Is there a way to have files open in new buffer instead of new window?

So for example I have example.txt on my desktop and an emacs window open with buffer.txt in the frame. Ideally I would like to click example.txt and then have buffer.txt be replaced by example.txt such that C-x b RET would bring me back to buffer.txt.

Yes there is a way, you would need to use emacsclient to open files but for that to work i think you would need to start emacs server which can be done through ur init file through the function (start-server)

That sounds interesting, I'll read up on it and see if I can get it working

While not the direct answer to your question, you can also use drag & drop to open the file in the same Emacs window.

Thanks for the info, I didn't know that. Might use that if I can't find any other solution

[deleted]

Write yourself an advice to find-file or, if that fails, write a replacement of find-file that switches back to the previous buffer immediately after opening.

It doesn't sound like that would accomplish what I asked about. Will looking into this help me with new windows/frames.

The GNU Hyperbole package has this capability built-in and permanently customizable via its keyboard-driven minibuffer menus. You can specify exactly where you want pathnames displayed when you press M-RETURN on them.

I'll look into that right now, spent a few hours yesterday trying some of the other suggestions here to no avail.