Many macOS users often encounter the need to open a file created in Windows. It can be a document, a project, a spreadsheet, a graphic, or some other format.
For some of them, this task turns into a real challenge. They have a file, but have no chance to edit it.
However, there are comprehensive solutions that can help. They allow for working with Windows formats on macOS seamlessly.
Below, you’ll find practical methods and tools to help you open and use the most common Windows files on macOS without unnecessary difficulties.
How to open popular Windows formats in Mac OS
Windows provides many useful products that offer different formats.
Here, you may see a compilation of the most popular Microsoft tools and their successful alternatives for opening the corresponding files on a Mac.
Let’s explore these solutions right away.
How to open Microsoft Project on macOS
The users of Microsoft Project work with .mpp files. This is one of the most popular formats among project management specialists. However, Mac users often admit that the program itself is not available for macOS.
In this case, alternative services that allow you to work with project files come to the rescue. One of the best solutions is GanttPRO.
This multifunctional Gantt chart creator helps you quickly and easily open .mpp files, save task structures, and even continue working on them online.
The GanttPRO interface is easy to use and pretty intuitive. It makes the software accessible to both professionals and beginners. Moreover, it offers not only viewing but also full editing of projects.
It all means that Mac users get not just a replacement for the popular MS Project but a convenient tool for advanced teamwork and planning.
You can read more about this .mpp file viewer online here.
How to Open Microsoft Visio on macOS
Microsoft Visio files in specialized diagram and chart formats can also cause difficulties for Mac users.
To open them, you may easily apply Lucidchart. This tool allows you to import Visio files and continue working with them on a Mac without the need to install additional software. You get ready-made templates, various shapes, and creative options to build complex diagrams.
Additionally, this system supports collaborative editing, which looks convenient for team projects. Users can share diagrams with colleagues, leave comments, and monitor changes in real time.
Working in Lucidchart is not limited to adapting Visio files. The tool is quite versatile and suitable for a variety of tasks with data visualization.
How to open Microsoft Publisher on macOS
You may also often use Microsoft Publisher to create business cards, booklets, and other printed materials. The problem is that it’s hard to open them directly on macOS.
Luckily, there is LibreOffice Draw, which allows for working with this format. With this system, you can easily open and edit .pub docs.
Another trustworthy MS Publisher alternative is PUB Viewer Pro. With this specialized app for macOS, users can view and partially edit their Publisher files.
Both tools allow you to import data, adjust text and images, and export projects to other formats. This is especially important for designers, because they can access client materials created in Publisher without having to switch to Windows.
How to open Microsoft Access on macOS
Individuals and teams that work in Microsoft Access use .mdb and .accdb formats. If you also have a Mac, then you may encounter a lack of relevant support.
LibreOffice Base helps to open and use these databases.
This free program supports working with Access files and allows you to view data, as well as edit them. Its interface may seem a little unusual, but the functionality will impress you.
LibreOffice Base works with many formats and connects to various databases. This solution will be especially appreciated by specialists working with large amounts of information.
How to open 1C on macOS
If you work with files of the 1C accounting system, you surely know that this format is initially oriented to Windows. However, macOS users in such cases can apply a solution in the form of virtual systems or cloud 1C services.
For example, you can use Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion to install Windows inside macOS. With these solutions, you’ll be able to run 1C and work with .1cd files without any restrictions.
One more way is to apply the cloud version of 1C, which is accessible through a browser. It will eliminate the need to install complex software and provide access to data from anywhere.
How to open CorelDRAW on macOS
Graphic files created in .cdr format in CorelDRAW can also cause difficulties when adapting to macOS.
In this case, Affinity Designer comes to the rescue. With this program, you can easily open and edit .cdr files while maintaining the quality and structure of your original project.
This CorelDRAW replacement is positioned as a professional graphic editor. Its intuitive interface is designed for both designers and beginners. They can work with vector and raster graphics, which makes Affinity a rather universal tool. Its developers regularly update the product, adding new features and improving performance.
How to open Microsoft Outlook on macOS
As a Mac user, you can easily migrate from Windows to macOS without losing important data from Microsoft Outlook. Therefore, the .pst format is no longer an obstacle to comfortable work on Mac.
We usually use Microsoft Outlook to store emails, contacts, and calendars. However, some tools can do it even better.
For example, MailRaider Pro can assist. It allows you to view the contents of .pst files on Mac. The solution provides quick access without requiring a full-fledged mail client setup.
For those who actively work with email correspondence, such a tool becomes indispensable. It allows you to save the history of correspondence, contacts, and even attachments.
That’s all about the popular Windows formats and alternative tools to open them.
Use practical solutions to open Windows files on macOS without any problems
While macOS was not initially designed for Windows files, the solutions discussed above can effectively bridge this gap, allowing seamless file access and editing.
Whether it is Microsoft Project projects, CorelDRAW graphics, Visio diagrams, 1C accounting databases, or other formats, you can find a powerful tool for each of them.
It’s vital to consider not only viewing but also full-fledged work with files, including editing and sharing.
As a Mac user, you can choose the best option for your business needs. If the choice is made wisely, the usual Windows formats will cease to be a problem and will become part of your daily processes.
