The default browser in Mac is Safari and there doesn’t seem to be a quick and easy way to change it. If you are a Web designer, Web developer, or just someone who likes to use multiple browsers in your workflow, this article will show you how to change the default browser on Mac from the menu bar.

I often change my default browser depending on the task at hand. As you probably know, all browsers have their benefits and work great for different things. This is where Objektiv really comes in handy.

How to setup and use Objektiv

  1. Download Objektiv from its official Web page. Then unzip the folder and drag the .app file to your Applications folder.

  2. Open the Objektiv application. Immediately in the menu bar you’ll see the icon for your default browser on Mac.

  3. Clicking on that menu bar icon will display all of the browsers that you have installed on your Mac. When you select a browser from the status menu, it will become your new default browser.

  4. If there is an application listed that has been incorrectly detected, hold down the ALT key and then click on the item. This will blacklist that app and hide it from the status menu. For example, RealPlayer and Snagit are not browsers, yet they show in my status menu (pictured above), so I’ve hidden them from my list.

If you ever want to add something back that you’ve hidden, you’ll find it under “Hidden Items” in the status menu. Click on it to add it back.

  1. You may also want to go to Preferences so that you can launch Objektiv on login and/or autohide the status bar icon. Another option is to record a hotkey for the app, which can be used to launch the app or to show the status bar icon (if you hide it).

With Objektiv, changing your default browser on Mac can be done in a matter of seconds. As you can see, this app is sure to save you time and boost productivity if you switch often.

Charnita has been a Freelance Writer & Professional Blogger since 2008. As an early adopter she loves trying out new apps and services. As a Windows, Mac, Linux and iOS user, she has a great love for bleeding edge technology. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn.

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