Open document with default OS application in Python, both in Windows and Mac OS

Question

I need to be able to open a document using its default application in Windows and Mac OS. Basically, I want to do the same thing that happens when you double-click on the do

Answer 1

Start does not support long path names and white spaces. You have to convert it to 8.3 compatible paths.

import subprocess
import win32api

filename = "C:\\Documents and Settings\\user\\Desktop\file.avi"
filename_short = win32api.GetShortPathName(filename)

subprocess.Popen('start ' + filename_short, shell=True )

The file has to exist in order to work with the API call.