macOS Default App Setter Scripts

Simple scripts to set default mail and browser applications on macOS.

Option 1: Pre-compiled Executables (Recommended)

Pre-compiled executables work on any macOS device without requiring developer tools.

Installation

1. Download the pre-compiled binaries from the releases section
2. Make them executable if needed:

chmod +x bin/SetDefaultApp

Usage

Combined App (Recommended)

./bin/SetDefaultApp [option] [app]

Options:

• browser - Set default web browser
• mail - Set default mail application

Examples:

./bin/SetDefaultApp browser chrome
./bin/SetDefaultApp mail outlook

Individual Executables (Legacy)

If you prefer the separate executables, they are still available:

Setting Default Mail App:

./bin/SetDefaultMailApp [mail-app]

Setting Default Browser:

./bin/SetDefaultBrowser [browser]

Supported Applications

Supported browsers:

• safari - Safari
• chrome - Google Chrome
• firefox - Firefox
• edge - Microsoft Edge

Supported mail apps:

• mail - Apple Mail
• outlook - Microsoft Outlook

Option 2: Swift Source Files (For Developers)

Prerequisites

• Xcode Command Line Tools installed

Installation

1. Clone or download the Swift scripts
2. Make them executable:

chmod +x SetDefaultApp.swift

Usage

./SetDefaultApp.swift browser chrome
./SetDefaultApp.swift mail outlook

Compiling to Standalone Executables

If you have the developer tools and want to distribute binaries to users without them:

1. Make the compile script executable:

chmod +x compile.sh

2. Run the compile script:

./compile.sh

3. Distribute the executables from the bin directory

Terminal Accessibility Permissions

These scripts use system automation to handle prompts. Terminal.app needs accessibility permissions:

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility
2. Click the '+' button
3. Navigate to and select Terminal.app
4. Enable the permission

Notes

• Pre-compiled executables work without developer tools
• The scripts will automatically handle system prompts if Terminal has proper permissions
• Mail.app is searched for in /System/Applications
• Third-party apps are searched in /Applications and ~/Applications