How to make Capture One the default app for RAW files

You can open RAW files in Capture One by double‑clicking them in Finder or File Explorer. However, on some systems, Capture One may not appear as an option to set as the default application, especially for certain RAW formats. This article explains why this happens and what you can do on macOS and Windows.

Why Capture One may not appear as a default app

File associations depend on how applications register supported file types with the operating system. Some RAW formats, including Canon CR3 on macOS, are not always registered as files that Capture One can open directly from the operating system. As a result, Capture One may appear grayed out or unavailable when you try to set it as the default app.

This does not affect your ability to import and edit RAW files inside Capture One.

Set Capture One as default on macOS

1. Select a RAW file in Finder.
2. Press Command + I to open the Get Info window.

3. Expand the Open with section.

   

4. If Capture One is available, select it.
5. Click Change All to apply the setting.

If Capture One is grayed out, macOS does not allow it to be set as the default app for that file type.

Set Capture One as default on Windows

1. Right‑click a RAW file in File Explorer.
2. Select Open with > Choose another app.
3. Select Capture One if it appears.
4. Enable Always use this app.

Workarounds if Capture One is greyed out

• Open Capture One first and import the RAW files.
• Drag RAW files onto the Capture One application icon.
• Use Capture One catalogs or sessions to manage and open images.

Capture One is designed to manage RAW files through its own workflow rather than as a general file viewer. In some cases, setting it as the system‑wide default app is not supported by the operating system.