How to check the type filter in file open dialog?

The granddaddy of macOS modifications DefaultFolderX that has been around since "classic" Mac OS does not even offer this option. Making me think that is not something that is available.

And after 20+ years working on Macs I have not seen anything like that I would generally think that there is no mechanism available to end-users that allows you to do this.

It may be possible to add certain apps to the database of programs that can open a particular file but that is usually done by an App when it is installed.

I would say that you are likely out of luck in situations like this.

However I have been known to drag 'n drop a file onto a program icon that will open pretty much any file (I'm lookin' at you BBEdit) and that, I have found, is a useful workaround, at least for me.


macOS does have this ability, just not in the Open... window.

Right-click on a document > select Open With, then slide down to Other...

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This opens a window to the Applications folder showing Recommended Applications that should be able (but not guaranteed) open the document in question:

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You can then choose to select All of the applications in the Applications folder:

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You can they attempt to open a file with any of the available applications in the Applications folder, and you can additionally navigate to other folders which may have applications available.