How do I change the default from CSV to Excel on Mac?

Answered by Willian Lymon

Changing the default program for opening CSV files on a Mac is a simple process. By following these steps, you can set Excel as the default program for opening CSV files:

1. Locate the CSV file: Open the “Downloads” folder or the folder where the CSV file is saved.

2. Right-click on the CSV file: Click the right mouse button on the CSV file you want to open with Excel. This will bring up a context menu.

3. Select “Open With”: From the context menu, choose the “Open With” option. This will display a list of programs that can open the CSV file.

4. Choose Excel: In the “Open With” submenu, locate and click on “Excel.” If Excel is not listed, you may need to click on “Other” to search for it.

5. Click “Change All”: After selecting Excel, click the “Change All” button. This will change the default program for all CSV files on your Mac to Excel.

6. Confirm your decision: A dialog box will appear asking if you are sure you want to change all similar documents to open with Excel. Click “Continue” or “Yes” to confirm.

By following these steps, you have successfully set Excel as the default program for opening CSV files on your Mac. Now, whenever you double-click on a CSV file, it will automatically open in Excel.

It’s worth mentioning that changing the default program for opening CSV files does not affect the file format itself. CSV files are plain text files and can be opened by various programs, including text editors and spreadsheet applications. However, if you prefer to work with CSV files in Excel, setting it as the default program can save you time and make the process more convenient.

In my personal experience, I frequently work with CSV files in Excel for data analysis and manipulation. Setting Excel as the default program for opening CSV files has been beneficial as it allows me to seamlessly open and work with these files without any extra steps. It’s a straightforward process and can be easily reversed if you decide to change the default program in the future.

Changing the default program from CSV to Excel on a Mac involves right-clicking on a CSV file, selecting “Open With,” choosing Excel, clicking “Change All,” and confirming your decision. This allows you to open CSV files directly in Excel, making it the default program for this file type on your Mac.