How to Fix PDF Files Not Opening by Double-Clicking on Mac
Question details
Users are unable to open PDF files on a Mac by double-clicking them in Finder, although the files can still be opened manually via the application's File menu.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / macOS
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to quickly open PDF documents from the Finder by double-clicking the file icon.
- Observed behavior
- Double-clicking the PDF fails to launch the document and may display error code -600, even though the file opens correctly when using the 'File > Open' command inside the PDF application.
Before altering your system settings, ensure your macOS and PDF viewer are updated to their latest versions, and restart your Mac to clear any temporary background process glitches.
Reset macOS Default File Associations for PDFs
Use the macOS 'Get Info' panel to force the operating system to associate all PDF files with your preferred PDF reader, fixing broken file links.
When PDFs open from the File menu but not via a double-click, the macOS file association is likely damaged. Resetting this globally will restore the double-click functionality.
Select any PDF file in the Finder and press 'Command-I' on your keyboard, or right-click the file and choose 'Get Info'.
In the Get Info window, scroll down to the 'Open with' section and expand it by clicking the arrow.
Click the dropdown menu and select Adobe Acrobat, Reader, or your preferred PDF application.
Click the 'Change All' button right below the dropdown, then confirm your choice when prompted to apply this setting to all PDF documents on your Mac.
Resolve Application Error Code -600
Error code -600 indicates the application is stuck or unresponsive in the background. Force quitting and restarting the app resolves this block.
Repair or Reinstall Your PDF Viewer
If resetting file associations and restarting does not fix the issue, the application installation itself may be corrupted and requires a clean reinstall.
Set WPS Office as Your Reliable Default PDF Reader on Mac
Avoid frustrating file association errors and application crashes by switching to WPS Office. It includes a powerful, built-in PDF reader and editor that is lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free to use, ensuring your files open flawlessly every time.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package for macOS.
- 2. Open PDF File Info: Right-click any PDF file on your Mac and select 'Get Info'.
- 3. Select WPS Office: Expand the 'Open with' section and choose 'WPS Office' from the dropdown list.
- 4. Set as Default: Click 'Change All' to permanently set WPS Office as your default PDF application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my PDF files open from the File menu but not when I double-click them?
This happens when the macOS file association for PDFs becomes corrupted or unassigned. While the application itself functions fine (allowing you to open files via the internal menu), the operating system's shortcut linking the double-click action to the application is broken. Resetting the 'Open with' setting in Finder resolves this.
What does error code -600 mean on Mac when trying to open a PDF?
Error code -600 is a specific macOS error indicating that an application is unresponsive or a background process is stuck. When you double-click a PDF, macOS tries to hand it off to the app, but the app cannot receive the command. Force quitting the application or restarting your Mac usually clears this error.
How do I permanently change the default PDF viewer on my Mac?
To permanently change your default PDF viewer, select any PDF file in Finder and press Command-I to open the Get Info window. Under the 'Open with' dropdown, select your preferred PDF software, and then click the 'Change All' button beneath it to apply this rule to all PDF files system-wide.
