Change the default application that opens a file - Mac

The macOS keeps a detailed list of the applications used to open specific file types by default. For example, when you click on a .docx file, the macOS will automatically open the Microsoft Word application. Occasionally, you might want to change the default application used to open a certain file.

Change the default application in macOS

1. In the Finder -- or on your desktop -- right-click on the file for which you want to change the default application.
2. On the resulting pop-up dialog box, select Open With > Other...
3. On the Choose an application dialog box:
   • Check the Always Open With check box (near the bottom)
   • Select the appropriate app in the list of applications.
     Click on the Open button.
4. The file will now open in the new selected app. You should see a dialog box asking if you would like to switch the default application for opening this type of file. Click on the Yes button and, from that point forward, all files of this type should open in the selected application.

Example 1: Change the default application to open .PDF files

1. In the Finder -- or on your desktop -- right-click on any .PDF file. 
2. On the resulting pop-up dialog box, select Open With > Other...
3. On the Choose an application dialog box:
   • Check the Always Open With check box (near the bottom)
   • Select Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.app (or Adobe Acrobat DC.app if you have the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription) in the list of applications
   • Click on the Open button.
4. The PDF file will now open in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or Adobe Acrobat DC. You should see a dialog box asking if you would like to switch the default application for opening PDF files. Click on the Yes button and, from that point forward, all PDFs should open in the select version of Acrobat.

Example 2: Change the default application to open .JPG files

1. In the Finder -- or on your desktop -- right-click on any .JPG file. 
2. On the resulting pop-up dialog box, select Open With > Other...
3. On the Choose an application dialog box:
   • Check the Always Open With check box (near the bottom)
   • Select Adobe Photoshop.app (or another app you would prefer) in the list of applications.
   • Click on the Open button.
4. The JPG file will now open in the selected app.