An XML file can describe configuration, a feed or document data. Choose VS Code when you want to see the tags rather than a browser rendering. XML-specific validation may need extra tooling.
Method 1: Use Finder
- In Finder, select a sample file such as config.xml.
- Press Command–I, or choose File → Get Info.
- Expand Open with and choose Visual Studio Code. 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 .xml.
- Select Visual Studio Code. 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
- Do not confuse a local .xml file with a feed URL; file defaults do not control how a website displays feeds.
- If the XML is inside a ZIP or an Office document package, extract a copy before editing instead of changing the container association.
- If Visual Studio Code 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 an XML editor default change Safari feed handling?
No. It applies to local XML files opened from Finder, not to website responses or browser extensions.
How do I restore the previous app for .xml?
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.