Opening Files

When you open a file, the file manager performs the default action for that file type.

For example, opening a music file will play it with the default music playing application, opening a text file will enable you to read and edit it in a text editor, and opening an image file will display the image.

The file manager checks the contents of a file to determine the type of a file. If the first lines do not determine the type of the file, then the file manager checks the file extension.

Executing the Default Action

To execute the default action for a file, double-click the file. For example, the default action for plain text documents is to display the file in a text viewer. If you double-click a text file, the file will be displayed in a text viewer.

You can set your file manager preferences so that you click once on a file to execute the default action. For more information, see Behavior.

Executing Non-Default Actions

To execute actions other than the default action for a file, select the file on which you want to perform an action. The File menu shows Open With choices or an Open With submenu. Select the desired option from this list.

How to Add Actions Associated With a File Type

1. In the view pane, select a file for which you want to add an action.
2. Choose File → Open with Other Application.
3. Either choose an application in the Open With dialog or browse to the program with which you want to open this file type.

   The action you chose is added to the list of actions for that particular file type. If no prior action was associated with the file type, the newly added action is the default.

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   Tip - You can also add actions in the Open With tab under File → Properties.

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How to Modify Actions

1. In the view pane, select a file for which you want to modify the action.
2. Choose File → Properties.
3. Click the Open With tab.
4. Use the Add or Remove buttons to tailor the list of actions. Select the default action with the option to the left of the list.