Apple macOS | Managing Default Applications

Managing Default Applications

macOS allows you to choose which applications automatically open specific files and web links. This guide explains how to manage your default web browser, PDF reader, and other commonly used applications.

These settings can help ensure documents, images, and links open in the applications you prefer to use. Note: The appearance and location of some settings may vary depending on your macOS version.

1. Changing Your Default Web Browser

Your default web browser determines which application macOS uses to open web links.

  1. Select the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select System Settings.
  3. Select Desktop & Dock.
  4. Locate Default web browser.
  5. Select your preferred browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari.
Tip: Only installed browsers will appear as available options. Some applications may still open links in their own built-in browser.

2. Changing Your Default PDF Application

By default, macOS commonly uses Preview to open PDF files. You can change this to another installed application, such as Adobe Acrobat.

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Locate any PDF file.
  3. Right-click or Control-click the file.
  4. Select Get Info.
  5. Expand the Open with section.
  6. Select your preferred application, such as Adobe Acrobat.
  7. Select Change All to apply this preference to all files of the same type.
  8. Confirm the change when prompted.
Important: Selecting an application under Open with changes the application for the selected file. Selecting Change All applies the change to files of the same type.

3. Opening a File with a Different Application

You can open a file using a different application without changing the default application.

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Right-click or Control-click the file you want to open.
  3. Select Open With.
  4. Choose the application you want to use.

If the application is not listed, select Other to browse additional installed applications.

Tip: This method is useful when you occasionally need to open a PDF in Adobe Acrobat but prefer Preview for everyday viewing.

4. Managing File Associations

macOS uses file types and extensions to determine which application opens a file.

Common examples include:

  • .pdf: Preview or Adobe Acrobat.
  • .docx: Microsoft Word.
  • .xlsx: Microsoft Excel.
  • .pptx: Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • .jpg / .png: Preview or Photos.
  • .html: Safari or Google Chrome.

To change the default application for a specific file type:

  1. Locate a file of the type you want to change.
  2. Right-click the file and select Get Info.
  3. Expand Open with.
  4. Select your preferred application.
  5. Select Change All to update the default for that file type.

5. Finding Installed Applications

If you are unsure whether an application is installed, you can search for it using Spotlight or Finder.

Using Spotlight:

  1. Press Command + Space.
  2. Enter the name of the application.
  3. Select the application from the search results.

Using Finder:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Select Applications from the sidebar.
  3. Browse the list of installed applications.
Note: If an application is not installed, it may not appear as an available default application.

Troubleshooting / Notes

  • Files opening in the wrong application: Use Get Info > Open with to verify the selected application.
  • Default application not changing: Confirm that you selected Change All and accepted the confirmation.
  • Preferred application not listed: Confirm the application is installed and supports the selected file type.
  • PDF files opening in Preview: Change the PDF file association to Adobe Acrobat or another preferred application.
  • Web links opening in the wrong browser: Check the Default web browser setting under System Settings.
Important: Some application settings on MCCCD-managed computers may be restricted by Information Technology. Contact Customer Care if you cannot select a required application.

Related Resources

Additional Resources

For additional support and self-help resources, visit the ITS Service Catalog at help.maricopa.edu or contact the District Information Technology Service support line at 480-731-8632.

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