How to use the always open feature on Mac
If you want your Mac to always open CSV with Excel or any other file type with a certain app, we've got the tips you've been searching for.
By setting up default apps for specific file types, you can seriously streamline your workflow so that every time you open a file, it opens with your preferred application.
We'll walk you through the process of setting up and troubleshooting Apple's Always Open feature, so let's get started.
Set up: Mac always open CSV with Excel or other app feature
It's really annoying when you go to open a file, and an app that you don't like or regularly use opens it up. Instead of trying to figure out how to use the app or reading online tutorials, you can configure which applications open specific file types.
For instance, you might prefer opening PDFs in Adobe Acrobat instead of Preview or links in Chrome instead of Safari. And the good thing is this doesn't take long to do. So, here's how to set your preferred default app:
- Right-click the file you want to open.
- Click Get Info from the menu.
- Under the Open with section, you'll be able to see which app is currently set to open the file by default; change this to your preferred app.
- Next, click the Change All button and confirm.
Repeat this process for any other file types that open with an app you don't want. Once you've done this, that's it; it's all set up, and now your files should open with the exact tools you want!
How to change the default apps on Mac
In the future, if you install a new app that becomes your preferred tool, you can simply repeat the steps above to change the default opener. Nothing complicated. Once you know how to do this, it's a breeze.
If you're running into glitches or errors when changing the default app, jump below. We've got some troubleshooting tips for you.
Fixes: Mac Always Open with not working
So, if you've followed the steps above to set or change your default open app, but files still open in the wrong app or the Always Open option isn't functioning as expected, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Restart your Mac
From the main menu on your Mac, choose Restart. Obvious to some, but this can actually solve loads of Mac glitches.
2. Reapply the default app settings
If a restart didn't help, try changing the default app again; if you forgot to click the Change All button, this might be why.
3. Run some Mac maintenance tasks
When the Mac Always Open With feature is not working, it could be due to a system glitch or background processes affecting its functionality. To resolve this, you could try running some system maintenance tasks. Don't worry if that sounds complicated; you can utilize a tool like CleanMyMac to do all the hard work for you. It comes with a smart Performance tool, which can help resolve file association issues and get the Always Open feature working smoothly again. Start your free CleanMyMac trial and follow these steps to use it:
- Open the app, select Performance, and click Scan.
- Click View All Tasks and select the maintenance items you want to run.
- Finally, click Run.
4. Update your macOS
If your Mac isn't running the latest operating system, that could be another factor leading to issues with files not opening correctly. Updates often include important and known bug fixes that might help you resolve this issue. Here's a reminder of how to check if you're up to date:
- Open System Settings from the main Apple menu.
- Select General > Software Update.
- Install updates if there are any.
5. Check for conflicting apps
If this problem started after you installed a new app on your Mac, it could be that a third-party tool is causing system conflicts. Try removing the app to see if you can open or change the default app settings. Don't forget that deleting apps is a bit more complex than just dropping app icons into the trash; you'll need to make sure you delete all the files left behind on your Mac, too. Check out this blog post on how to safely and properly remove apps.
So, now you know how to set up your Mac to always open CSV with Excel or other file type, for that matter. The Always Open feature from Apple makes sure that your preferred apps handle specific file types. Why not bookmark this page for later reference?