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When you first buy a Mac, it comes with helpful pre-installed apps that allow you to use your device right out of the box. However, you may have your preferred options, and fortunately, there are alternatives to the default programs. Although Mail, iTunes, and Safari are the default applications for email, audio, and web links, you can quickly and easily switch to other apps of your choice. This article guides you through the steps of customizing default apps on a Mac, both temporarily and permanently.
What are Standard Apps?
Your Mac responds to different types of files by automatically opening them with preset applications, such as MP3 or JPG. This is useful in general, but sometimes you might want to open a file with a different app. In such cases, you have two options: temporarily change the app that opens the file or change the default app permanently.
Temporarily Change the Default App for a File
If you want to temporarily launch a file in another app, follow these easy steps:
- Locate the file you want to use in Finder
- Right-click on the file to open a context menu
- Select “Open with” from the options
- An essential list of apps will appear. Select the app you prefer, and the file will open in that program instead.
Permanently Change the Default App for a File Type
Changing the default app for a file type requires only a few more steps:
- Locate the file you want to change in Finder
- Right-click on the file to open a context menu
- Select “Get Info” from the options
- A dialog box will appear with a “Open with” section. Open that
- Select the app you want to use and click “Change All” button.
Change the Default Browser
To change the default browser, you will need to open “System Preferences” and select “General”. Under “Standard web browser,” you can choose which browser you want to set as your default
Change Your Email Appplication
If you want to change the default email application, open the Mail app and click on Mail > Preferences. In the drop-down menu labeled “Standard email reader,” select the preferred email client, and it will become the new default.
With these steps, you can customize default apps on your Mac according to your preferences. You can even revert to the original settings if you change your mind.
If you have any queries, please refer to the frequently asked questions section below.
FAQs
1. How do I reset the default apps on my Mac?
To reset the default apps on your Mac, open “System Preferences,” select the application category you want to reset (such as “Mail” or “Web Browser”), and click on the “Default” button next to the name. This will reset the default app to the original settings.
2. Can I change the default app for file types I created?
Yes, you can change the default app for file types you have created. Follow the same steps for changing the default app for any other file type.