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File associations are an essential part of our digital lives. They determine which application opens when we double-click on a specific file type. However, sometimes these associations can become problematic. Maybe you accidentally associated a file type with the wrong program, or perhaps a file is not opening with the expected application. In such situations, knowing how to change file associations on your Mac can be a lifesaver. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to achieve this task successfully.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change File Associations on Mac
There are several reasons why changing file associations on your Mac can be necessary. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
1. Compatibility: Sometimes, a file may not open with the intended application due to an incorrect file association. Changing the association ensures that the file opens correctly.
2. Preference: You might prefer to work with a specific application when dealing with certain file types. Changing file associations allows you to set your preferred application as the default opener for those specific file types.
3. Correcting mistakes: It is possible to accidentally associate a file type with the wrong program, causing confusion and frustration. Changing the association rectifies this mistake.
Method 1: Changing File Associations via “Get Info“
Changing file associations on a Mac is straightforward using the "Get Info" option. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Right-click on the file whose association you want to change.
2. From the context menu, select "Get Info." Alternatively, you can select the file and press Command + I on your keyboard.
3. In the "Get Info" window that opens, locate the "Open With" section.
4. Click on the dropdown menu next to the application name and select your preferred application. If it is not listed, click on "Other" to browse for the desired application.
5. Once you have selected the desired application, click on the "Change All" button to apply the change to all files of that type.
Pros:
– Simple and easy to use.
– Applies changes to all files of the same type automatically.
Cons:
– Limited to the selected file type.
– May need to repeat the process for each different file type.
Method 2: Changing File Associations via Finder Preferences
Another way to change file associations on your Mac is through the Finder Preferences. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open a Finder window.
2. Click on the "Finder" option in the Menu bar and select "Preferences."
3. In the Finder Preferences window, click on the "General" tab if it is not already selected.
4. Look for the section labeled "Default web browser" and click on the dropdown menu next to it.
5. Select your preferred application from the list. If it is not listed, click on "Other" to browse for the desired application.
6. Close the Finder Preferences window.
Pros:
– Changes the default application for all supported file types.
– Provides a central location to manage file associations.
Cons:
– Limited to specific file types.
– May not apply changes to file types not supported by Finder Preferences.
Method 3: Changing File Associations via the “Open With” Option
The "Open With" option provides a quick and easy way to change file associations on your Mac. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Right-click on the file you want to change the association for.
2. From the context menu, select "Open With" and then choose the desired application. Alternatively, you can hold down the Option key while right-clicking to reveal the "Always Open With" option.
3. If the desired application is not listed, click on "Other" to browse for it.
4. Once you have selected the desired application, the file will open with that application.
Pros:
– Quick and easy to change associations for individual files.
– Provides flexibility in choosing the desired application.
Cons:
– Changes apply only to the selected file.
– May need to repeat the process for each different file type.
Method 4: Changing File Associations via Terminal
If you are comfortable using Terminal, you can change file associations using command-line commands. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open Terminal from the Applications > Utilities folder.
2. Use the following command to change the file association: open -a [Application Name] [File Path]
Replace [Application Name] with the name of the desired application and [File Path] with the path to the file you want to associate.
3. Press Enter to execute the command and open the file with the selected application.
Pros:
– Provides a command-line solution for changing file associations.
– Allows for automation and scripting.
Cons:
– Requires familiarity with Terminal and command-line commands.
– Limited to changing associations one file at a time.
What to Do If You Can’t Change File Associations
In rare cases, you may encounter difficulties changing file associations on your Mac. If you find yourself unable to change file associations, here are a few things you can try:
1. Restart your Mac: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve issues related to file associations.
2. Reset Finder Preferences: Go to the Finder Preferences window and click on the "Reset" button located at the bottom. This will reset all settings related to file associations.
3. Use a third-party application: If the built-in options do not work, consider using a third-party application designed specifically for managing file associations on macOS.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few bonus tips to enhance your file association experience on Mac:
1. Create custom file associations for unique workflows by selecting "Other" in the "Open With" dialog and choosing different applications.
2. Use the "Always Open With" option to permanently set a specific application as the default opener for a file type.
3. Regularly review and update your file associations to ensure optimal productivity.
5 FAQs about Changing File Associations on Mac
Q1: Can I associate multiple applications with a single file type?
A: No, macOS allows only one default application to be associated with a specific file type. However, you can use the "Open With" option to choose a different application each time you open the file.
Q2: Will changing file associations affect existing files?
A: Changing file associations does not affect the actual contents of the files. It only determines which application opens when you double-click on the file.
Q3: Can I change file associations for all users on the Mac?
A: No, file associations are specific to each user account on the Mac. Each user can have their own set of file associations.
Q4: How do I remove a file association?
A: To remove a file association, right-click on the file, select "Get Info," and then click on the "Open With" dropdown menu. Choose "Other" and select an application other than the one currently associated.
Q5: Can I change file associations for system files?
A: Changing file associations for system files can have unintended consequences and is generally not recommended. It is best to leave system file associations as they are.
Final Thoughts
Changing file associations on your Mac is a valuable skill that can help you optimize your workflow and ensure files open with the desired applications. Whether you prefer using the "Get Info" option, Finder Preferences, or the "Open With" context menu, there are multiple methods at your disposal. If all else fails, consider restarting your Mac or exploring third-party applications for managing file associations. With these methods and bonus tips, you can take control of your file associations and maximize productivity on your Mac.