Windows 7: Change your default image editing software

Real Title: Change you default image editing software (right-click -> edit)

I've done some digging (due to this Right Click Context Menus post) and have found the exact registry key needed to change the default application that is run when you right-click an image file and select Edit. Regardsless of the 'Default' application for each file type, mspaint stays ar the default right-click->edit application.

Open up regedit (type "regedit" in the start menu search box) and navigate to

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\shell\edit\command



Change the default to the location of the executable file of your image editing software:

e.g. "c:\program files\adobe\photoshopCS4\photoshopCS4.exe" "%1"

NOTE: You need to encase the text in quotes ("") & add "%1" in order for your chosen piece of software to open the file you have selected.

Now, when you right-click and select Edit, your newly chosen application will run.

this was/is the case even when the file ext was/is associated with another program? seems as tho in XP atleast, when installing office 07 and the microsoft imaging program, that then became the default if i recall correctly. Since then i dont install it, didnt use or like it.

what is the difference with choosing "edit" and having the selected default program a choice, rather than just using the "open with" and choosing from a menu of select installed applications that handle that extension? Not shunning your hard work, just a curious cat.

I've just installed Office 2007 and mspaint is still the default 'Edit' application. There is not much diffrence other than (i suppose) having a different 'editing' & different 'viewing' applications.

sorry orbital, like i said wasnt shunning your hard work, i didnt realize that you were doing this for another's preferences. My mistake. the question should actually be in his thread instead

but did you do a custom install of office and choose to install the MS editing software ( i forget the exact name off hand) ? that would be interesting if so. Like i said, that program took preference place over paint in XP when installed. Tho its been ages ago, i could be a bumbling fool also, just going by memory.

I 'Microsoft Office Picture Manager' was installed by default so i believe

FYI you're no bumbling fool

hehehe.... well thank you sir.... i do know who to call upon when i need to go reg digging/hunting

In my configuration ... I use Irfanview for my default image viewing and editing.
But may need to "open with" another application for advanced editing or viewing.
The "Open With" route is too many clicks requiring a multiple choice test.
I'd rather take a direct route with only two clicks ... and skip the multiple choice "open with" test.
I quit taking tests a long time ago

from your standpoint of one whom uses alot of image design/editing software, especially if thats your passion, hobby, or job, i can fully understand this. Only thing i would point out is that its still two clicks with a mouse, 1 right - * slide over * - left click Now if you could just customize a button(s) on the mouse to open a variety of select programs in that field... thats the only possible faster way i could think of. But yea, i understand the need now, and starting to not understand why this isnt avail somehow without the need of going thru reg. I guess that the /control panel/default programs/ hasnt an included option for this. It would presumably only affect the opening of, not the "open for edit".

turns out this has been more interesting than first look, or second look for that matter.

This was easy in XP .. Folder options > file types ... for each specific file type.

In XP or Vista .. One could create a new task bar .. and drag the file to the application.

Windows 7's pinned applications do not allow dragging the file to open ...
and M$ has removed the ability to create a new task bar in Windows 7

Seems like the better M$ gets .. The more workarounds we have to find.

This regedit workaround would be better if it could be done on a specific file type basis.