PDFs usually open in Preview on a fresh Mac, but installing another PDF tool can change that. You can set the default PDF app from Finder using the Get Info panel for any one PDF file.
These steps apply to recent macOS versions with Preview, Adobe Acrobat Reader, or another PDF app installed.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if double-clicking PDFs opens the wrong app, or if you want Acrobat for forms and comments while keeping Preview for everyday reading.
Change the Default App for All PDFs
- In Finder, select any PDF file.
- Press Command + I, or right-click the file and choose Get Info.
- Expand Open with.
- Choose the app you want, such as Preview or Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- If it is not listed, choose Other and select it from Applications.
- Click Change All and confirm with Continue.
After that, double-clicking any PDF should open it in the app you selected.
Open One PDF in a Different App
- Right-click or Control-click the PDF in Finder.
- Choose Open With.
- Select the app you want for this file only.
This does not change your default. It is useful when one PDF needs a feature from a different app.
Default PDF App Notes
Apps May Ask to Take Over Again
Some PDF apps check whether they are the default each time they open. If PDFs keep switching back, look in that app’s preferences for a default-app setting, turn it off, then repeat the Finder change.
Check the Current Default
Select any PDF and press Command + I. The app shown under Open with is the current default for that file type.
Locked PDFs Can Interfere
If the change will not apply to a specific file, open Get Info and check whether the file is locked. Unlock it, then try again.
Sources
- Apple Support: Change the app that opens a file on Mac
- Apple Support: Get information about a file, folder, or disk on Mac
- Adobe Support: Set Acrobat Reader as the default PDF program