Certain actions that you perform on your Mac will cause default apps to open. For example, clicking a document may open Pages. But what if you want Microsoft Word to open instead? You can also set your default web browser and email reader.

Mar 04, 2019  Thunderbird is a free and highly extensible email client that feels like a classic version of Outlook. Some of the more useful features include tabbed email, sending of large attachments using cloud storage, and the ability to greatly change the look and feel of the app. Best Mac email client for a feature-rich alternative to Apple Mail.

1. To quickly find a shortcut in this article, you can use the Search. Press Command+F, and then type your search words. The settings in some versions of the Mac operating system and some utility applications might conflict with keyboard shortcuts and function key operations in Office for Mac.
2. Jun 02, 2020  Along with working from the menu bar, it can also be activated with a global shortcut. Running Apple's Mail app and tap Shift-Command-P, you can.

Here's how!

How to change the default Mac app for specific file types

1. Right-click on a file that uses the file type you'd like to change the default for. For example, one with a .jpg extension (a photo).
2. Click on Get Info in the pop-up.
3. Click Open With if the section isn't already expanded.

4. Click the dropdown and choose an app.

   Source: iMore

5. Click Change All...

6. Click Continue when the Finder asks you if you're sure.

   Source: iMore

Now any time you open a file with that extension, the Finder will automatically open it with the app you've selected.

How to set your default web browser

1. Launch System Preferences from the dock, Finder, or by clicking the Apple icon in the Menu bar.
2. Click General at the top left of the window.
3. Click the dropdown next to Default web browser.

4. Click the web browser you'd like to use as the default.

   Source: iMore

How to set your default email reader

Mail is likely the default email app on your Mac, but just in case you have others downloaded, you can set the default reader. Here's how:

1. Launch Mail from your dock or the Finder.
2. Click Mail in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
3. Click Preferences.
4. Click the dropdown next to Default Mail Reader.

5. Click the app you'd like to set as the default.

   Source: iMore

Questions?

Let us know in the comments below.

Updated February 2020: Updated for macOS Catalina!

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