This article explains how to change the default application used to open a type of file.

For example, if you are using the DownloadHelper addon in Firefox to download .flv video files to your computer from the Internet, Mac OS X may not know what to do with them. Or if the current program that is set to play your .flv files cannot play them (Adobe's Flash Player, for example) you will need to change the default application set to open them.

We will use Get Info to make this change. Here is how:

1. Single click on a/the file for which you wish to change the default program used to open it.

2. Press and hold the Apple/Command key and then press the i key on your keyboard. This will open an Info window for the file you selected. The screenshot below is for a .flv file named dominoe.

 
3. Find the section labeled Open with: and click on it to view the drop-down menu for this setting. If the application you wish to open the file with is in the drop-down menu (See below.) click on it and skip to step 4!

If the application you wish to use is not in the drop-down menu then you will have to click on Other... at the bottom of the drop-down menu. (See below.)

The Choose Other Application window will open. (See below.)