Mac - Set Default Application for PDFs

Summary

This document details how to set different applications to open PDF files in macOS. By default, macOS has Preview, the built-in PDF reader, set as the default viewer for PDFs. This can be changed with a few simple steps.

Body

Setting Adobe Acrobat as Default PDF Viewer

  1. Find a PDF file.


     
  2. Right-tap (Control key + click) on the PDF. In the menu, select "Get Info."


     
  3. When the Get Info window appears, expand the Open with section right above Preview.


     
  4. Select where it currently says Preview as the default application.


     
  5. Select the desired application.


     
  6. If you desire that all PDFs open via the new application (not just the one we are currently viewing) select "Change All..."


     
  7. macOS will ask for confirmation of this action. If you wish to proceed, select "Continue."


     
  8. Close the Get Info window.

Details

Details

Article ID: 1613
Created
Mon 11/18/24 10:51 AM
Modified
Mon 11/18/24 10:56 AM
Article Visibility
Indicates the minimum user access level required to view this article based on sign-in status.

Note: This setting does not enforce access restrictions. It is used for informational purposes only. "External (Public)" should be used as the default unless the article is intentionally limited.
External (Public)
Article Summary
The Article Summary field allows you to specify a custom synopsis for use when this article is being displayed in a list and the full body is not being shown. This field is the same as the Article Summary.
This document details how to set different applications to open PDF files in macOS. By default, macOS has Preview, the built-in PDF reader, set as the default viewer for PDFs. This can be changed with a few simple steps.