macOS
How do I change default apps on Mac?
Quick answer
To change default apps on a Mac, go to System Preferences, select 'General', and choose your preferred applications for web browsing, email, and more.
Changing default apps on macOS allows you to customize which applications open specific file types and protocols.
Steps
- 1
Open System Preferences
Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select 'System Preferences'.
- 2
Select General
In System Preferences, click on 'General' to access default app settings.
- 3
Choose Default Apps
From the 'Default web browser' and 'Default email reader' dropdowns, select the applications you want to use.
- 4
Set Default for File Types
Right-click a file, select 'Get Info', choose an app under 'Open with', and click 'Change All' to apply.
Changing the Default Web Browser
In the 'General' section of System Preferences, you can select your preferred web browser from the 'Default web browser' dropdown menu.
Changing the Default Email Client
Similarly, in the 'General' preferences, choose your preferred email application from the 'Default email reader' dropdown.
Changing Default Applications for Specific File Types
To change the default app for a specific file type, right-click the file, select 'Get Info', and under 'Open with', choose your desired app, then click 'Change All'.
Watch out for
- Some applications may not allow themselves to be set as default for certain file types.
FAQ
Can I set different default apps for different file types?
Yes, you can set different default applications for various file types by using the 'Get Info' option on individual files.
Will changing the default app affect all users on the Mac?
No, changing default apps only affects the current user account; other accounts will retain their own settings.
What if the app I want isn't listed?
If the app isn't listed, you can select 'Other...' in the dropdown menus to browse and choose any installed application.