How to Use “Open with++”: A Beginner’s GuideOpen with++ is a tool designed to streamline the way you open files and launch applications. Whether it’s adding useful context menu entries, remembering preferred apps for specific file types, or providing quick previews before opening, Open with++ aims to make everyday file handling faster and less error-prone. This guide will take you step-by-step from installation to advanced tips so you can start saving time immediately.
What is Open with++?
Open with++ is a context-menu utility that enhances the standard “Open with” behavior on desktop operating systems by letting you customize, prioritize, and extend how files are opened. It can:
- Show a curated list of recommended programs for a file type.
- Remember your preferred choice per file type and optionally make it the default.
- Add quick actions such as “Open as Read-Only,” “Open With Preview,” or “Open with Emulator.”
- Integrate with cloud storage and portable apps.
System requirements and compatibility
Before installing, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements. Open with++ typically supports major desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, and many Linux distributions), but availability of features can vary:
- Windows: Windows 10 and later recommended.
- macOS: Recent macOS versions (check specific build compatibility).
- Linux: Supported on major distributions; may require a desktop-environment-specific integration (GNOME, KDE, etc.).
Also confirm you have the necessary user permissions to modify context menus and file association settings.
Installing Open with++
- Download the installer for your platform from the official website or trusted repository.
- Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts. On Windows you may need Administrator privileges; on macOS you might have to allow extensions in System Preferences.
- After installation, open the Open with++ app from your applications menu to complete initial setup.
Tip: On Linux, installation may be via a package manager (e.g., apt, dnf, snap) or an AppImage. Follow distribution-specific instructions.
Initial setup and configuration
When you first run Open with++, you’ll typically be guided through a setup wizard:
- Choose whether Open with++ should integrate into the system context menu.
- Allow it to scan common application directories to build a list of available programs.
- Enable or disable telemetry (if applicable).
- Optionally import any existing “Open with” preferences from the OS.
After the wizard, open the settings/preferences pane to fine-tune behavior:
- Default behavior: prompt each time, remember last choice, or set a permanent default.
- Quick actions: enable actions like “Open read-only” or “Open in sandbox”.
- Appearance: choose compact or detailed context menu layouts.
Using Open with++ (basic operations)
Opening a file with Open with++ is straightforward:
- Right-click a file in your file manager.
- Choose “Open with++” from the context menu. If not visible, check integration settings.
- The Open with++ menu shows:
- Recommended apps at the top.
- Other installed apps grouped by category.
- Quick action buttons (if enabled).
- Click an app to open the file, or use the quick action to perform a special open mode.
Keyboard shortcuts: Many versions let you press keys (e.g., numbers or letters) to quickly choose entries—check preferences to enable or customize shortcuts.
Managing preferred apps and defaults
Open with++ helps manage defaults without wrestling with OS settings:
- To set a preferred app for a file type, select “Always use with this type” or “Remember choice” in the menu.
- To change defaults later, open Open with++ > Preferences > File Type Associations, and edit the mapping.
- You can create per-folder overrides so files in specific folders open with different apps.
Example: Set VS Code as the preferred editor for .txt and .md files, but configure a particular project folder to open .md files in a markdown previewer instead.
Advanced features
Open with++ often includes advanced tools to increase productivity:
- App pinning: Pin favorite apps to the top of the menu for quick access.
- Scripting/automation: Run scripts or commands as part of the open process (e.g., run a conversion script before opening).
- Preview pane: See a quick preview of the file’s contents (text, image, PDF) without launching the full app.
- Sandboxed opening: Open potentially unsafe files in a restricted environment.
- Emulator or compatibility wrappers: Open legacy file types with specific emulators or compatibility layers.
Integrations
Open with++ can integrate with other tools:
- Cloud storage: Open files directly from cloud providers (OneDrive, Google Drive) with authenticated integration.
- Portable apps: Detect apps stored on USB drives and offer them when present.
- Development tools: Integrate with IDEs, linters, or build tools to open source files in a development workflow.
Troubleshooting common issues
- “Open with++ doesn’t appear in context menu”: Re-run the installer with elevated permissions or re-enable shell integration in settings.
- “Preferred app not remembered”: Check that Open with++ has permission to write file association preferences or that OS-level defaults aren’t overriding it.
- “App not listed”: Use the ‘Add Application’ option in Open with++ and browse to the executable.
- “Preview not working”: Install required preview plugins or codecs for certain file types.
Security and privacy notes
- Only enable integrations and scripts from trusted sources.
- Use sandboxed open modes when handling files from unknown origins.
- If Open with++ collects telemetry, review and disable it in settings if you prefer no data sent.
Tips & best practices
- Pin your top 4–6 apps for fast access.
- Use per-project folder overrides for tailored workflows.
- Combine with keyboard shortcuts for near-instant file opening.
- Regularly review file associations to keep the menu uncluttered.
Example workflows
- Writing: Right-click Markdown files → Open with++ → choose Markdown editor or previewer; set previewer as temporary choice for checking rendering.
- Photo editing: Right-click RAW images → Open with++ → choose raw processor; pin Photoshop and a lightweight viewer for quick checks.
- Development: Right-click source file → Open with++ → choose IDE, terminal editor, or run a custom script that lints before opening.
Uninstalling Open with++
- Windows: Use Settings > Apps or Control Panel to uninstall. Optionally run the uninstaller to remove context-menu entries.
- macOS: Remove the app from Applications and disable any system extensions; check for leftover preference files.
- Linux: Remove the package via your package manager or delete the AppImage; remove desktop-integration files if needed.
Conclusion
Open with++ simplifies file opening by giving you customizable, fast access to the apps and actions you use most. With simple setup, sensible defaults, and a handful of advanced features like scripting and sandboxing, it can significantly speed up workflows for writers, developers, photographers, and power users.
If you want, I can also:
- Create a shorter quick-start cheat sheet.
- Write step-by-step screenshots for your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux).
- Draft sample scripts for automated open actions.
Leave a Reply