RCDefaultApp for Mac

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RCDefaultApp Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

RCDefaultApp is a free utility designed for Mac users to manage and set default applications based on file types. This software allows users to easily modify the default programs assigned to open specific file formats, streamlining the overall user experience. With a straightforward interface, it offers quick access to change preferences without navigating through multiple system settings.

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Trial version

The current version, 2.1, is compatible with Mac OS X and earlier versions, making it a versatile tool for users with older systems. Despite being released in 2006, it remains a relevant choice for those looking to customize their file management. RCDefaultApp is lightweight, requiring minimal storage space compared to other utilities, and supports English language users.

RCDefaultApp for Mac

Used RCDefaultApp for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: September 20, 2009

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 2.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

Mac OS X 10.4
Mac OS X 10.3.9
Mac OS X 10.2
Mac OS X 10.5
Mac OS X 10.6
Mac OS X
Mac OS X 10.3

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 3,071

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.6/5

8 User Votes

Extremely helpful
z1urMay 15, 2011
Pros
Can easily choose the default application to launch for any file extension. For example, if you install Microsoft Office, but you still want to use Keynote to view presentations. Also enables a lot of other configuration options not found elsewhere.
Cons
None, except that the name is not easy to remember and find. "Default App" would be a better name, but it's already taken by an obsolete product.
Summary
Amazing that this is not native in OSX, and that it's so hard to find. It's a great app that should be default on every Mac (or as common as Growl) and should be easier to find.
Does exactly what it says.
AndyD21October 5, 2009
Pros
Allows you to choose the default app for file types even if they were created in a different app like Final Cut.
Cons
Nothing I've found.
Summary
If you want more control over your file extensions and default apps in one quick place, you need this software. I wanted to be able to open .mov files in quicktime even if Final Cut created them. This app was able to override the system settings and save me time since Quicktime takes 2 seconds, Final Cut takes 2 minutes to open.
Good App but does it work with Leopard Mac OS ...
tom.25July 15, 2009
Pros
Cons
Summary
...10.5<br />This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />It seems to work but a new version, even without any change, which confirms compatibility with Leopard Mac OS X 10.5 would be great. It's not a simple game, I prefer to be sure with those kind of softwares.
Saves a lot of hassle.
ahem!December 10, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />For a free app that does all this, you can't beat it. Thank to the author.
Great Software
TechnoAcolyteMay 25, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />There is only one thing holding me back from giving this PrefPane 5 stars: Some of the URLs that exploits have been found for recently are not included in the provided URL list. What would make this PrefPane almost perfect would be the ability to add items to any of the provided lists. That way, as an example, prior to Apple coming out with a fix for the smb or tn3270 exploits, I could add these URL types to the list of URLs and set them to disabled. This is the only feature that I believe needs to be added to make this software a very powerful security tool that should be in any Mac user's toolbox. Regards, Albert, former prog/analyst, now disabled
One stop shop
sjonkeMay 20, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />RCDefaultApp provides almost too many options to set, but if you want this capability, this is the one that does it all. And yes, you can use this to disable the "help:" URL type, thus blocking the recently announced security vulnerability in OS X. After installing, select "Default Apps" in the System Preferences, select the "URLs" tab, select "help" in the scrolling list and then select "<disable>" in the pop-up menu.
The best for techs
sjonkeMay 20, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />RCDefaultApp provides almost too many options to set, but if you want this capability, this is the one that does it all. And yes, you can use this to disable the "help:" URL type, thus blocking the recently announced security vulnerability in OS X. After installing, select "Default Apps" in the System Preferences, select the "URLs" tab, select "help" in the scrolling list and then select "<disable>" in the pop-up menu.
handy
sjkMay 19, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />One of the first utilities I installed on my new eMac last week to set the default mail application to Mulberry without running Mail.<br><br> As with MisFox, one feature would make it a five-star util for me...<br><br> The ability to export information to an external file would be <i>very</i> useful, especially if text was one of the formats. That way comparisons could be done (e.g. with diff) to discover which changes have occurred over time as apps are added to and deleted from the system. For example, I didn't realize installing Tryst made it the default app for mss and udp URLs (dunno what they were originally, maybe QuickTime?) until browsing the URLs list after updating this util a few minutes ago. The other lists are too long to notice changes. And exporting to HTML would allow for browsing all the information with a bird's eye view.<br><br> Alternatively, any way of easily obtaining this information in human readable format would be fine. It's something I'd like to do if/when I have sufficient programming skill. :-)

Developer’s Description

Set default applications for specific file extensions.

RCDefaultApp is a preference pane that allows a user to set the default application used for various URL schemes, file extensions, file types, and MIME types. MacOS X uses the extension and file type settings to choose the application when opening a file in Finder, while Safari and other applications use the URL and MIME type settings at other times for content not related to a file (such as an unknown URL protocol, or a media stream).