How to set default application for a specific file extension

Question

I am trying to set meshlab as the default application to open .obj files.

I attempted (as mentioned in here) right click a random obj file -> properties -> Open With -> there is no meshlab to choose from and there is no way I can add meshlab into it.

The weird thing is when I do the same step for .ply file, there actually is an option to choose meshlab to set as the default application.

Now I need to open meshlab first, and drag the obj file in it, which is a lot more hassle than just double clicking the obj file to open it.

What should I do so I can open .obj files with meshlab by default?

I think that question you linked has the solution: Install Ubuntu-Tweak, go to Admins, click on File Type Manager, change the default application for .obj files. — wjandrea, Sep 07 '16 at 22:26
@wjandrea I tried, but there is no file type called OBJ that I can change. — user3667089, Sep 07 '16 at 22:33
I think you'll need to create a MIME type, then set the file association. From a quick Google, here's method 1, and method 2 part 1 and part 2. — wjandrea, Sep 08 '16 at 16:18
@wjandrea Thanks the third link solves it for me. If you write up an answer I will accept it. — user3667089, Sep 09 '16 at 19:13

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 28 '18 at 19:00

First, run mimetype on your file to get the mimetype as follows:

$ mimetype bunny.obj 
bunny.obj: application/x-tgif

Once you've determined the corresponding mimetype, add your application as the default in /usr/share/applications/defaults.list:

$ sudo su
$ echo "application/x-tgif=meshlab.desktop" >> /usr/share/applications/defaults.list

It's important to use two > symbols in the command above, not one. Consider making a backup of /usr/share/applications/defaults.list beforehand as well.

Better to do this as user config in ~/.config/mimeapps.list — Sqerstet, Jul 10 '20 at 15:46

How to set default application for a specific file extension

1 Answers1