When using a Mac, the operating system selects a default application to open media files, like videos or music. However, users might prefer other media players for their features or interface. Fortunately, Mac allows for easy changes to these settings. The process requires no extra software and can be done quickly through a few steps involving the Finder application and file properties.
A typical Mac user interacting with various video files might need different functionalities offered by video players like VLC or QuickTime. Choosing a new default video player on a Mac ensures that all media files of the selected format open with the user’s preferred application. This change can be applied to all files of the same type, enhancing the user experience with consistent playback behavior.
Switching Your Mac’s Video App
macOS comes with QuickTime Player as its default video app. While QuickTime is a solid choice, you might prefer a different app to open your video files automatically. Let’s see how to make the switch.
Changing the Default for All Video Files
- Find a Video: In Finder, locate any video file. The format doesn’t matter.
- Get Info: Right-click (or Control-click) the video and choose “Get Info” from the menu.
- Open With: In the “Get Info” window, look for the “Open With” section. Click the dropdown menu next to it.
- Choose Your App: Select your preferred video player from the list (e.g., VLC, IINA, Elmedia Player).
- Change All: Click the “Change All…” button. A confirmation will pop up; click “Continue.”
Now, all videos with the same format as the one you selected will open with your chosen player.
Changing the Default for a Specific Video File
- Select the Video: Find the video file you want to change the default for.
- Get Info: Right-click the video and choose “Get Info.”
- Open With: In the “Open With” section, select your desired video player.
- Apply: This change only applies to the selected file. Other videos with the same format will still open with the overall default.
Popular Mac Video Players
| Video Player | Features | Free or Paid |
|---|---|---|
| VLC Media Player | Versatile, plays almost any format | Free |
| IINA | Modern, customizable interface | Free |
| Elmedia Player | Supports many formats, includes video downloader | Free (with premium option) |
| Movist | Lightweight, high-quality playback | Paid |
Each of these players offers unique features and strengths. Experiment to see which one suits your needs best. Remember, you can always switch back to QuickTime Player or try a different app in the future.
Troubleshooting Tips
- File Associations: If a video doesn’t open with the player you expect, check its file association. Right-click the video, go to “Get Info,” and verify the “Open With” setting.
- App Updates: Make sure your preferred video player is up-to-date. Developers often release updates that fix bugs and improve compatibility.
Key Takeaways
- Users can change the default video player on a Mac to suit their preferences.
- This modification is made through the Finder by adjusting file properties.
- The change applies to all files of the selected format for consistent playback.
Setting Up Your Preferred Video Player
Selecting the right video player for your Mac ensures you enjoy your videos with ease. It also lets you use features that may not be available in the default player.
Downloading and Installing Video Player Software
Choose a video player that suits your needs. Popular options include VLC, Elmedia Player, IINA, 5KPlayer, and Cisdem Video Player. You can often find these apps for free. Visit the App Store or the software’s official website to download the app. Follow the instructions to install it on your Mac.
Understanding File Compatibility and Formats
Your new video player should support various file formats. Common video formats include AVI, MKV, WMV, MP4, FLV, and SWF. The player should also handle different audio codecs. Check the specs to ensure compatibility with the files you have. A video player with broad format support saves you from converting files.
Changing the Default Video Player
Changing the default video player on a Mac is simple and lets you use your favorite app to watch videos.
Changing Video Player for Specific File Types
To change the video player for a single type of file, right-click on a video file and select Get Info. Look for the Open With section in the info window. Here, you will see a drop-down menu from which you can select your desired video player like VLC, Elmedia, or 5K Player. If you want to make VLC your default player for all files of that format, click Change All and then confirm your choice.
Adjusting System Settings for Default Player
For changing the video player across all files of the same type, open System Preferences and navigate to the General tab. Here, you can find options for default web browser and email app, but not for media files. This means you’ll need to change defaults for each file type individually using the Get Info method described above.
Using Third-Party Applications to Manage Defaults
If you’re looking for an easier way to manage all your file associations, consider using a third-party application. These apps often provide an interface that displays all the file types and their associated applications. You can switch defaults with a few clicks. These applications come in handy if you have several media players and want to set different ones for various file types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Setting a new default video player on macOS is a simple process. These questions guide users through changing their default media player for a seamless video or music experience.
How can I set VLC as my default video player on macOS?
Locate a video file in Finder and right-click to open the menu. Choose ‘Get Info’ and click the ‘Open with’ drop-down menu. Select VLC from the list. If it’s not visible, click ‘Other’ and find VLC. Ensure ‘Change All’ is clicked to apply this choice to all files of the same type.
What steps are needed to make QuickTime the default video player on a Mac?
Right-click on the video file and pick ‘Get Info’. In the ‘Open with’ section, select QuickTime Player. Press ‘Change All’ to set QuickTime as the default for all similar files.
How do I assign a new default video player for media files on my MacBook Air?
Right-click on the media file of your choice and go to ‘Get Info’. Click the ‘Open with’ menu to see a list of applications. Choose the app you prefer and click ‘Change All’ to make it the default for all files of that format.
What is the process to change the default app for opening video files on macOS?
Find a video file and right-click it, then select ‘Get Info’. In the ‘Open with:’ section, select your desired app from the menu. Click ‘Change All’ to apply this to all files with the same extension.
Can I change my default music application to Spotify on a Mac, and if so, how?
Yes, you can set Spotify as your default music app. Right-click on a music file and choose ‘Get Info’, then select Spotify from the ‘Open with’ menu. To apply to all music files, click ‘Change All’.
What method do I follow to alter the default file viewer for multimedia on macOS?
To change your default multimedia viewer, right-click on the file and select ‘Get Info’. From there, pick your preferred program in the ‘Open with’ menu and hit ‘Change All’ to set it for all similar files.
