I have numerous Numbers files and they all seem to open except one. I get a window saying I need an update of Numbers to open this file. It is a financial file and I must get it open. I have the latest update of numbers for my computer. What is the problem?
iMac, 10.11
I can't understand how that one file would be opened in a newer version
of Numbers if I have never downloaded a newer version than 3.6.
If you've opened it on iOS then you have opened it with a newer version. Numbers for iOS converts to the newer file format, which your 3.6 on the Mac can't handle (though it can open Excel files). Hence the suggesting to try downloading as Excel and opening that in your 3.6 on the Mac.
SG
I can't understand how that one file would be opened in a newer version
of Numbers if I have never downloaded a newer version than 3.6.
If you've opened it on iOS then you have opened it with a newer version. Numbers for iOS converts to the newer file format, which your 3.6 on the Mac can't handle (though it can open Excel files). Hence the suggesting to try downloading as Excel and opening that in your 3.6 on the Mac.
SG
MacOS is already at 10.14.3 and Numbers for the Mac at 5.3. Numbers for iOS now uses a more modern file format so if you've opened the document there you'll no longer be able to edit it in your old version on the Mac. Time to upgrade on your Mac.
Meanwhile, here is one thing you can try. Sign in to iCloud.com and go to Numbers for iCloud. Download the document in Excel format, and open that on your Mac.
SG
"…still don't know why that one file won't open.
It likely is time for a new computer but this one works so well."
That one file has been opened by a more current version of Numbers. When openied, the file was translated/converted to a newer version of the file format. Numbers 3.6 is not capable of opening files using that newer file format.
BUT, as SGIII noted above, Numbers 3.6 is capable of opening files saved in the format used by MS Excel.
Open the file on your iPhone or in iCloud, then export the document to an Excel file. Transfer that file to your Mac, and open it in Numbers 3.6. You will lose any features not supported by both Numbers and Excel, but should get a working file (that you should avoid sending to iPhone or iCloud).
Regards,
Barry
What version of MacOS? Of Numbers? Are you opening the documents on iOS too?
SG
SG, I have opened all my files on my Mac or iphone in iCloud Drive. All but this one works. It is a very small file, but an important one. Thanks for our help. At least I can open it now.
Roy
Thanks SG, I have MacOS 10.11.6 and Numbers vs. 3.6.2
I can open this file on my iphone. I have a lot of my docs in icloud and this one seems to be the only number file that will not open on my Mac.
Roy
I went in to icloud.com and opened Numbers and the spreadsheet was in there and it opened, with updates I had made through my phone. I tried it again on my Mac through icloud drive and it still will not open.
At least I can get it but still don't know why that one file won't open.
It likely is time for a new computer but this one works so well.
Thanks
Roy
Barry, thanks. I can't understand how that one file would be opened in a newer version of Numbers if I have never downloaded a newer version than 3.6. It is the only one I have on my apps file.
Thanks for your help,
Roy
Numbers says I need updated version to open a file, why?