Stop Xcode from Hijacking the File Associations

file extensionsxcode

I typically associate certain file types with certain editors and IDEs. You know R with RStudio, Java with JetBrains, and all the other goodies with Sublime Text.

But every time I install an Xcode update, Xcode takes over every code-related extension imaginable, and I have to associate my files manually.

Is there anyway to prevent Xcode from taking over my file associations?

Best Answer

Absolutely there is!
Unfortunately because Xcode is installed through the Mac App Store, we are unable to control / prevent the change from occurring in the first place. The automated installation takes care of that for us.

How to Change the Default Programs
Luckily there is an easy fix to resolving the issue and reversing the change. The only caveat of which is the fact that this is done on an extension-based level.

Go to any file whose extension you don't want to open with Xcode (e.g. my file.java).
Right click on it, select Get Info (or CMD I).
Under Open With, select your editor for that extension.
Click Change All to make the change global across all files of this type.

I believe some IDEs or even individual Text editors will ask if you would like to associate them with the most common formats for software development - with Xcode that's a little less optional. Anyway, hope that helps, let me know if it did and how you make out. I'd be interested in following up with you on this.

Related Solutions

How to disassociate a single app (e.g., Xcode) from all file types it’s mapped to

You could delete the CFBundleDocumentTypes array in the Info.plist, but it is also used to define file types like xcodeproj. It would also invalidate the code signature (so you'd have to enter a password to access keychains), and the changes might get overridden by updates. Some applications like TextEdit crash on launch if the Info.plist is modified.

To update the Launch Services database, run /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Versions/A/Support/lsregister -R -f /Applications/Application.app/.

You could also unregister the application by running lsregister -u -R -f /Applications/Application.app/, but I don't know if it would get registered again at some point. It would also remove the icons of file types defined by the application.

If you are looking for a faster way to change default applications, take a look at duti. I have published my configuration file (which includes common code and video file types) here.

MacOS – Making file associations launch a certain extension, but with a console program

Create new application in automator

Locate "Run AppleScript" action and drag it to workflow area

Edit AppleScript:

on run {input, parameters}
    tell application "Terminal"
        activate
        do script with command "[YOUR_SHELL_COMMAND] " & (input as string)
    end tell
end run

Save it and use in "Open With" dialog

Best Answer

Related Solutions

How to disassociate a single app (e.g., Xcode) from all file types it’s mapped to

MacOS – Making file associations launch a certain extension, but with a console program

Related Question