Modifying the application that automatically opens a specific kind of document on macOS is a fundamental aspect of personalizing the user experience. For example, an individual might prefer to open all “.txt” files with TextEdit instead of the default application, or choose a specific image editor for “.jpg” files over Preview.
Customizing these application associations ensures efficiency and workflow optimization. It eliminates the need to manually select a program each time a particular file is opened. Furthermore, it offers flexibility, allowing users to leverage their preferred software for different tasks. This capability has been present in macOS and its predecessors for many years, evolving in its implementation details across different system versions, yet maintaining its core functionality.