TextWrangler, a powerful text editor for Mac, often automatically associates itself with various text file types. This can lead to unwanted changes in the icons displayed for these files, making it difficult to differentiate between various text formats. If you find that TextWrangler is altering your text file icons, it's important to understand the root cause and how to regain control over your file associations. This article will guide you through the steps to prevent TextWrangler from changing the icons of your text files, allowing you to maintain a consistent and personalized visual representation of your documents.
Understanding TextWrangler's Default Behavior
TextWrangler, by default, is designed to open a wide range of text file types. This includes common formats like .txt, .html, .css, and .js files. When you open a text file with TextWrangler, it often registers itself as the default application for that file type. This association, while convenient for editing, can lead to a change in the file's icon, replacing the generic text document icon with the TextWrangler icon.
Preventing TextWrangler from Changing Icons
Fortunately, there are several methods to prevent TextWrangler from altering the icons of your text files. These methods range from simple adjustments in TextWrangler's settings to more comprehensive changes in your Mac's file association settings.
1. Disable TextWrangler's Default Open Behavior
The simplest way to prevent TextWrangler from changing the icons is to disable its default "Open With" behavior. This ensures that TextWrangler is not registered as the primary application for any file type. To achieve this, follow these steps:
- Open TextWrangler and navigate to the "TextWrangler" menu.
- Select "Preferences".
- In the Preferences window, select the "General" tab.
- Uncheck the box next to "Open with TextWrangler".
- Close the Preferences window.
By disabling this option, you ensure that opening a text file won't automatically associate it with TextWrangler, thus preserving the original icon.
2. Reset File Associations
If you've already associated TextWrangler with certain file types, you can reset these associations to restore the default icons. This can be achieved by following these steps:
- Open Finder and navigate to the "Applications" folder.
- Locate TextWrangler and right-click on the application icon.
- Select "Get Info".
- In the Get Info window, under the "General" tab, locate the "Open With" section.
- Click on the "Change All..." button.
- In the pop-up window, select "Other...".
- Select the desired default application for that file type (e.g., "TextEdit" for plain text files).
- Click "Choose" and then "Continue".
This process will reset the file association for the selected file type, restoring the default icon and preventing TextWrangler from changing it.
3. Use a Different Text Editor
If you prefer a different text editor that doesn't alter your file icons, consider using an alternative. Numerous powerful text editors are available for Mac, including:
- Sublime Text: A popular cross-platform editor known for its speed and customization.
- Atom: A highly customizable and open-source editor developed by GitHub.
- Visual Studio Code: A versatile editor from Microsoft with strong support for various programming languages.
Switching to a different text editor can provide a solution if you're specifically trying to avoid TextWrangler's icon-changing behavior.
4. Revert to the Default Icon Manually
If you've already encountered the icon change and want to revert it manually, you can use the following method:
- Locate the text file whose icon you want to change.
- Right-click on the file.
- Select "Get Info".
- In the Get Info window, under the "General" tab, locate the "Icon" section.
- Click on the "Choose..." button.
- Select the desired icon from the available options (e.g., the generic text document icon).
- Click "Choose".
- Close the Get Info window.
This will manually override the icon associated with the selected file, restoring it to your preferred visual representation.
Additional Tips
- Check TextWrangler's Settings: Review TextWrangler's preferences to ensure that no specific settings are overriding your icon preferences.
- Restart Your Mac: Occasionally, restarting your Mac can resolve issues related to file associations and icons.
- Update Your Operating System: Ensure you're running the latest macOS version as updates often address potential issues with file handling and icons.
- Contact Support: If you encounter persistent problems or are unsure how to proceed, reach out to TextWrangler's support team for assistance.
By implementing these solutions, you can successfully prevent TextWrangler from changing the icons of your text files, ensuring a consistent and personalized visual representation of your documents. Remember that while TextWrangler offers a robust set of features, understanding its behavior regarding file associations and icons can help you maintain control over your file organization and presentation.
