handlr

Open a URL in the default application

$ handlr open https://example.com

$ handlr open [path/to/file.pdf]

$ handlr set .png imv.desktop

$ handlr set 'audio/*' mpv.desktop

$ handlr list

$ handlr get .png

handlr command [arguments]

handlr is a modern alternative to xdg-utils for managing default applications on Linux. It handles file and URL associations through MIME types and file extensions.
The tool modifies ~/.config/mimeapps.list (and optionally the deprecated ~/.local/share/applications/mimeapps.list) to set default applications. It supports both specific file extensions (.pdf, .png) and MIME type patterns (audio/*, video/*).
handlr aims to be simpler and more predictable than xdg-open and xdg-mime, with better terminal integration and clear output.

open PATH|URL

Open file or URL with default application

Set default application for MIME type or extension

Get default application for MIME type or extension

List all configured default applications

Remove default application setting

Add handler to list without setting as default

Requires .desktop files to be properly installed in standard locations. May not be recognized by all desktop environments. Some applications may have their own file association mechanisms that override system defaults.

handlr was created as a Rust-based alternative to the xdg-utils suite, focusing on simplicity and reliability. It addresses common frustrations with xdg-open's unpredictable behavior and complex fallback mechanisms.

xdg-open(1), xdg-mime(1), mimeopen(1)