How to change the default program for pdf (only for current user)

Question

On Ubuntu 10.10 I would like to change my default pdf viewer to acroread.

I do not have sudo privilidges, so I want to make this change for my own user only. Acroread is already installed.

Answer 1

To set the file associations :

1. Right Click on the file
2. Choose Properties
3. Go to the Open With tab.
4. Choose your file viewer. For eg. acroread.
5. That's it. Click on close.

Also see this answer for an alternative method.

Answer 2

To set the default program to pdf

1. gedit ~/.local/share/applications/defaults.list
2. Add application/pdf=acroread.desktop or application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop

The correct name of the .desktop file can be found in /usr/share/applications/

This will set the pdf default program as adobe reader

Answer 3

An update for Ubuntu 13.04. I am, however, using Gnome fallback session with no effects.

I wanted to use Foxit Reader 1.1 for my default PDF viewer, but I couldn't add it through right-click in file manager and "Open With," right-click properties and "Open With," or through "System Setting" → "Details" → "Default Applications".

What did work for me was "Ubuntu Tweak":

1. The PDF default is under the "Admins" tab, then click the "Applications Centre".
2. Look for "All" in the "Category" column on the far left.
3. Scroll down to find the "PDF" file type and the "Associated Application".
4. Double-click to change (brings up a window) where you can "Add" an application through one provided or find your own.

Answer 4

An update for recent Ubuntu and Gnome. You can change default app setting on nano ~/.config/mimeapps.list for more information see https://help.gnome.org/admin/system-admin-guide/stable/mime-types-application-user.html.en

Answer 5

On Ubuntu 22.04 you must set the default by going into the document properties menu. Right Click or Ctrl + I then Open With tab.

Illustration: