Tech-Ease: Files and Sharing Questions and Answers

Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.

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Can I open files created with a Mac on my Windows computer?

Yes, in most cases you should be able to open a file created on a Mac on your Windows computer.

If you have the Mac version of a Windows program (such as Microsoft Office) it will likely save files in a format that can be read by your Windows computer (it will add the correct file extension). You can then transfer the file to your Windows computer and it should open up in the program assigned to that extension. You can transfer files between the two platforms using a CD, a USB drive, or a network connection. Another option is to upload the files to a web server from the Mac and then download them on your Windows computer.

If you do not have the Mac version of your Windows program you may still be able to save the file to a standard format that can be read on both platforms. For example, if you are using a word processing application on your Mac, it may allow you to save your document using Rich Text Format (RTF), which can be opened by many Windows word processing programs such as Microsoft Word.

Save as type

Many document formats will be accessible across platforms. This includes many file formats designed for use on the internet, such as PDF documents and images saved using the GIF and JPEG formats. Some multimedia files may require you to download a free plug-in to play them on the other platform. This is the case with Quicktime movies created on the Mac (which require the free Quicktime Player to be installed on the Windows computer).

Additional Websites

Jan's Illustrated Computer Literacy 101: Working with Windows—Files and Folders

Microsoft.com: Windows XP File and Folder Management Overview

Tiptalk: From Microsoft at Home and at Work—File Management

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire LTS Online Help Documentation: Windows XP

Geekgirls.com: Windows XP—An Introduction to File Management

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Tech-Ease for Windows is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Mac site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.

			Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	FILES FAQ	SEARCH
Can I open files created with a Mac on my Windows computer? Yes, in most cases you should be able to open a file created on a Mac on your Windows computer. If you have the Mac version of a Windows program (such as Microsoft Office) it will likely save files in a format that can be read by your Windows computer (it will add the correct file extension). You can then transfer the file to your Windows computer and it should open up in the program assigned to that extension. You can transfer files between the two platforms using a CD, a USB drive, or a network connection. Another option is to upload the files to a web server from the Mac and then download them on your Windows computer. If you do not have the Mac version of your Windows program you may still be able to save the file to a standard format that can be read on both platforms. For example, if you are using a word processing application on your Mac, it may allow you to save your document using Rich Text Format (RTF), which can be opened by many Windows word processing programs such as Microsoft Word. Many document formats will be accessible across platforms. This includes many file formats designed for use on the internet, such as PDF documents and images saved using the GIF and JPEG formats. Some multimedia files may require you to download a free plug-in to play them on the other platform. This is the case with Quicktime movies created on the Mac (which require the free Quicktime Player to be installed on the Windows computer).			Additional Websites Jan's Illustrated Computer Literacy 101: Working with Windows—Files and Folders Microsoft.com: Windows XP File and Folder Management Overview Tiptalk: From Microsoft at Home and at Work—File Management University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire LTS Online Help Documentation: Windows XP Geekgirls.com: Windows XP—An Introduction to File Management
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	FILES FAQ	SEARCH
Site Map \| Submit a Question \| About Tech-Ease \| Privacy Policy \| ETC Home Tech-Ease for Windows is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Mac site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.