On a Mac, the default PDF viewer or default PDF reader is the built-in Preview app. The Preview app is not only the default app for PDF files but also image files.
The Preview, like other built-in apps, serves its purpose well. In addition to opening PDF and picture files, it can also edit these file types. So, you do not need additional software to edit PDF and picture files. That said, there are many third-party utilities with more features and options.
Now, if, for some reason, you want to change the default PDF viewer to an app that you like more than the Preview, you can do so.
This guide shows you how to change the default PDF viewer on a Mac.
Change the default PDF reader on Mac
NOTE: We assume that you already have installed the app that you want to make default for PDF on your Mac. If not, please install the app before proceeding further.
Step 1: Open Finder and navigate to any PDF file. You do not need to open the Finder if a PDF file is on the Desktop.
Step 2: Perform a right-click on the PDF file and then click the Get info option.
Step 3: In the resulting file info dialog, expand the Open with drop-down by clicking on the same.
Step 4: Now, select the app that you want to make the default for PDF files from the drop-down menu.
In this guide, we select the Microsoft Edge app to open PDF files. You can choose an app of your choice. If the app you would like to select is missing from the list, please click the Other button, select the app you would like to use to open PDF files, and then click the Add button.
Step 5: Finally, click the Change all button to apply this setting to all PDF files. That’s it! From now onwards, your Mac will always open PDF files in the selected app.
Our how to change the default PDF reader in Windows 11 guide might also interest you.
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