File type associations not working for Creative Cloud apps

Learn how to fix the file type association problem for Creative Cloud apps.

Issue

When multiple versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, or any other Creative Cloud applications are installed on a computer, uninstalling the earlier versions after installing the new versions breaks file type associations for the new versions.

When you try to open a file, you observe one or more of the following issues:

  • The file type opens with a different application. For example, an Illustrator (.ai) file opens with Adobe XD.
  • The file type is not associated with the Creative Cloud app anymore. For example, a .PSD doesn't open with Photoshop. 
  • (Windows) Opening the file displays the message: Windows Cannot Open This File or the Open With dialog box.

Operating systems

Windows and macOS

Windows

macOS

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