how to change default video player mac

how to change default video player mac

Have you ever wished for a more personalized experience when playing videos on your Mac?

How to Change Default Video Player on Mac

Choosing the right video player can make a significant difference in how you consume content on your Mac. While Apple’s built-in QuickTime Player is sufficient for basic tasks, it may not always offer the best performance or features for high-quality video playback. This article will explore several methods to change the default video player on your Mac, providing you with the flexibility and control needed to enhance your media consumption experience.

Method 1: Using QuickTime Player as Default Player

If you prefer sticking with the native QuickTime Player, there are ways to make it your default video player. By default, QuickTime Player opens any video file directly without requiring you to select an application. To ensure QuickTime Player remains the default player, follow these steps:

  1. Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu () located at the top left corner of your screen, then select “System Preferences.”
  2. Navigate to General: In the System Preferences window, click on “General.”
  3. Set QuickTime Player as Default: Under the “When opening a file,” option, select “QuickTime Player.”

By setting QuickTime Player as the default, all new video files opened from Finder will automatically open using this application. However, it’s important to note that QuickTime Player might not support certain advanced features or codecs that other players do, which could limit your viewing experience.

Method 2: Installing Third-Party Players

For users seeking additional features and better compatibility, installing third-party video players can be a great choice. Popular options include VLC Media Player, HandBrake, and FFmpeg. These tools often offer superior audio and video quality, support for various codecs, and a wide range of customization options.

To install VLC Media Player as your default video player:

  1. Download VLC Media Player: Visit the official website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/) and download the installer for macOS.
  2. Install VLC Media Player: Follow the installation instructions provided by VLC.
  3. Set VLC Media Player as Default: After installation, open VLC Media Player and go to “Tools” > “Preferences.” In the preferences window, navigate to the “Input / Codecs” tab, then select “Detect” under “Video output device.” This step ensures VLC Media Player detects your system’s video output capabilities. Finally, set VLC Media Player as your default player through the System Preferences method mentioned earlier.

Method 3: Using Automator Workflow

Another approach involves creating an Automator workflow to launch a specific video player every time a video file is double-clicked. Here’s how to create a simple workflow:

  1. Open Automator: Launch Automator from your Applications folder.
  2. Create New Document: Choose “Application” from the template list.
  3. Add Actions: Drag and drop the following actions into the workflow:
    • “Run Shell Script”
    • “Get Specified Finder Items”
    • “Open URL”
  4. Configure Actions:
    • In the “Run Shell Script” action, enter the path to your desired video player (e.g., /Applications/VLC.app/Contents/MacOS/VLC).
    • In the “Get Specified Finder Items” action, choose the type of items you want to process (e.g., only video files).
    • In the “Open URL” action, enter the path to your video file.
  5. Save as Application: Save your workflow as an application and place it somewhere accessible, such as your Applications folder.

Conclusion

Changing the default video player on your Mac allows you to tailor your media consumption experience according to your needs and preferences. Whether you opt for the native QuickTime Player, install a third-party player like VLC Media Player, or create an Automator workflow, these methods provide you with the flexibility to enhance your overall media experience.

相关问答

  1. Q: Can I use QuickTime Player to play all types of video files? A: Yes, QuickTime Player can handle most common video formats. However, if you encounter issues with certain file types, switching to a more specialized player might be necessary.

  2. Q: Is it safe to replace the default video player? A: Replacing the default video player is generally safe. However, ensure that the replacement player is compatible with your system and that you have backups of important media files.

  3. Q: How do I know if a video player supports a particular codec? A: Check the documentation or support forums of the video player. Many developers publish lists of supported codecs and formats. If a specific codec isn’t listed, it’s likely unsupported.

  4. Q: What happens if I uninstall the default video player? A: Uninstalling the default video player typically won’t cause any significant issues. However, you should ensure that another player is set as the default before uninstalling to avoid problems when opening video files.