How to change default applications in OS X

.swf flash files try to open in Adobe Illustrator, etc

[peterdouglas]

Can anyone tell me how to change the program chosen by default for certain types of files? For example, .swf files will open in Adobe Illustrator if double clicked on, which of course does absolutely no good. I'd like for them to open in Macromedia Flash Player.

Also, any .html (and I believe .php) files open in Adobe Golive, but I'd prefer them to open in Dreamweaver. I've checked all that would seem logical and cannot find a way to set the default. Of course I can "control-click" to select "open in..." but it's a bit of a hassle when you do it repeatedly.

On my Powerbook G4 I'm running OS 10.4, on my iMac G5 I'm running OS 10.3 and on my parent's iMac G3 we're running OS 10.2. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[dcrombie]

Easy-peasy ;)

1) click once on the file in Finder
2) choose File -> Get Info (or Apple+I)
3) select the application you want to open that file under "Open with"
4) click on [Change All...] to apply this globally

[peterdouglas]

That's excellent, thank you so much!

[DzinerChic]

Hi,

I have done what you suggested several times and OSX keeps reverting back to the original defaults. Particularly images opening in Preview. I use Photoshop for lots of work and have to constantly re-assign. Is there something else I can do? I clicked the box... change all to that default. Still happens. Thanks!

[microcars]

Is there something else I can do?

Repair Permissions

Applications>Utilities>Disk Utility

Launch Disk Utility
choose a Volume (example: Macintosh HD)
choose First Aid
click the Repair Permissions button.

[andy_boyd]

Try this.

1. Ctrl-click on the file.
2. When the contextual menu opens, hold down alt.
3. 'Open With' will now change to 'Always Open With'
4. Select the program you want.

[DzinerChic]

Thanks Microcars... I will try that and let you know if it works!

[whoisgregg]

That's slick andy_boyd, I never knew about modifying the contextual menu choices. :)

[andreaskuhn]

may also be a good idea if you use
a software called »file buddy« for
mac os x.

[DzinerChic]

Thanks everyone for your help. I knew how to get info>open with and change all that way, but whenever I would restart or other times, it would always revert back to Preview for images. I tried the Repair Permissions and it has not happened again. You can also do the open with by right clicking on the file name, but then you can do the "change all" part.

This site rocks for getting great answers. Thanks.

[gobuicker]

I found a simple hack to allow an other application to open JPG (and ALL other) files instead of Preview. I (as root from the command line) moved the Preview directory (to PrieveDefualt) and then made a symbolic link (read short cut) to an different application FFView () in this case.

When clicked on a JPG on my desktop it open right up in FFView. There are some draw backs. For example I am not too sure how FFView deals with PSD/PDF..etc. Also on reboot (something I avoid with my powerbook) it might 'fix' my hack. But for now it is working.

Happy Hacking,
gO'

[jimbobjoe]

Help!

I have the same problem but I have tried all the suggestions in this thread with limited success!

For some reason, somewhere in the past, a machine I used had a version of Microsoft Office X on test drive (11.0 I think).

I don't have that on my new powerbook which causes an error when attempting to open these files. For some reason, even if I try to "change all", it appears to revert back to the default version - the test drive version (11.0), and NOT change all to the older version 10.something I have on this machine.

The "always open with" option appears to work, but then I would have to apply this to all the files, individually...

Is there anything else I can try?

Cheers.

[jimbobjoe]

I have solved my problem - always happens when you go to the trouble of joining a new forum....

I found out that I still had office test drive on my computer - it was in the trash. I moved it back out of the trash and ran the remove office program.. then I had to empty trash and now my default application is the licensed version. I'm so happy. :o)