How to Change The Default PDF Viewer on a Mac? (Guide with Easy Steps)

Are you wondering about how to change your default PDF Viewer on Mac? If yes, you have come to the right website. In this guide, we will give you some easy steps of how you can change the default PDF viewer on a Mac. Changing the default PDF viewer can be helpful if you have a favourite PDF software and you would like it to open every time when you view a certain PDF document. It will save you time from switching between different software.

This guide was prepared by our expert UPDF for Mac team and we hope that it will come in handy for you! We recommend to download our UPDF software and follow the steps along to try setting it as your default PDF.

Part 1. What is The Default PDF Viewer on a Mac?

Every laptop or a computer, including Mac devices, has a default PDF viewer implemented that is a part of its operating system and comes with it when purchased. The default PDF viewer on a Mac is a software called "Preview". The "Preview" app enables users to view PDF documents, digitally sign them and add text or shapes. We would say this is a PDF viewer with pretty basic options.

Part 2. How to Change Your Default PDF Viewer on Mac (Two Methods)

In this section, we will show you simple steps of how to set default PDF reader on Mac to any other PDF viewer that you installed on your computer. On a Mac, there are two options of how you can do it. We also attached some screenshots for you, which will make it even easier for you to follow the steps.

1. Change The Default PDF Viewer on a Mac Via "Get Info"

The first way is changing the default PDF viewer with "Get Info" option.

By following these steps, you will set default PDF reader:

• To be able to see the "Get Info" option, you need to select any PDF file and then, hold "control" + click on your trackpad.
• Select "Get Info".

• Navigate to "Open With" section.
• Open the dropdown list.
• Choose your new default software, for example, "UPDF".

• After selecting the software, click "Change All".

Now your new default option will be set.

2. Change The Default PDF Viewer on a Mac Via "Open With"

The second way is changing the default PDF viewer with "Open With" option.

Follow these steps:

• To be able to see the "Open With" option, you need to click to select one PDF file on your Mac and hold "control" + click on your trackpad.

• Select "Open With".

• Select "Other".

• Choose a software you would like to be a default PDF viewer. For example, "UPDF".

• Remember to select "Always Open With".

By following these steps, the selected software will be now set as the default PDF viewer.

Part 3. Bonus Tip: The Best PDF Viewer on Mac

If you are looking to upgrade to a better PDF viewer, we recommend UPDF software. UPDF is one of the best PDF viewers and editors that works on iOS, Mac, Windows and Android. It includes all essential viewing tools such as zooming in and out, viewing thumbnails, bookmarks, slideshow as well as various page display modes.

Moreover, the tool will not only allow you to view PDFs but also to edit it by using advanced features. Among the editing tools, you will find PDF converting tools, OCR, compressing, highlighting text and many more. What is also interesting, UPDF offers AI features, which can help you generate ideas for your writing.

UPDF has a free version available that will allow you to use its basic viewing and editing tools. You can download the software by clicking the button displayed below. If you would like to learn more about UPDF's features, check out this video:

Currently, you can purchase UPDF Pro that has more advanced features with a big discout. This makes it a great investment that will take your PDF editing skills to the next level. Just click the below picture and save now.

Also Read: Change Default PDF Viewer Android

Upgrade Your PDF Viewer to a Better Option

We hope that this article has given you some insight into how to change your default PDF viewer on a Mac. Remember to save this article as you never know when it may come in handy. The simple steps with screenshots should help you effortlessly change your default to a software that you like and prefer. If you are still in the process of looking for a better option than the "Preview" app, some of the best options available on the market is UPDF. You can try the software's tools for free and set it to the default PDF viewer to test it. Download now by clicking the button displayed below.