By default, macOS opens all PDF (Portable Document Format) files using the built-in Preview application. While Preview is excellent for basic viewing and lightweight annotation, many users require more advanced features found in dedicated PDF editors like Adobe Acrobat Reader, PDF Expert, or even web browsers. If you frequently find yourself right-clicking to select “Open With,” changing the default application can save you significant time.
Why Change the Default PDF Application?
The native Preview app is sufficient for most home users, but professional environments often require advanced tools. You might need to change the default application if you regularly:
- Fill out complex interactive PDF forms.
- Apply certified digital signatures (which Preview handles differently than Adobe Acrobat).
- Edit the underlying text or structure of a PDF document.
- Use specialized accessibility tools integrated into third-party software.
How to Change the Default Application for All PDFs
To ensure that every PDF file on your Mac opens with your preferred application automatically, follow this standard macOS procedure:
- Locate any PDF file on your Mac (on your Desktop or in the Finder).
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the PDF file.
- From the context menu, select Get Info. Alternatively, you can highlight the file and press Command + I on your keyboard.
- In the Info window that appears, look for the section titled Open with:. If it is collapsed, click the small grey arrow next to it to expand the section.
- Click on the dropdown menu, which will currently display Preview (default).
- Select your preferred application from the list (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader). If your app is not listed, select Other… at the bottom of the list and locate it in your Applications folder.
- Once you have selected the new application, click the Change All… button located just below the dropdown menu.
- A confirmation dialog box will appear, asking “Are you sure you want to change all similar documents to open with the application?” Click Continue to confirm.
Close the Info window. From now on, double-clicking any PDF file on your Mac will launch it using the application you just specified.
Reverting to macOS Preview
If you find that a third-party application is too slow or bloated for everyday viewing, you can easily revert to the default macOS behaviour. Simply repeat the steps above, but in Step 5, select Preview from the dropdown menu, click Change All…, and confirm the change.