How to Change Office for Mac File Dialogs to List View
Question details
The user wants to change the default file viewing format in Microsoft Office for Mac dialog boxes from column view to list view.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Opening, saving, or browsing files within Office applications on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The default file dialogs (Open, Save, Save As) display files in column view, which the user finds difficult to navigate.
Ensure your macOS and Microsoft Office applications are updated to the latest versions, as interface options and default behaviors can vary between releases.
Change the View Settings in the File Dialog
Use the built-in view options inside the Open or Save dialog window to switch to list view.
Launch an Office app like Word or Excel and press Cmd + O (Open) or Cmd + S (Save) to open the file dialog.
Click the 'Show items as' icon (usually represented by list or column icons) located at the top of the dialog window.
Choose 'List' from the dropdown menu. This preference should be saved automatically for future file dialogs.
Submit Feedback or Revert Office Version
If the list view option is missing, it may be due to recent default UI changes in Office for Mac.
Experience Intuitive File Management with WPS Office for Mac
If you are frustrated by rigid UI changes in Microsoft Office, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, user-friendly interface with native-feeling file management and high compatibility on all Mac devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Office for Mac stuck in column view?
In recent updates, Microsoft changed the default file dialog view to column view. Depending on the exact Office version you are using, the option to switch back to list view might be hidden or temporarily removed.
Does this file view setting apply to all Mac applications?
No, the view changes you make specifically in the Microsoft Office 'Open' or 'Save' dialogs typically only affect Office applications. Other Mac apps use the system-wide Finder preferences.
How can I change the default view for all Finder windows on Mac?
Open Finder, press Cmd + J to open View Options, select 'List View', and click 'Use as Defaults' at the bottom of the window. Note that Office apps might still override this system setting with their own dialog designs.
