Change File Type Associations: Opening PDF Files with Different Programs

Changing File Type Associations: Opening PDF Files with Different Programs

If you're a developer who works with a lot of PDF files, you might find it frustrating when your computer opens PDFs in a program that doesn't meet your needs. This article will guide you through the process of changing the default program that opens PDF files on your computer, with a focus on Google Chrome.

Why Change the Default PDF Opener?

There are many reasons why you might want to change the default program that opens PDF files. Perhaps you prefer to use a dedicated PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat or Foxit PhantomPDF, or maybe you want to use a browser extension that adds additional functionality to PDFs. Whatever your reason, changing the default program is a simple process that can save you time and frustration.

Changing the Default PDF Opener on Windows

To change the default program that opens PDF files on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on a PDF file and select Properties.
2. In the Properties window, click on the Change button next to Opens with:.
3. Select the program you want to use as the default PDF opener and click OK.
4. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

Changing the Default PDF Opener on Mac

To change the default program that opens PDF files on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on a PDF file and select Get Info.
2. In the Get Info window, find the Open with: section and select the program you want to use as the default PDF opener.
3. Click Change All... to apply this change to all PDF files on your computer.
4. Confirm the change by clicking Continue.

Using Google Chrome as the Default PDF Opener

Google Chrome is a popular choice for opening PDF files, as it offers a range of features such as smooth scrolling, text search, and the ability to save PDFs directly to Google Drive. To set Chrome as the default PDF opener, follow the steps outlined above for your operating system, selecting Google Chrome as the program you want to use.

Changing the default program that opens PDF files is a simple process that can save you time and frustration. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set Google Chrome or another program as the default PDF opener on your computer.

References

• Change the default program for files and file types - Microsoft Support
• Change the default apps that open files - Apple Support
• How to Set Google Chrome as Your Default PDF Viewer - How-To Geek