ODS is the OpenDocument spreadsheet format used by Calc. Select LibreOffice.app as the Finder opener for workbooks that you prefer to edit in Calc, while keeping application compatibility separate from the default-app choice.
Method 1: Use Finder
- In Finder, select a sample file such as workbook.ods.
- Press Command–I, or choose File → Get Info.
- Expand Open with and choose LibreOffice. If it is missing, choose Other and locate the installed app.
- Click Change All and confirm the macOS prompt.
- Double-click another file of the same type to check the new default.
Method 2: Manage associations with Pahkui
Pahkui lets you browse by app or by format. When setting up an editor for several file types, you can inspect the current defaults and review pending changes in one window. Requires macOS 14 or later.
- Open Pahkui, switch to Format, and search for the extension you need from .ods.
- Select LibreOffice. Use Choose another app if it is not listed.
- Review the pending association, click Apply changes, and confirm the new app in the macOS dialog.
The formats in this guide require Pahkui Pro, a one-time purchase for lifetime use. The manual Finder method does not require a purchase. See pricing
If the default app does not change
- Select the LibreOffice suite app rather than searching for a standalone Calc.app that may not exist.
- If formulas recalculate differently in another suite, investigate formula compatibility instead of changing the association repeatedly.
- If LibreOffice is missing, confirm it is installed and can open the sample directly, then locate it with Other. If an extension is absent from the catalog, add the format in Pahkui. Changing an association does not add format support to the target app.
Common questions
Does changing the ODS opener recalculate all my workbooks?
No. The association alone does not rewrite files. Changes can occur when a workbook is opened, edited and saved.
How do I restore the previous app for .ods?
Choose the previous app again in Finder or Pahkui and confirm the change. This updates the type association without deleting files. Use the Open With context menu for a one-time exception.