diff --git a/example.conf b/example.conf
index f14f7e0..72585a9 100644
--- a/example.conf
+++ b/example.conf
@@ -145,9 +145,11 @@ NumThreads      = 8
 # filename        = ics_hacc
 
 ##> SWIFT compatible HDF5 format. Format broadly similar to gadget_hdf5 but in a single
-##> file even when using MPI. No h-factors and no sqrt(a)-factor for the velocities.
+##> file even when using MPI. No h-factors for position and masses and no sqrt(a)-factor for the velocities.
+##> IDs are stored using 64-bits unless UseLongids is set to false.
 # format          = SWIFT
 # filename        = ics_swift.hdf5
+# UseLongids      = true
 
 ##> Generic HDF5 output format for testing or PT-based calculations
 # format          = generic
diff --git a/src/plugins/output_swift.cc b/src/plugins/output_swift.cc
index a3b61a2..c719d8c 100644
--- a/src/plugins/output_swift.cc
+++ b/src/plugins/output_swift.cc
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ public:
     vunit_ = boxsize_; // final units will be in km/s
     munit_ = rhoc * std::pow(boxsize_, 3) / hubble_param_; // final units will be in 1e10 M_sol
 
-    blongids_ = cf_.get_value_safe<bool>("output", "UseLongids", false);
+    blongids_ = cf_.get_value_safe<bool>("output", "UseLongids", true);
     bdobaryons_ = cf_.get_value<bool>("setup","DoBaryons");
 
     for (int i = 0; i < 7; ++i)
@@ -369,7 +369,7 @@ public:
 
 namespace
 {
-output_plugin_creator_concrete<swift_output_plugin<float>> creator1("SWIFT");
+output_plugin_creator_concrete<swift_output_plugin<double>> creator1("SWIFT");
 } // namespace
 
 #endif