How to Create and Manage File Associations

File associations are essential for managing which programs open certain file types on your computer. By associating specific file extensions with particular applications, you can conveniently open files with just a double-click. This guide will walk you through the process of creating and managing file associations on various operating systems.

Windows

Step 1: Open the Default Apps Settings

1. Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
2. In the Settings window, choose Apps.

Step 2: Choose Default Apps

1. Select Default Apps from the left sidebar.
2. Scroll down until you find the Choose default apps by file type option and click on it.

Step 3: Set a Default App for a Specific File Type

1. Scroll through the list of file extensions until you find the desired file type.
2. Click on the default app currently associated with the file type.
3. A dropdown menu will appear with a list of available applications. Choose the desired app to associate with the file type.

Step 4: Associate a File Type with an App

1. Scroll down further until you find the Choose default apps by protocol option and click on it.
2. Scroll through the list until you find the desired protocol.
3. Click on the default app currently associated with the protocol.
4. Choose the desired app from the dropdown menu.

Step 5: Managing File Associations in Control Panel

1. Open the Control Panel by typing Control Panel in the Windows search bar and selecting the app.
2. In the Control Panel, search for Default Programs and click on it.
3. Select Set Associations to manage file associations more extensively.

macOS

Step 1: Open Finder Preferences

1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. In the System Preferences window, click on General.
3. Click on the Finder Preferences button.

Step 2: Set a Default App for a Specific File Type

1. In the Finder Preferences window, select the File Types tab.
2. Choose the desired file type from the list.
3. Click on the application listed next to it or click Other to select a different application.
4. Select the desired app and click OK.

Step 3: Managing File Associations via Get Info

1. Select a file of the type you want to manage associations for.
2. Right-click on the file and choose Get Info from the context menu.
3. In the Info window, locate the Open with section.
4. Click on the current default app, and a dropdown menu will appear.
5. Choose a different application from the list or click Other to select one.

Linux (GNOME Desktop Environment)

Step 1: Open File Properties

1. Right-click on a file of the type you want to manage associations for.
2. From the context menu, select Properties or Open With Other Application.

Step 2: Set a Default App for a Specific File Type

1. In the Properties window, navigate to the Open With tab.
2. A list of recommended applications will be displayed.
3. Click on the desired application or click View All Applications to see a more extensive list.
4. If the desired application is not listed, click Use a custom command and provide the required details.

Step 3: Revert to the Default App

1. If you want to restore the default app for a certain file type, select the application from the list and click on the Reset button.

Congratulations! You have now learned how to create and manage file associations on Windows, macOS, and Linux. By customizing these associations, you can streamline your workflow and enhance your overall productivity.