Creating a default app.

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Level 1

8 points

Creating a default app.

I made ms word a default app for my documents as most are already word. By going through finder, apps, get info, there was an option under comments there was an option to "open with" with a further option to 'change all". So I made ms word a default. Then I try and do the same with pdf documents but the option isn't there. I check all the other apps and the same, this option has been deleted somehow. So I get on to support who can offer no assistance. They tried to see what happens in safe mode but the problem is still there.

So, does anyone else have any suggestions?

iMac 21.5″ 4K, 13.5

Posted on Aug 3, 2023 3:39 AM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

102,493 points

Aug 3, 2023 4:01 AM in response to APRLegal

Two cents here and meant to help only.

The normal Default Application to open PDF Files is Preview

The Builtin application of Apple

If there is No Other Third Party Application installed that can work on PDF files , the option to set the default application for PDFs would not be available

Otherwise, follow the previous suggestion

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Answer 2

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,254 points

Aug 3, 2023 5:09 AM in response to APRLegal

You do not want to set the Open with to Microsoft Word for PDF files as from Word 16.31 and later, it will open the PDF and convert it into a Word .docx document. Better to keep the Open With setting for PDFs to Apple's Preview or secondarily, a current version of Adobe's free Acrobat Reader DC.

Then, if you want to convert a PDF to Word .docx, use the Finder's right-click menu Open With : Microsoft Word to do this on a case-by-case basis.

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

135,833 points

Aug 3, 2023 3:45 AM in response to APRLegal

When you're in the Finder, you have to select a PDF, press command i. "Open With" should be in the window.

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Answer 4

APRLegal Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 3, 2023 4:02 AM in response to dialabrain

Thanks dialabrain, but selecting an "open with" isn't the issue. I want to set defaults for various files etc , ms word was one but I want to set a default for all my pdf's, not just one at a time. As I say it's not just pdf's, none of my apps have the open with to select as default as it used to be. Opening one file is fine but I want it to default.

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