How to associate file type with MacOS X App without launching it first?

Question

Hi folks,

I would like to associate the last installed version of my Mac OS X application with a certain type of file. A little experimentation shows that the info.plist file seems to be read and interpreted by the operating system when launching the application, not when dragging the application bundle to the disk. Apple's documentation on run-time configuration does not say much on that topic.

Is there any way, using a simple .dmg image as installation medium, to make sure the system associates that particular file type with my newly installed app without having to launch it first?

EIDT: I should clarify that I want this to be done automatically during the installation (I don't want my users to have to do it themselves).

Thanks!

Answer 1

When a user drags an application into the Applications folder, the system should register it with Launch Services automatically. See Application Registration in the Launch Services Guide.

Answer 2

You can do that by typing apple-I on the file you want to associate the application with, use the little box called "Open with..." and select your app. You can check the little box below "Change All..." to make the change for all similar files.