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How Do I Open Excel Files on my Mac?

By default, Mac opens Excel files in Numbers unless you’ve changed your settings.

Here are two easy ways to open Excel files without changing your default app: 

First option:

➡️Open Excel.

➡️Go to File > Open.

➡️Browse to the location of the file and select it.

 

Second option - using your mouse or trackpad:

➡️Right-click with your mouse or Control+click using the trackpad on the file.

➡️Select "Open With".

Open With image
➡️Select Microsoft Excel.
 
Select Microsoft Excel Image
 
➡️Microsoft Excel will open after selecting the application.

 

How to permanently update the app defaults for all files of a particular type

➡️On your Mac, click on the File Finder in the Dock to open a Finder Window.

Mac Finder Icon Image

➡️Select a file, then choose File > Get Info.

💡You can also Control-click the file, then choose Get Info.

Get Info Image

➡️In the Info Window, click > next to "Open With".

Open With Alternative Image

➡️From the drop-down option, select the application you wish to open Excel files.

Applications Listed under Open With Image

⚠️Don't click Change All if you only want the specific file you selected to open with that app.

💡If you can't open a file with a specific app, the file may be damaged or may not be recognized by that app. Try opening it with a different app.