In Mac OS X, how do I assign an application to open certain file types?

Mac OS X allows you to choose which application on your computer is assigned to open certain file types with common filename extensions (e.g., .pdf, .jpg, .tiff, .mp3, .mov). This is useful, for example, if you want a file with the extension .pdf to be opened with Adobe Reader instead of the Preview application. Files created in the Classic environment, which often do not have a filename extension, may also be assigned to open with an appropriate Mac OS X application using the following instructions.

Note: The instructions below, which change the file's icon in the Mac OS X Finder to reflect the program that will open it, will have no effect on the type or creator codes which may be contained in the file itself. For more, see In Mac OS and Mac OS X, what are file types and creators?

1. Select the file in the Finder by clicking it once.
   
   
2. From the File menu, select Get Info.
   
   
3. In the Info window, click the triangle next to "Open with:" to expand that section of the window.
   
   
4. From the pull-down menu that appears, select the application you wish to use to open the file.

   Note: Not every application listed will open the file as expected. Make sure the application is appropriate for the type of file with which you are working.

If you would like to change the application to open all similar file types, click Change All... . You will see a confirmation dialog box asking if this is really what you want to do. Click Continue.

Also see:

• In Mac OS and Mac OS X, what are file types and creators?
• In Mac OS X, what is the Info window, and how do I use it?
• For Mac OS X, what are some useful keyboard commands?