TOML configuration appears in projects and application settings. Opening it in Zed is an editing choice, independent of whether the program using that configuration accepts the values you enter.
Method 1: Use Finder
- In Finder, select a sample file such as settings.toml.
- Press Command–I, or choose File → Get Info.
- Expand Open with and choose Zed. If it is missing, choose Other and locate the installed app.
- Click Change All and confirm the macOS prompt.
- Double-click another file of the same type to check the new default.
Method 2: Manage associations with Pahkui
Pahkui lets you browse by app or by format. When setting up an editor for several file types, you can inspect the current defaults and review pending changes in one window. Requires macOS 14 or later.
- Open Pahkui, switch to Format, and search for the extension you need from .toml.
- Select Zed. Use Choose another app if it is not listed.
- Review the pending association, click Apply changes, and confirm the new app in the macOS dialog.
The formats in this guide require Pahkui Pro, a one-time purchase for lifetime use. The manual Finder method does not require a purchase. See pricing
If the default app does not change
- If parsing fails, check TOML quoting and data types instead of changing the opener again.
- Cargo.toml, pyproject.toml and other TOML files may serve different applications even though Finder uses the same extension.
- If Zed is missing, confirm it is installed and can open the sample directly, then locate it with Other. If an extension is absent from the catalog, add the format in Pahkui. Changing an association does not add format support to the target app.
Common questions
Does a TOML association change Rust or Python settings?
No. It selects the editor. Configuration only changes when you edit and save the relevant file.
How do I restore the previous app for .toml?
Choose the previous app again in Finder or Pahkui and confirm the change. This updates the type association without deleting files. Use the Open With context menu for a one-time exception.