Per-type default handling
Make FileRouter the default handler for selected file types such as Markdown or Plain Text, or claim custom types after adding them in Settings.
Overview
FileRouter is a Mac menu bar app that routes double-clicked files to the right editor instead of opening them directly. It acts as a default handler for selected file types, then applies your rules to decide which editor or utility should handle the file.
The help docs describe support for route-level editor defaults, ordered rules, built-in picker utilities, custom file types, and a custom x-filerouter URL scheme. That combination makes it useful when you want files to land in different apps based on type, folder, filename, or other conditions.
Features
Route-specific editor selection
Assign editors per route in Settings → Editors, where discovered apps can be curated, enabled, or added manually with Add App….
Rule-based routing
Define ordered rules with conditions such as file name, extension, parent folder, creator app metadata, and whether enabled editors are running.
Utility actions in pickers
Expose picker actions that do not open an editor, including Copy POSIX Path, Reveal in Finder, Open Parent in Terminal, Shortcuts, Services, and AppleScripts.
URL-based invocation
Open files through the x-filerouter URL scheme from Terminal, scripts, Shortcuts, or other apps, with support for a named rule parameter.
Custom type discovery and merging
Add custom file types from unrouted files or drag-and-drop, and merge overlapping types when a route already exists.
Use cases
Open files in the right editor by file type
Route Markdown, Plain Text, or other assigned file types to a preferred editor automatically when you double-click them in Finder.
Apply rule-based routing for exceptions
Use folder, filename, extension, or creator-app conditions to send specific files to different editors or a fallback default rule.
Launch routing from automation tools
Trigger FileRouter from Terminal, scripts, Shortcuts, or any app that can open URLs when you want an explicit file handoff.
Perform file-adjacent actions without opening an editor
Use picker utilities to copy a POSIX path, reveal a file in Finder, or open its parent folder in Terminal instead of editing it.
Add support for custom file types
Teach FileRouter a new file type by dropping an unrouted file on it or adding a type in Settings, then assign a route and editor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Handles files through the Mac menu bar without opening its own editor first.
- Supports per-route defaults and ordered rules, which lets the same file type follow different workflows.
- Includes built-in utilities and integrations for Shortcuts, Services, and AppleScripts.
- Can claim custom file types and map them to editors or utilities.
- Offers an x-filerouter URL scheme for explicit launches from scripts or other apps.
Cons
- The pricing page was not available, so the published pricing details on the site are limited to the homepage’s free-trial and one-time-purchase copy.
- Most of the documented behavior is centered on macOS file handling; the source does not describe non-Mac support.
FAQ
How do you make FileRouter the default handler for a file type?
FileRouter is configured from its menu bar and Settings. The help docs say you install it into /Applications, then use each route’s submenu to make FileRouter the default handler for that file type.
Can FileRouter choose different editors for different file types?
Yes. FileRouter lets you set a default editor per route, and it also supports a permanent Default Rule. The menu bar and the Rules tab stay linked, so changing one updates the other.
What can FileRouter do besides open a file in an editor?
The help docs list built-in utilities for Copy POSIX Path, Reveal in Finder, and Open Parent in Terminal, plus support for Shortcuts, Services, and AppleScripts in the picker or status menu.
Does FileRouter store routing rules in the cloud or require an account?
FileRouter is a Mac menu bar app. The privacy policy says routing happens locally on your Mac and there is no FileRouter account system or cloud sync for routing rules.
Can I open files in FileRouter from scripts or command line tools?
It can. The help docs say FileRouter registers the x-filerouter URL scheme, which you can use from Terminal, scripts, Shortcuts, or any app that can open URLs.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity
- Platform
- macOS
- Primary use
- Default file handler and router
- App form
- Mac menu bar app
- Website
- filerouter.app
- Pricing signal
- 7-day free trial, then one-time purchase of $19.99 mentioned on the homepage
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