default_type - Linux
Overview
default_type
is a versatile tool used to manage system and user MIME types. MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) types associate specific file extensions with their corresponding applications. default_type
allows users to view, set, and modify these associations, enabling seamless file handling and application launching.
Syntax
default_type [-a | -r] [--list-mimetypes] [--list-extensions] [--mime-type FILETYPE] [--extension MIMETYPE] [--user [USERNAME]]
Options/Flags
- -a, –association: Display all registered MIME type associations.
- -r, –remove: Remove a specific MIME type association.
- –list-mimetypes: List all registered MIME types.
- –list-extensions: List all known file extensions associated with MIME types.
- –mime-type FILETYPE: Set the MIME type for the specified file extension.
- –extension MIMETYPE: Set the file extension for the specified MIME type.
- –user [USERNAME]: Set or modify MIME type associations for the specified user. Defaults to the current user.
Examples
View MIME Type Associations
default_type -a
Set MIME Type for File Extension
# Set PDF files to open with Evince
default_type --mime-type application/pdf .pdf
Remove MIME Type Association
# Remove the association between .txt files and the gedit editor
default_type -r application/x-extension-txt .txt
Common Issues
- Error setting MIME type: Ensure you have sufficient permissions to modify MIME type associations. Use
sudo
beforedefault_type
if necessary. - Unable to open file with desired application: Verify that the correct MIME type association is set and that the application is installed and accessible.
Integration
default_type
can be combined with other commands and utilities for advanced tasks:
- xargs +
default_type
: Set MIME types for multiple file types in bulk. - find +
default_type
: Modify MIME type associations based on file path or other criteria.
Related Commands
- xdg-mime: Manage MIME types system-wide.
- file: Identify file types based on their content.