Macintosh: How do I force files to open with a particular program?

Question

How do I set my Macintosh to open an eps file with Illustrator, but then open a jpg in Photoshop, all by default — instead of everything opening in @#$! Preview? This is probably a stupid question, but it’s driving me crazy.

Answer

Nope. This isn’t a stupid question. It’s just not obvious. But it is easy to do!

1. Select/Highlight any jpg file.
2. Get info on the file by doing one of the following:
   • Right clicking and choosing “Get Info”
   • Press the Command + I keys
   • Going to File –> Get Info
3. Look for the “Open With” section and select Photoshop from the dropdown menu. If it isn’t there, you can select “other” and browse your Applications folder.
4. Click the “Change All” button. (That set the change to universal, instead of just for that file.)

From now on, every time you open a jpg, it will use Photoshop as the default program. Follow the same instructions for eps files — just choose Illustrator as your default program instead.

Viola!