Open files with the creator application

Typically, when you open a file the default application for its file type is launched. Some applications attach a creator code to the files they create allowing those files, prior to Snow Leopard, to open with the same application that created them.

Starting with Snow Leopard, creator codes are no longer taken into account when opening a file. But with Magic Launch you can restore the original behavior for the file types of your choice.

To make files of a chosen type open with their creator application:

  1. Choose the Apple menu > System Preferences, then click on Magic Launch.

    Open Magic Launch preferences

  2. Select a file type in the list box of managed types on the left. If the file type you want is not listed then you need to add the file type.

    Tip: You can drag a file from the Finder to the file type list, this will add the corresponding file type if it is not already there, or simply select it if already present.

  3. Once the file type is selected, select the check box “Open with creator application when possible”.

Note that not all applications attach a creator code to their files. Files with no creator code will still open with the default application.