What is lsd?

lsd has a name that might raise eyebrows, but it is a perfectly ordinary system process.

What is lsd?

lsd stands for Launch Services daemon. It is the user-level counterpart to launchservicesd. It handles Launch Services tasks within your user session: managing which apps open which files, app registrations, and document type mappings for your user account.

What does it do?

• Keeps the per-user database of which apps open which file types
• Works out which app to use when you double-click a document
• Tracks recently opened documents and apps
• Manages default app settings for your user

How is it different from launchservicesd?

launchservicesd works at the system level, keeping the global list of all installed apps. lsd works at the user level, managing your personal file links and preferences.

Does it use a lot of resources?

Normally no. If lsd uses a lot of CPU, the Launch Services database may need rebuilding:

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

Should you worry?

No. It is a standard macOS process with an unfortunately memorable name.

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