lsregister MacOS Command Guide
The MacOS lsregister command allows users to manage the Launch Services database, which stores information about applications and file types. By using this command, you can reset the database, view its contents, and troubleshoot issues related to file associations. This powerful tool is especially useful for resolving problems with file types not opening in the expected application or applications not appearing as options when opening a specific file. With the lsregister command, you can ensure that your MacOS system functions smoothly and efficiently by maintaining and updating the Launch Services database accurately.
lsregister Syntax:
Section titled “lsregister Syntax:”lsregister [options] [parameters]Options:
Section titled “Options:”| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -kill | Reset the Launch Services database. |
| -lint | Check files for registration issues. |
| -dump | Print registrations in a human-readable format. |
| -seed | Seed the database with the defaults. |
| -apps | Display registered applications. |
Parameters:
Section titled “Parameters:”| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| path | Path to the file or directory to register. |
| bundleid | Bundle ID of the application to register. |
| path | path |
lsregister Command Samples:
Section titled “lsregister Command Samples:”Register an Application
Section titled “Register an Application”lsregister -register /Applications/MyApp.appRegisters the specified application with the Launch Services database.
List all registered applications
Section titled “List all registered applications”lsregister -dumpDisplays a list of all applications registered in the Launch Services database.
Verify the registration of an application
Section titled “Verify the registration of an application”lsregister -lint -f /Applications/MyApp.appChecks and verifies the registration of the specified application in the Launch Services database.
Show the default application for a specific file type
Section titled “Show the default application for a specific file type”lsregister -dump | grep .txtFinds and displays the default application associated with the “.txt” file type.
Unregister an application
Section titled “Unregister an application”lsregister -u /Applications/MyApp.appUnregisters the specified application from the Launch Services database.
Rebuild the Launch Services database
Section titled “Rebuild the Launch Services database”lsregister -kill -seedRebuilds the Launch Services database, resolving issues related to application registrations.
Open the registered app’s URL on the App Store
Section titled “Open the registered app’s URL on the App Store”lsregister -url telnetOpens the URL of the registered application on the App Store, using the specified identifier.
How do I use lsregister in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I use lsregister in MacOS?”To use the lsregister command in MacOS, execute the following command:
lsregister -lintHow can I rebuild the Launch Services database using lsregister in MacOS?
Section titled “How can I rebuild the Launch Services database using lsregister in MacOS?”To rebuild the Launch Services database using lsregister in MacOS, run the following command:
lsregister -kill -seed -rHow do I list all the applications registered with lsregister in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I list all the applications registered with lsregister in MacOS?”To list all applications registered with lsregister in MacOS, use the following command:
lsregister -dumpHow can I register a specific application with lsregister in MacOS?
Section titled “How can I register a specific application with lsregister in MacOS?”To register a specific application with lsregister in MacOS, use the following command:
lsregister -f /Path/To/Application.appHow do I unregister a specific application with lsregister in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I unregister a specific application with lsregister in MacOS?”To unregister a specific application with lsregister in MacOS, execute the following command:
lsregister -u /Path/To/Application.appHow can I force lsregister to update all applications in MacOS?
Section titled “How can I force lsregister to update all applications in MacOS?”To force lsregister to update all applications in MacOS, run the following command:
lsregister -f -RApplications of the lsregister command
Section titled “Applications of the lsregister command”- Updating the Launch Services database
- Managing file associations and default applications
- Troubleshooting issues with file open actions and associations
- Resetting the Launch Services database at system or user level
- Viewing information about registered applications and file types
- Triggering a re-registration of applications and file types
- Rebuilding the Launch Services database
- Clearing the Launch Services cache