Office Tab: How to open the file folder of the active document
When you’re working with multiple documents in Office Tab, you can jump to the file’s containing folder instantly using the built-in Open Folder command. This helps you locate related files, copy the file path, or manage versions without digging through Explorer.
Open the folder of the active document
Use Open Folder from the tab’s context menu to open the containing folder in your system file manager.
- Make sure the file you need is saved and its tab is active.
- Right-click that tab, then choose Open Folder.
Result: The folder that contains the active file opens immediately in your file manager (for example, File Explorer on Windows).
Note: Open Folder works only for documents that have been saved at least once (i.e., the file has a real location on disk).
✅ When to use:
- Grab related assets fast: Open the folder to access linked images, templates, or reference files.
- Version housekeeping: Quickly duplicate, rename, or archive the current file alongside its older versions.
- Share the file path: Copy the path from the address bar and send it to teammates.
Tips:
- If the document is new and unsaved, press Ctrl+S (or Save) first, then use Open Folder.
- The folder opens in your system’s default file manager (e.g., File Explorer). Network or cloud paths open as usual if you have access.
- You can also right-click any other tab to open its folder without switching tabs first.
🛠 Troubleshooting:
- “Open Folder” is greyed out: The file hasn’t been saved yet, or the tab isn’t associated with a local/network path (e.g., a temporary or read-only location). Save the file first.
- Folder opens but looks empty: You might be viewing a redirected or synced location (e.g., OneDrive, SharePoint). Check the address bar to confirm the exact path.
- Access denied: You don’t have permission to that folder. Save to a permitted location and try again.
FAQs
Where is “Open Folder” located?
Right-click the document’s tab to open the context menu, then choose Open Folder.
Why is “Open Folder” disabled?
The command is disabled for unsaved files or items without a valid disk path. Save the document first, then right-click the tab again.
Does this work for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint?
Yes. Office Tab provides the same tab context menu—including Open Folder—across Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Can I open folders for other tabs without switching?
Yes. Right-click any tab (even if it’s not active) and choose Open Folder.
Office Tab Brings Tabbed interface to Office, Make Your Work Much Easier
- Enable tabbed editing and reading in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, Visio and Project.
- Open and create multiple documents in new tabs of the same window, rather than in new windows.
- Increases your productivity by 50%, and reduces hundreds of mouse clicks for you every day!