macOS file management: setting default apps and using MacPacker

macOS users can manage file associations and archive handling through specific system settings and new software tools. To permanently change the default application for a specific file type, such as JPG images, users must use the ‘Get Info’ menu (Command + I) in Finder. Selecting a new application within the ‘Open with’ section and clicking ‘Change All’ ensures the preference is applied to all files of that format.

For more advanced archive management, the open-source tool MacPacker has been released. Unlike the native macOS archiving utility, which automatically extracts entire contents, MacPacker allows users to browse archive contents without unpacking them. It supports 41 formats, including ZIP, RAR, 7z, DMG, and ISO, and enables drag-and-drop extraction and Quick Look previews. The latest version 1.0.0 introduces password encryption, volume splitting, and enhanced compression settings.