from the dropdown menu.
How to change the default PDF viewer?
Go to System Preferences > General > Default PDF Viewer. Select your preferred PDF viewer from the dropdown menu.
How to change the default document scanner?
Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners. Select a scanner from the sidebar. Click the "Use" dropdown menu and select your preferred scanning software.
