macOS: allow arbitrary apps or custom commands for "Default open destination"

Open 💬 5 comments Opened Mar 21, 2026 by adityasrini

I want to use a custom wrapper app for IntelliJ IDEA LightEdit in the macOS app.

Right now, the "Default open destination" setting appears to offer a fixed set of supported apps such as VS Code, Finder, Terminal, IntelliJ IDEA, and WebStorm. It does not appear to use the normal macOS app picker or LaunchServices app list.

My use case:

  • I want files opened from ChatGPT/Codex to go to IntelliJ LightEdit, which I can launch from the CLI with idea -e.
  • I created a wrapper .app bundle that shells out to idea -e for files and normal idea for directories.
  • I gave the wrapper a bundle ID and registered it with LaunchServices.
  • The wrapper still does not appear in "Default open destination".

Expected behavior:

  • Let users choose any installed .app as the open destination.

A better version:

  • Add a custom command option with a placeholder for the selected path, for example:
  • /path/to/idea -e {path}

Why this matters:

  • Some editors support alternate open modes such as LightEdit.
  • Some users want project folders and single files to open differently.
  • A fixed allowlist blocks valid macOS app workflows even when the app bundle is installed and registered correctly.

Environment:

  • macOS 26.3.1 (a) (25D771280a)
  • Codex Version 26.318.11754 (1100)
  • Reproduced on March 21, 2026

Repro:

  1. Create and register a normal .app wrapper on macOS.
  2. Open ChatGPT/Codex macOS settings.
  3. Go to "Default open destination".
  4. Try to select the wrapper app.

Actual:

  • The wrapper app does not appear.

Expected:

  • The wrapper app appears, or the app exposes a custom command option.

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