This article will describe how Firefox handles downloads for different types of files and how you can change that behavior.

• For help with download problems, see What to do if you can't download or save files.
• For help with embedded media on web pages, see Fix common audio and video issues.
• For help changing the e-mail program that Firefox uses, see Change the program used to open email links.

Download actions

When you click a link to download a file, the Internet Media type, also called the MIME type or Content type, determines what action Firefox will take. You may already have a plugin installed that will automatically handle the download, such as Windows Media Player or QuickTime. Other times, you may see a dialog asking whether you want to save the file or open it with a specific application. When you tell Firefox to open or save the file and also check the option to "Do this automatically for files like this from now on" (see below), an entry appears for that type of file in the Firefox Applications panel.

Changing download actions

This will not affect media embedded in a web page - only links to the files themselves.

1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button and select Settings.
2. Select the Applications panel.
3. The Applications panel will display. Select the type of file for which you want to change the default action.
   Multiple entries for the same file format or extension? Some file types can include more than one Internet Media type.
4. The Action column will give you a drop-down menu, with options on action to take, whenever you click that type of file.

   

   • Always ask: will prompt you to select what action you want Firefox to take when you click on that type of file. This can be useful if Firefox is automatically saving a file type or is always opening it with a certain program and you want to be asked what to do.
   • Save File: will always save the file to your computer using the Downloads window, whenever you click that type of file.
   • Open the file with an application or plugin of your choosing.
5. Close the Settings page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved. after making changes.

Adding download actions

1. On the web, find a link to a file matching the type you want to add.
2. Click on the file link to download it.
3. Select how you want Firefox to handle the file:
   • Open with: Saves the file to a temporary folder and opens it in the default application for that file type. To select an application, click Choose...Browse....
     Do not choose Firefox to always open a certain file type, as doing so can cause a problem where Firefox repeatedly opens empty tabs or windows after you click on a link.
   • Save file: Saves the file to the download folder (specified in the Firefox General panel).
4. In the Opening file window, check mark Do this automatically for files like this from now on.

   

5. Click OK.