Ubuntu – How to set default application for a specific file extension

defaultdefault-programsfiles

I am trying to set meshlab as the default application to open .obj files.

I attempted (as mentioned in here) right click a random obj file -> properties -> Open With -> there is no meshlab to choose from and there is no way I can add meshlab into it.

The weird thing is when I do the same step for .ply file, there actually is an option to choose meshlab to set as the default application.

Now I need to open meshlab first, and drag the obj file in it, which is a lot more hassle than just double clicking the obj file to open it.

What should I do so I can open .obj files with meshlab by default?

Best Answer

First, run mimetype on your file to get the mimetype as follows:

$ mimetype bunny.obj 
bunny.obj: application/x-tgif

Once you've determined the corresponding mimetype, add your application as the default in /usr/share/applications/defaults.list:

$ sudo su
$ echo "application/x-tgif=meshlab.desktop" >> /usr/share/applications/defaults.list

It's important to use two > symbols in the command above, not one. Consider making a backup of /usr/share/applications/defaults.list beforehand as well.

first of all, add your new MimeType :

from the terminal open sudo gedit and copy the code bellow

[Desktop Entry]
Version=1.0
Encoding=UTF-8
Hidden=false
Icon=my/icon/path                           <-- optional (for the file icon)
Type=MimeType
Patterns=*.xxx                              <--- my file extention 
MimeType=application/myAppName              <--- the mimetype of the file
Comment=My Comment

and save it to /usr/share/mimelnk/application/myApp.desktop "replace myapp with your app

linking your app with this mimetype:

use ubuntu Tweaks to link the file type with your app

note: the wine apps is located on the path /home/<userName>/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/Notepad++

also you can use locate 'yourApp.exe' to find its path

Ubuntu – How to set default program to open specific file type

For some of the system default apps you can go to System Settings/Details e.g.:

Or for more advanced you can open Ubuntu-Tweak and go to Admins section and click on File Type Manager:

To install Ubuntu-Tweak:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tualatrix/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-tweak

P.S.

I see you edited a bit your question you want Gimp to open all your photos or pics right? Using my workaround please do mention also that if you change from Image Viewer to Gimp it doesn't mean that you will open all photos with Gimp because this setting serves for .jpg/.jpeg and Gimp for example saves its work in .png portable network graphics by default and the default for .png will be Image Viewer anyways :) so to change that you need to configure all photos formats using Ubuntu-Tweak so they open with Gimp when you double click on them.

Best Answer

Related Solutions

Ubuntu – Changing the default program for an application

first of all, add your new MimeType :

linking your app with this mimetype:

Ubuntu – How to set default program to open specific file type

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