COMMON File Extension

COMMON file icon

Unix Script

  • File Type common
  • Developer Apple, Inc.
  • Popularity
    4.8 (39 votes)
  • Application macOS
  • Category Developer Files

What is a COMMON file?

Unix Script, identified by the COMMON extension, is a Developer Files type and includes 1166 files.

With the creation of the Unix Script (COMMON), Apple introduced file format along with 72 programs built for their use.

COMMON files are supported by Mac OS and Linux. You can others a COMMON file using one of 6 programs, for example macOS, Unix and NetBSD.

Programs that support COMMON files

How to open a COMMON file?

The most common reason why a COMMON file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.

The most popular programs for working with COMMON files are macOS, Unix and NetBSD. To get the latest version of macOS, open the Apple website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.

Once setup is done, your operating system should assign macOS as the default app for COMMON files.

Make macOS the default COMMON viewer

Changing the default program in Windows

  1. Start by right-clicking on your COMMON file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
  2. Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose macOS as the application to associate with your COMMON file;
  3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".

Change the default app to open files on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired COMMON file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
  4. In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to macOS. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Finding answers to COMMON file problems

If you encounter issues with COMMON files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.

What are the signs that my COMMON file is damaged?

Corrupted COMMON developer files may have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Opening or processing the file in macOS or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
  • The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
  • Unexpected expansion of the total size of the COMMON file;
  • Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;

Why does macOS quit or crash unexpectedly?

macOS crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Apple products.

A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.

What methods can be used to repair a damaged COMMON file?

Use a recovery program to open the damaged COMMON file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged developer files.