ColeMei

ColeMei / openwith

Public

Manage macOS file extension associations from the terminal

20
0
100% credibility
Found Apr 04, 2026 at 20 stars -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
Rust
AI Summary

A macOS terminal tool for viewing, changing, and exporting default applications for file extensions via an interactive interface.

How It Works

1
😩 Files open wrong

You're annoyed because PDFs or code files always launch in the wrong app on your Mac.

2
🔍 Find OpenWith

You discover a simple tool that lets you see and change which app handles each file type.

3
📥 Set it up

You get the tool ready on your Mac in just a few minutes.

4
🚀 Launch the viewer

Open it to browse a list of all your file types like .pdf or .md and their current apps.

5
Pick a view
📄
By file types

Scroll through extensions to check and tweak defaults.

🖥️
By apps

Review apps to see supported files and where they're set as default.

6
✨ Switch an app

Pick a file type, choose your preferred app from the list, and update it right there.

7
💾 Backup preferences

Save your custom settings to a file to restore on another Mac or keep safe.

🎉 Files behave perfectly

Now every file opens in your favorite app, making your day smoother and faster.

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Star Growth

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AI-Generated Review

What is openwith?

openwith is a Rust CLI tool for macOS that lets you inspect and manage default apps for file extensions right from the terminal, skipping the tedious System Settings GUI. Run `openwith` for an interactive TUI to browse extensions or apps, query with `openwith current pdf`, set defaults via `openwith set md Typora`, or export/import portable TOML configs across machines. It scans apps in /Applications and uses native Launch Services APIs to query and update associations instantly.

Why is it gaining traction?

Unlike GUI tweaks or scripting Launch Services directly, openwith delivers a polished TUI with tabs for extensions and apps, fuzzy app search, and bulk export/import—ideal for dotfiles or team setups. Developers love the keyboard-driven workflow (j/k navigate, / filter, Tab switch views) that feels like vim or ranger, plus CLI simplicity for scripts. At 20 stars, it's niche but hooks macOS power users tired of mouse hunts for bundle IDs.

Who should use this?

Mac devs juggling editors like VS Code or Typora for .md/.rs files, sysadmins managing macOS devices with consistent app defaults, or dotfiles hoarders exporting configs alongside tools to manage Java/Python versions. It's for terminal folks automating workflows with Ansible/Intune/Jamf, not casual users clicking menus.

Verdict

Solid niche tool for macOS manage tasks—install via Cargo and try the TUI if file associations bug you. 1.0% credibility and 20 stars signal early maturity (v0.3.0, great README), so test on non-critical setups first.

(187 words)

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