Apache OpenOffice (AOO) Bugzilla – Issue 71110
Need "import" option under "file" menu
Last modified: 2013-12-15 17:37:21 UTC
I support OpenOffice users in the hope that it will help drive OpenOffice adoption. I have become aware that many people have problems with importing files, especially CSV. First of all, this is what users who call me expect to go to when they want to open a CSV file. They are surprised when I tell them "it's automatic, just file file/open". Secondly, and more seriously, many of these files either don't have the .csv extension or have some other extension. The USER knows that it's a csv file, but OO doesn't. This is causing a lot of anger and frustration. The most common response is "oh, how rubbish, OpenOffice cannot import CSV files". So many calls that I have start off with that. The conversation goes something like: "Is there a workaround to the CSV import problem?" "What problem is that?" (perplexed) "Er... OpenOffice cannot import CSV files?" "Try file/open" "I did, it doesn't work. OpenOffice has a long way to catch up to Microsoft Office". "Does your file have a .csv extension?" "No, why should it? I know that it's a csv file". You get the picture. It would be a huge help and a minor change for us to add an explicit import option that allows users to tell OO what the file format is!
I have the same issue when opening XHTML file with "xhtml" extension. There is no way how to open the file in OOo. Renaming the file just for satisfying one application is unaccaptible. I don't think it's necessary to add new Import option. The whole problem is OOo decides according file name extension and user can't select proper file format freely. I suggest changing semantic of File/Open/File Type menu. Instead of directory listing filter it should specify import filter for selected file.
reassigning features and enhancements to user requirements@openoffice.org which will be the default owner for those tasks (was introduced some time ago)
A csv file without extension brings ASCII Filter Options dialog window and opens in Writer. Same file with csv extension restored brings Text Import dialog window and opens in Calc.