bel-open-file

Open local files with the operating system's default application.

2|Updated Oct 22, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/bennoloeffler/bassi --skill bel-open-file
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: bel-open-file
Source: https://github.com/bennoloeffler/bassi/tree/main/.claude/skills/bel-open-file
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/bennoloeffler/bassi --skill bel-open-file

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Opens a file on disk using the operating system's default application, enabling immediate preview without manual steps.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Universal file support: PDFs, images, documents, emails, spreadsheets, etc.
  • OS-aware execution: macOS uses open, Linux uses xdg-open, Windows uses startfile.
  • Use Case: Preview a generated report or attachment with a single command.

Quick Start

Run: python scripts/open_file.py <path-to-file>

Frequently Asked Questions about bel-open-file

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I open a file with its default application in a workflow?

Open any local file using the operating system's default application by specifying the file path. The Skill detects your OS (macOS, Linux, or Windows), validates the file exists, resolves the absolute path, and executes the appropriate command—open on macOS, xdg-open on Linux, startfile on Windows—returning success or error status.

Can I preview PDFs, images, and documents without manual steps?

Yes. The Skill supports universal file formats including PDFs, images, documents, emails, and spreadsheets. Launch any supported file type directly to its default viewer with a single command, enabling immediate preview in your workflow.

What file formats does opening with the OS default app support?

The OS default application method supports any file format your operating system recognizes, including PDFs, images, documents, emails, spreadsheets, and other formats already associated with an application. Support depends on your system's configured file associations.

How do I open generated reports or attachments automatically?

Pass the file path to the Skill after generating or retrieving files in your workflow. It validates the file exists, resolves its location, and opens it with the default application, eliminating manual file navigation steps for reports and attachments.

Does opening files work across macOS, Linux, and Windows?

Yes. The Skill is OS-aware and executes the correct command for each platform: open on macOS, xdg-open on Linux, and startfile on Windows, ensuring consistent file-opening behavior across operating systems.

What happens if the file doesn't exist or the path is invalid?

The Skill validates that the file exists and resolves an absolute path before attempting to open it. If the file is not found or the path is invalid, it returns an error status rather than failing silently, allowing your workflow to handle the issue.