You will see the default app at the top of the list. Select the alternative app you want to use. The file will now open in that app. How To Change The Mac Default App Settings. If you think you’re going to use alternative apps for a long time, it’s better to just set them up as default apps instead of doing the method above every single time. The drop down box will list all the OS X apps that can handle that file type. Choose the preferred program and it will instantly change the default Mac app for that file type. The Change All button will change all file types for that app so that any other customizations will revert back to defaults. If you want to change your Mac's email client from the default Mail, the option is available within Apple's own app. Open Mail, then select the Mail menu option, then Preferences to bring up a.
- In this guide, I will show you how you can set or change default apps for a file on your Mac. While many users are good with the Safari, some of you use Chrome browser on Mac which is a third.
- Jul 07, 2016 You can change the default program or application that’s associated with opening particular file types on your Mac—we’ll show you how. Set or Change Defaults. To set or change the default program that opens a file, here’s what you’ll do: Right-click by touching two fingers to your Mac’s trackpad and click or right-click your mouse.
From documents, resumes to books, PDF is a pretty standard file format. Mac’s default PDF viewer is Preview. But you can easily change the default PDF viewer on Mac in just a few clicks.
Preview is great for viewing PDFs and basic annotating. However, it lacks a few features. To modify the text or to fill forms, you will need a sophisticated PDF editor app, and making them the default PDF viewer will save both time and energy.
How to Set the Default PDF Viewer in macOS Catalina
If you have downloaded an alternative PDF viewer on your Mac, the app might have prompted you to become the default application. So, before we move on, let’s first check what is a default PDF reader on your Mac.
Check the Default PDF Viewer on Mac
Step #1. Lookup a PDF file on your Mac and right-click or tap it with two fingers.
Step #2. Hover the cursor on Open With and observe the dialogue box that appears.
The first option in the listing will have (default) written behind the app. This signifies that the app is currently the default PDF viewer on your Mac.
Now that we have discovered it, let’s get down to switching the default PDF viewer.
To Change Default PDF Viewer on Mac
Step #1. Tap the PDF file with two fingers or right-click to invoke the contextual menu.
Step #2. Move the cursor to Get Info and click.
Step #3. In the pop-up window, look for the “Open With:” menu. If the tab is closed, expand it by clicking on the small grey arrow beside it.
Step #4. Here, click on the drop-down menu and select the application you prefer.
Step #5. Once selected, click on Change All… button to make it default.
Default Programs Mac Settings
Step #6. Click Continue to confirm.
And now, when you check the default PDF viewer on Mac, it will have the app you set.
That’s All
Do note that this method does not just apply to PDF files. This indeed is the way to change the default app of any kind of file. So, go ahead, mix, match, and play!
Set Default Apps On Mac
And as far as file formats go, PDF is amongst the most popular and secure document formats out there. And thankfully Mac carries a variety of features to accommodate the format, such as:-
How To Change The Default App In Mac
A self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available. My expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials. If not this, you might find me surfing the web or listening to audiobooks.
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