How To Auto Open In Excel In Mac

E.Caroline

2 min read

·

08-02-2025

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Opening Excel files automatically on your Mac can significantly boost your productivity. This guide provides several methods to achieve this, catering to different scenarios and user preferences. Whether you're dealing with specific file types or want to automate the process for all Excel documents, we've got you covered.

Method 1: Setting Default Applications

This is the simplest method for automatically opening all .xlsx (and other Excel-compatible) files in Microsoft Excel. MacOS allows you to define default applications for specific file types.

Steps:

1. Locate the Excel File: Find any Excel file on your Mac.
2. Right-Click: Right-click (or control-click) on the file.
3. Get Info: Select "Get Info" from the context menu.
4. Open with: In the "Get Info" window, locate the "Open with:" section. You should see the current application associated with the file type.
5. Change Application: Click the dropdown menu next to "Open with:" and select "Microsoft Excel."
6. Apply to All: Crucially, check the box below that says "Change all…" to apply this setting to all files of the same type. This is what automates the opening.
7. Click Change: Click the "Change" button to confirm.

Now, whenever you click on an Excel file, it should automatically open in Microsoft Excel.

Method 2: Using Automator (For Specific Files or Folders)

For more targeted automation, Apple's Automator app provides powerful scripting capabilities. This method lets you create a workflow to open specific Excel files or files within a specific folder automatically.

Steps:

1. Open Automator: Search for "Automator" in Spotlight (Cmd + Space).
2. Create a New Workflow: Choose "Quick Action" as the workflow type.
3. Choose "files or folders" as the receives input
4. Add "Run AppleScript" Action: In the workflow, search for and add the "Run AppleScript" action.
5. Write the AppleScript: Paste the following code into the AppleScript action, replacing "path/to/your/excel/file.xlsx" with the actual path to your Excel file or folder:

on run {input, parameters}
	tell application "Microsoft Excel"
		open POSIX file ((item 1 of input) as string)
	end tell
	return input
end run

6. Save the Workflow: Save the workflow with a descriptive name (e.g., "Open Excel File"). You'll need to specify a workflow type (Files & Folders, for example) and potentially where it saves the file. You can add it to your services menu.

Now, when you right-click a file or folder, the "Open Excel File" action should be in your services menu, and selecting it will automatically open the specified Excel file in Microsoft Excel. This method is especially useful for batch processing.

Method 3: Using a Shell Script (Advanced Users)

For advanced users comfortable with the command line, a shell script offers a highly customizable solution. This method requires creating a shell script and assigning it to a specific file type. This solution is best for developers or experienced users familiar with the command line.

Note: Ensure Microsoft Excel is correctly installed and accessible to your system. If you encounter issues, double-check your Excel installation and file paths.

By using these methods, you can easily automate the opening of Excel files on your Mac, saving you time and improving your workflow. Remember to choose the method that best suits your technical skills and specific needs.