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How to Open a TXT Attachment in Word for Mac
Question details
The user is unable to open a TXT email attachment directly into Word for Microsoft 365 on a Mac and needs a reliable method to view and edit the file.
- Product
- Word for Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to open a plain text (.txt) file attached to an email directly within the Microsoft Word application.
- Observed behavior
- Word for Mac fails to open the TXT attachment directly from the email application. Additionally, embedded objects may fail to open due to macOS lacking OLE support.
Ensure you have access to your email client's attachment download folder, typically found in your Mac's default 'Downloads' directory.
Save the TXT Attachment and Open it via Finder
Since Word for Mac cannot open the TXT attachment directly from the email client, manually saving it to your local storage bypasses this limitation.
This method forces the operating system to handle the file routing, allowing you to explicitly choose Microsoft Word as the application to read the plain text file.
In your email client, hover over the TXT attachment and click the download icon, or choose 'Save As' to download it to your Mac.
Open the Finder app on your Mac and navigate to the directory where you saved the TXT file (usually the Downloads folder).
Right-click (or Control-click) the TXT file, hover over 'Open With' in the context menu, and select 'Microsoft Word' from the list of applications.
Request a Standard File for Embedded Objects
If the file is embedded within another document or email rather than attached normally, macOS cannot process it due to operating system limitations.
Experience Seamless File Compatibility with WPS Office for Mac
Struggling with platform limitations and attachment errors? WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office that easily handles text files, Word documents, and complex formatting on your Mac.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite for your Mac.
- 2. Save your attachment: Save the TXT or document attachment from your email to your local drive.
- 3. Open instantly: Right-click the file, select 'Open With', and choose WPS Office for a seamless viewing and editing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't Word for Mac open my TXT attachment directly?
Currently, Word for Microsoft 365 on Mac lacks the direct application integration required to seamlessly parse and open certain plain text attachments directly from email clients. You must save the file locally first.
What is an OLE object and why doesn't it work on my Mac?
OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) is a Microsoft Windows technology used to embed files within other documents or emails. Because macOS does not support OLE natively, these embedded files cannot be clicked and opened on a Mac.
Can I set Microsoft Word as the default app for all TXT files?
Yes. Right-click any TXT file in Finder, select 'Get Info', expand the 'Open with' section, choose Microsoft Word from the dropdown, and then click the 'Change All' button.
Will Microsoft fix this limitation in Word for Mac?
Microsoft continually updates Word for Microsoft 365. You can submit or upvote this feature request in the official Microsoft Word feedback portal, though no specific timeline has been announced for a fix.
