Duplicate entries in Mac OSX "Open With..." - Bash Script

If you're like me, you probably install-test-remove a plethora of apps on a weekly basis.  One of these annoying issues that pop up on Mac OSX is the duplication of apps in the "Open With..." menu.  Let me show you what I mean.  Here I am, trying to edit a Python script.

Fortunately, the solution is easy.   The "Open With" dialog is controlled by OSX's LaunchServices framework.  Create a shell script in your path - let's call it "FixOpenWith".   Put the following text in your new file.

#!/bin/bash

echo 'Now removing duplicates in the "Open With" menu in Mac OS X'

/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Versions/A/Support/lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain user

killall Finder
echo "Open With has been rebuilt, Finder will relaunch"

Next,  using Terminal,  cd to the file you just created.  Type chmod +x FixOpenWith to make it executable.  Then run it: ./FixOpenWith.  If the script is in your $PATH, you can just leave off the leading ./ This will take a few seconds or happen immediately, depending on your system.

Your Finder window should re-open and your issue will disappear.

Output in your terminal:
# ./FixOpenWith
Now removing duplicates in the "Open With" menu in Mac OS X
Open With has been rebuilt, Finder will relaunch

Voila!



-A