Forum Discussion
Opening a Word document from an Excel spreadsheet
- Jan 30, 2026
YES, YES, YES! That works, Thank you so much.
Below are two simple approaches, starting with the easiest and then a slightly more flexible one.
Just want to open Word
This method simply tells Excel to open the Word file, just as if you double-clicked it.
Sub OpenWordDocument()
Dim wordFilePath As String
wordFilePath = "C:\YourFolder\YourDocument.docx"
If Dir(wordFilePath) <> "" Then
Workbooks.Open wordFilePath
Else
MsgBox "File not found."
End If
End SubThis works because Windows knows Word files must be opened by Microsoft Word.
Want to edit or automate Word
This method starts Word explicitly, opens the document, and gives you control over Word if you need it later.
Enable Word reference (optional but helpful)
In the VBA Editor, click Tools → References
Check Microsoft Word xx.x Object Library
Click OK
This gives you IntelliSense and better error checking.
Sub OpenWordDocument()
Dim wdApp As Object
Dim wdDoc As Object
Dim wordFilePath As String
wordFilePath = "C:\YourFolder\YourDocument.docx"
' Start Word
Set wdApp = CreateObject("Word.Application")
wdApp.Visible = True
' Open the document
Set wdDoc = wdApp.Documents.Open(wordFilePath)
End Sub
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
Hope this will help you.
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