Are you tired of your videos automatically opening in a player you don’t prefer? Whether you’re a fan of VLC, QuickTime, or another media app, being able to set your default video player on your Mac is an important customisation. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to change the default video player on your macOS device, so you can enjoy a seamless viewing experience every time.
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Why Change the Default Video Player on Mac?
As a Mac user, you likely have a preferred video player that you turn to for all your media needs. Maybe you love the clean interface and robust features of VLC. Or perhaps you find QuickTime to be the most reliable and user-friendly option. Regardless of your personal preference, being able to set your default video player is an important part of customising your Mac experience.
There are several key reasons why you may want to change the default video player on your Mac:
- Improved Viewing Experience: Your preferred video player may offer features and capabilities that the default player lacks, such as better codec support, more playback options, or a more intuitive interface. Setting it as the default ensures you can enjoy your media the way you want to.
- Consistency Across Files: If you often work with various video file types, having a single default player can streamline your workflow and eliminate the need to constantly switch between apps.
- Familiarity and Efficiency: When you’re used to a particular video player, you become more efficient at navigating its controls and features. Setting it as the default means you don’t have to relearn a new interface every time you open a video file.
- Avoid Unwanted Associations: The default video player on your Mac may not always be the best fit for your needs. By changing the default, you can prevent your system from automatically opening files in an app you don’t prefer.
Ultimately, the ability to customize your default video player is all about optimizing your Mac experience and ensuring you can access your media in the way that works best for you. Let’s dive into the simple steps to make this change.
How to Change the Default Video Player on Mac
Changing the default video player on your Mac is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few clicks. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Identify Your Preferred Video Player
The first step is to determine which video player you want to set as the default on your Mac. Some of the most popular options include:
- VLC Media Player: A free, open-source media player known for its extensive codec support and customisation options.
- QuickTime Player: Apple’s built-in media player, which offers a clean interface and reliable playback for many common video formats.
- Elmedia Player: A versatile media player with features like picture-in-picture mode, 360-degree video support, and advanced audio controls.
- Movist: A lightweight media player with a minimalist design and support for a wide range of video and audio codecs.
Once you’ve decided on your preferred video player, you’re ready to proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Change the Default Video Player
To change the default video player on your Mac, follow these simple steps:
- Locate a video file on your computer that you want to use for the default player change.
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the video file and select “Get Info” from the contextual menu.
- In the “Open with” section of the Info window, click the drop down menu and select your preferred video player.
- If you want to change the default player for all video files, check the “Change All” box at the bottom of the window.
- Click the “Continue” button to confirm the change.
That’s it! Your selected video player is now set as the default for opening video files on your Mac.
Step 3: Verify the Default Player Change
To ensure the default player change was successful, try opening a few different video files on your Mac. They should now automatically open in your preferred media player, rather than the previous default.
If you find that the change didn’t stick for all video file types, you may need to repeat the process for each file extension or format you want to associate with your preferred player. This is especially important if you work with a variety of video file types on your Mac.
Advanced Customisation Options
While the steps above cover the basic process of changing your default video player, there are a few additional customization options you may want to explore:
Set Default Player for Specific File Types
If you only want to change the default player for certain video file types, you can do so by following the same steps, but selecting the specific file extension in the “Open with” dropdown instead of “All similar files.”
For example, you could set VLC as the default for .mp4 files, while keeping QuickTime as the default for .mov files. This allows for more granular control over your video playback preferences.
Use the macOS Finder to Change Defaults
In addition to the right-click method, you can also change your default video player through the macOS Finder. Here’s how:
- Open a Finder window and navigate to the video file you want to use.
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the file and select “Get Info” from the menu.
- In the Info window, click the “Open with” drop down and select your preferred video player.
- Click the “Change All…” button to apply the default change to all similar files.
This Finder-based approach offers the same functionality as the right-click method, but may be a more intuitive option for some users.
Leverage Keyboard Shortcuts
If you find yourself frequently needing to change the default video player, you can save time by setting up a keyboard shortcut to quickly access the “Get Info” window.
On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts and select “Services” from the left-hand menu. Scroll down to the “Files and Folders” section and locate the “Get Info” option. Click the empty field to the right and assign a keyboard shortcut of your choice, such as “Command + I.”
Now, whenever you need to change the default video player, simply select the file, press your custom shortcut, and make the change in the Info window.
Bonus Tips for Optimising Your Mac Video Experience
Now that you know how to change the default video player on your Mac, here are a few additional tips to help you get the most out of your media viewing experience:
Explore Video Player Features
Take some time to familiarise yourself with the features and capabilities of your preferred video player. Many apps like VLC, Elmedia, and Movist offer advanced options like:
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts
- Picture-in-picture mode
- Subtitle support and customization
- Audio and video enhancement tools
- Playback speed control
- Integrated web browsing
Discovering these features can help you optimise your video viewing experience and unlock new ways to enjoy your media.
Keep Your Video Player Updated
Make sure to keep your chosen video player app up-to-date. Developers often release new versions that include bug fixes, performance improvements, and additional features. Staying on the latest version ensures you have access to the best possible playback experience.
Leverage macOS Integrations
Many video players offer seamless integration with macOS features and services. For example, you can use the macOS Share menu to quickly send a video to your preferred player, or take advantage of Siri and Spotlight search to quickly open files.
Exploring these types of integrations can help streamline your video workflow and make your Mac experience even more efficient.
Subscribe to Our Channel for More macOS Tips
If you found this guide on changing the default video player on Mac helpful, be sure to check out our How To Basic Tech YouTube channel for more useful macOS tips and tricks. We cover a wide range of topics, from customizing your desktop to boosting productivity, all designed to help you get the most out of your Apple device.
Conclusion
Changing the default video player on your Mac is a simple yet powerful way to customize your media viewing experience. By taking a few moments to set your preferred app as the default, you can enjoy a more seamless and efficient workflow when working with video files.
Whether you’re a fan of VLC, QuickTime, or another media player, the steps outlined in this guide will help you make the switch and start enjoying your videos the way you want to. So why not take a few minutes to optimize your Mac’s video playback settings today?
Checkout below video for step by step instructions: