How to Set Default Apps for File Types on a Chromebook

Why default apps matter

When you double-click a PDF, image, or document on a Chromebook, ChromeOS opens it with a default app. That app might not be your preference. Setting a default app for each file type ensures that files open consistently in the viewer, editor, or reader you use most.

For example, you might want PDFs to open in an annotation tool rather than the built-in viewer. By changing the default, you avoid the extra step of choosing an app every time. This becomes especially useful when you handle many files of the same type, such as school assignments, work documents, or personal photos.

ChromeOS is the operating system on every Chromebook, and it is designed to be flexible with app support. You can use web apps, Android apps, and Linux apps, each of which can be set as the default for a particular file type. This gives you the freedom to pick the tool that best fits your workflow.

How file types and apps work in ChromeOS

ChromeOS is the Google-built operating system at the heart of every Chromebook, as described on the ChromeOS for business page. It runs web apps, Android apps, and Linux applications. Linux is seamlessly built into ChromeOS, according to ChromeOS.dev, and you can set up a full development environment if you need it.

Once an app is installed, it can be set as the default for a file type. This includes apps from any of these sources. The flexibility means you can choose the best tool for each file format. For example, you might use a Linux image editor for RAW photos and an Android PDF reader for documents. The default app system lets you assign each file type to its best match.

To use Android apps on your Chromebook, you need to enable them from the Google Play Store. Similarly, Linux apps require you to turn on the Linux development environment in Settings. Both types of apps appear in the Open with menu once they are installed. For guidance on setting up Android apps, see our article on setting up Android apps on a Chromebook. For Linux, see how to enable Linux on your Chromebook.

Change the default app with Open with

The quickest way to set a default is from the file itself. In the Files app, right-click (or long-press on a touchscreen) the file you want to change.

Select Open with, then pick the app you prefer. If you want to always use that app, check the box that says Always or select Always from the menu. ChromeOS will remember your choice.

This method works one file at a time, but the pattern applies to all files of the same type. For more on working with files, read how to use the ChromeOS Files app.

If you have many files to change, you can also do it from the Settings menu, as described in the next section. However, using Open with is often the most direct and is especially helpful when you first install a new app and want to try it for a particular file type.

Set defaults from ChromeOS Settings

You can also manage default apps globally. Open Settings, go to Apps, then Default apps. You may see a list of file types and the current default app for each.

Tap or click a file type to change its handler. Choose from the installed apps. If you do not see the file type you want, you can use the Open with method to create the association first.

Settings may show only the most common file types. For less common formats, using Open with is often the more reliable route. Android devices are supported over USB for Linux, as noted in Google's Linux setup guide, but that does not affect default app selection.

When you change a default from Settings, the change applies to all files of that type, not just the one you have open. This is useful if you want to switch from the built-in viewer to a third-party editor for a whole category, such as changing all TXT files to open in a specific text editor.

Default apps for common file types

PDFs: ChromeOS has a built-in PDF viewer, but you can switch to a third-party PDF reader or annotation tool. If you need to sign or fill forms, consider an app that supports those actions.

Images: The built-in Gallery app handles images well. If you edit photos, you might prefer a dedicated image editor from the Google Play Store or a web app. For RAW images, a Linux app like Darktable can be set as the default.

Documents: For Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, you can set Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides as the default, or use an Android office suite. When you open a document, ChromeOS will launch the default app you choose.

The table below lists some common file types and what you might consider as your default app.

Reset defaults and troubleshoot

If you change your mind, you can reset a file type to its original system default. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, find the file type, and select Reset or the system default option.

Sometimes a default app might not appear in the list. Make sure the app is installed and supports the file type. If you have problems, try restarting the Chromebook or updating the app. ChromeOS devices receive automatic updates, which may also update default app behavior over time.

You can also check if the app you want to set as default has the necessary permissions to open files. For Android apps, you may need to allow storage access. For Linux apps, ensure the file type is associated with the application inside the Linux environment.

If you are using a managed Chromebook through work or school, your administrator may restrict which apps can be set as defaults. In that case, the default app list might be greyed out. Contact your administrator for assistance.

For more tips on keeping your Chromebook running smoothly, see our guide on managing Chrome extensions and optimizing your system.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I set an Android app as the default for a file type?

Yes. If an Android app is installed and supports the file type, it appears in the Open with menu. Choose it and select Always to make it the default.

Can I set a Linux app as the default?

Yes. Linux apps that handle a file type appear in the Open with menu. You can select one and set it as the default the same way you would for an Android or web app. You need to have Linux enabled on your Chromebook first.

How do I reset a default app to the system default?

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, find the file type, and select Reset. This returns the file type to its original system-associated app.

Why can't I change the default app for a file?

The app must be installed and must support that file type. Some system files may have restrictions, but for most user files you can change the default. Restarting your Chromebook can also help if the change does not take effect immediately.

Does changing a default app affect files already open?

No, the change applies to files you open after the default is set. Files already open in the previous app will remain in that app until you close them.

Can I have different default apps for different file extensions of the same type?

ChromeOS groups file types by MIME type, not by extension alone. For example, .jpg and .png both share the image MIME type, so they share the same default app. To have separate defaults, you would need to use a file manager or create custom associations, which is not natively supported.