# Opening a Spread COM File

Learn how to open and import Spread COM files into Spread Windows Forms with ease using the OpenSpreadFile methods of the FpSpread class. Explore the compatibility and differences between the COM and .NET environments.

## Content

You can open an existing file from the COM version of Spread (Spread COM 7.0 or later). For details on opening a Spread COM file, refer to the [OpenSpreadFile](/spreadnet/api/latest/online-win/FarPoint.Win.Spread/FarPoint.Win.Spread.FpSpread.OpenSpreadFile.html) methods of the **FpSpread** class.
Since the .NET platform is completely different from the COM environment, there are many differences between the Spread file for the products in these two environments. For more information about importing Spread COM files and understanding compatibility with Spread Windows Forms, refer to the [Version Comparison Reference](/spreadnet/docs/latest/online-win/overview/spwin-vercompref).

## Using Code

Use the [OpenSpreadFile](/spreadnet/api/latest/online-win/FarPoint.Win.Spread/FarPoint.Win.Spread.FpSpread.OpenSpreadFile.html) method of the **FpSpread** class, providing the path and file name for the file to open, or use the [OpenSpreadFile](/spreadnet/api/latest/online-win/FarPoint.Win.Spread/FarPoint.Win.Spread.SheetView.OpenSpreadFile.html) method of the [SheetView](/spreadnet/api/latest/online-win/FarPoint.Win.Spread/FarPoint.Win.Spread.SheetView.html) class (in the **ActiveSheet** or **Sheets** shortcut object).

## Example

This example code opens a Spread COM 7 file in the active sheet.

```csharp
// Open an old Spread 7 file into the active sheet.
fpSpread1.ActiveSheet.OpenSpreadFile("C:\\oldfile.ss7");
```

```vbnet
' Open an old Spread 7 file into the active sheet.
fpSpread1.ActiveSheet.OpenSpreadFile("C:\oldfile.ss7")
```

## Using the Spread Designer

1. From the **File** menu, select **Open**.
2. A dialog appears warning you that this overwrites your existing settings if you open a file. Click **Yes** to continue with the file open.
    The **Open** dialog appears.
3. Change the **Files of** type box to Spread 7 files (\*.ss7 or \*.ss8).
4. Specify the path and file name of the file to open, and then click **Open**.
    If the file is opened successfully, a message appears stating the file has been opened.
5. Click **OK** to close the Spread Designer.

## See Also

[Opening an XML Data File](/spreadnet/docs/latest/online-win/overview/spwin-devguide/spwin-usefiles/spwin-openfiles/spwin-open-spreadxmldatafile)
[Opening an Excel File](/spreadnet/docs/latest/online-win/overview/spwin-devguide/spwin-usefiles/spwin-openfiles/spwin-open-excelfile)
[Opening a Custom Text File](/spreadnet/docs/latest/online-win/overview/spwin-devguide/spwin-usefiles/spwin-openfiles/spwin-open-textfile)