gvfs-mime

Set or get default application for MIME type

--help
    Display help information and exit.

--version
    Display version information and exit.

query
    Query the default application for the given MIME type.

set
    Set the default application for the given MIME type to the specified .desktop file.

default ...
    Set as the default for all the specified mime types.

--xdg-desktops-dir
    output the XDG user desktops directory

--list
    List registered applications

DESCRIPTION

gvfs-mime is a command-line utility that allows you to query and manipulate the default applications associated with specific MIME types within the GVFS (GNOME Virtual File System) framework. It provides functionality similar to 'xdg-mime' but interacts specifically with GVFS's settings and infrastructure.

With gvfs-mime, you can determine the default application for opening a particular file type, set a new default application, and query supported applications for a given MIME type. This is useful for managing how your system handles different file types, ensuring that the applications you prefer are used to open them.

The command primarily interacts with the user's preferences, impacting how files are opened within the GNOME desktop environment and applications utilizing GVFS for file access. The settings are stored and managed by GVFS. It's a crucial tool for customizing your desktop experience.

CAVEATS

The application specified by must have a corresponding .desktop file that correctly describes its capabilities and MIME type associations. Incorrectly configured .desktop files can lead to unexpected behavior. The changes are user specific. Note that gvfs-mime manipulates the settings of the GVFS framework; changes may not be immediately reflected in all applications.

DESKTOP FILES

The .desktop files referenced by gvfs-mime are crucial for associating applications with MIME types. These files typically reside in /usr/share/applications or ~/.local/share/applications. They define the application's name, icon, command-line arguments, and, importantly, the MIME types it supports. The MimeType= key in the .desktop file specifies the supported MIME types as a semicolon-separated list. Ensure the specified MIME types are accurate and relevant to the application's capabilities.

EXAMPLES

To query the default application for opening PDF files:
gvfs-mime query application/pdf

To set Evince as the default application for PDF files:
gvfs-mime set application/pdf org.gnome.Evince.desktop

HISTORY

gvfs-mime is part of the GVFS project, which was created to provide a modular virtual file system layer for GNOME. It evolved alongside GVFS to manage MIME type associations specifically within the GVFS framework. Its use has increased as GVFS became more integrated into the GNOME desktop environment and other applications relying on GVFS for file system access.