Programmatically Change Default Application to Open a File With

Question

iMDB OP

Created May ’22

Replies 2

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Finder allows the user to manually change the default 'Open With' application for a file by going to 'Get Info'.

Is there a way to programmatically do this, for example, with AppleScript, in order to change the default 'Open With' application of specific files?

My use-case is changing default 'Open With' application for files that are in a certain directory. I prefer the user doesn't have to do this manually.

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Answer 1

ssmith_c OP

May ’22

from NSWorkspace.h

(void)setDefaultApplicationAtURL:(NSURL *)applicationURL toOpenContentTypeOfFileAtURL:(NSURL *)url completionHandler:(void (^_Nullable)(NSError *_Nullable error))completionHandler API_AVAILABLE(macos(12.0));

before macOS 12, use LSSetDefaultRoleHandlerForContentType from LSInfo.h in the LaunchServices framework.

No idea how to do this with AppleScript. You could use Automator to make a Folder Action for any file matching a pattern in a particular directory. You'd probably want to put a Set Application for Files action after a Filter Finder Items action.

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Answer 2

iMDB OP

May ’22

@ssmith_c, I will try this out. Thanks!

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