Open a file with a different app, just this once

Why it happens

Every kind of file has a default app, and a double-click always sends the file there. Open With lets you choose a different app for one go without changing that default. It's handy when you want to edit a picture or read a document somewhere other than usual.

How to fix it

1. Find the file in Finder or on your desktop. Hold Control and click it, or click with two fingers on a trackpad.

2. Point to Open With. A list of apps that can open this kind of file appears, with the usual one at the top.

   Finder›Control-click›Open With

3. Click the app you want. The file opens in it this time only.

4. App not in the list? Choose Other… at the bottom of Open With, then pick the app from your Applications folder and click Open. If the app is greyed out, change Enable to All Applications first.

Still not fixed?

1. Want this kind of file to always open in the new app? Select the file, press Command-I, open the Open with section, choose the app and click Change All… so every file of that type follows.

   Finder›File›Get Info›Open with›Change All…

2. You can also drag the file onto an app's icon in the Dock. If the app can open that kind of file, its icon is highlighted, and the file opens there when you let go.

3. If the file won't open in any app, it may be damaged or a type your Mac doesn't know. Ask whoever sent it for a fresh copy or a more common format.

4. If the Open With list is empty or shows apps you deleted, restart your Mac. If it's still wrong after that, contact Apple Support.