.XLS File Extension

.XLS File Extension

Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet (Legacy)

Developer Microsoft
Popularity

Average rating 3.8 / 5. Vote count: 793

Category Spreadsheet Files
Format .XLS
Cross Platform Update Soon

What is an XLS file?

The .XLS file extension is associated with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets created by older versions of Excel (up to Excel 2003). These files are used to store data in tabular form, including worksheets, charts, formulas, and macros.

More Information.

.XLS files were used for storing and managing data in spreadsheets, allowing users to perform calculations, create graphs, and automate tasks through macros. Over time, as Excel evolved, the .XLS format saw improvements in functionality and performance, but it remained a binary format with limitations in terms of compatibility and file size.

Origin Of This File.

The .XLS format originated with Microsoft Excel, which was first introduced in 1985 for the Apple Macintosh. The format became widely used with the release of Excel for Windows in 1987. The .XLS extension was the default format for Excel files until the introduction of the XML-based .XLSX format in Excel 2007.

File Structure Technical Specification.

  • File Structure: .XLS files are binary files that store data in a proprietary format. They include worksheets, each with cells organized in rows and columns, and can contain various types of data including text, numbers, formulas, and formatting.
  • Technical Specification: The file structure consists of a series of records, each representing different elements like cell data, formatting, or charts. The format is complex and not easily readable by text editors.

How to Convert the File?

Windows

  1. Microsoft Excel:
    • Open the .XLS file in Microsoft Excel.
    • Go to File > Save As.
    • Choose the desired format (e.g., .XLSX, .CSV, .PDF) from the “Save as type” dropdown menu.
    • Click Save.
  2. LibreOffice Calc:
    • Open the .XLS file in LibreOffice Calc.
    • Go to File > Save As.
    • Choose the desired format from the “Save as type” dropdown menu.
    • Click Save.
  3. Online Converters:
    • Use websites like Zamzar, OnlineConvert, or Convertio.
    • Upload the .XLS file.
    • Choose the format you want to convert to (e.g., .XLSX, .CSV, .PDF).
    • Download the converted file.

Linux

  1. LibreOffice Calc:
    • Open the .XLS file in LibreOffice Calc.
    • Go to File > Save As.
    • Select the desired format (e.g., .XLSX, .CSV) from the “Save as type” dropdown menu.
    • Click Save.
  2. Gnumeric:
    • Open the .XLS file in Gnumeric.
    • Go to File > Save As.
    • Choose the desired format from the available options.
    • Click Save.
  3. Online Converters:
    • Use online conversion tools like Zamzar or OnlineConvert.
    • Upload the .XLS file.
    • Select the target format.
    • Download the converted file.

Mac

  1. Microsoft Excel:
    • Open the .XLS file in Microsoft Excel.
    • Go to File > Save As.
    • Choose the desired format (e.g., .XLSX, .CSV, .PDF) from the “Save as type” dropdown menu.
    • Click Save.
  2. Numbers:
    • Open the .XLS file in Numbers.
    • Go to File > Export To.
    • Choose the desired format (e.g., Excel, CSV, PDF).
    • Click Next and follow the prompts to save.
  3. Online Converters:
    • Use online tools like Zamzar, OnlineConvert, or Convertio.
    • Upload the .XLS file.
    • Select the format you want to convert to.
    • Download the converted file.

Android

  1. Microsoft Excel Mobile:
    • Open the .XLS file in Microsoft Excel Mobile.
    • Tap the File icon or menu.
    • Choose Save As or Export.
    • Select the desired format (e.g., .XLSX, .CSV).
    • Save the file to your preferred location.
  2. Google Sheets:
    • Upload the .XLS file to Google Drive.
    • Open it with Google Sheets.
    • Tap the File menu.
    • Choose Download as and select the desired format (e.g., .XLSX, .CSV).
  3. Online Converters:
    • Use an online conversion tool like Zamzar or OnlineConvert via a web browser.
    • Upload the .XLS file.
    • Choose the output format.
    • Download the converted file.

iOS

  1. Microsoft Excel Mobile:
    • Open the .XLS file in Microsoft Excel Mobile.
    • Tap the File icon or menu.
    • Choose Save As or Export.
    • Select the desired format (e.g., .XLSX, .CSV).
    • Save or share the file as needed.
  2. Numbers:
    • Open the .XLS file in Numbers.
    • Tap the More button (three dots).
    • Choose Export and select the desired format (e.g., Excel, CSV, PDF).
    • Save or share the converted file.
  3. Online Converters:
    • Use online converters like Zamzar or OnlineConvert via Safari.
    • Upload the .XLS file.
    • Choose the output format.
    • Download the converted file.

Others

  1. Online Converters:
    • Websites like Zamzar, OnlineConvert, Convertio, or CloudConvert offer conversion services.
    • Upload the .XLS file.
    • Choose the target format.
    • Download the converted file.
  2. Specialized Software:
    • Use software specific to your needs or platform that supports .XLS file conversions.
    • Follow the software’s conversion process to export the .XLS file to your desired format.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

  • Advantages:
    • Compatibility: Widely supported by older versions of Microsoft Excel and various spreadsheet applications.
    • Features: Supports complex formulas, charts, and macros.
  • Disadvantages:
    • File Size: Larger file sizes compared to XML-based formats like .XLSX.
    • Compatibility Issues: Less compatible with modern software that prefers the .XLSX format.
    • Limited Capacity: Limited to 65,536 rows and 256 columns per worksheet.

How to Open XLS?

Open In Windows

  • Microsoft Excel: Open .XLS files directly.
  • LibreOffice Calc: Open and edit .XLS files.
  • Google Sheets: Upload and view .XLS files, though editing may require conversion to .XLSX.

Open In Linux

  • LibreOffice Calc: Supports .XLS files.
  • Gnumeric: A spreadsheet application that can open .XLS files.
  • Google Sheets: Upload and view .XLS files, though editing may require conversion to .XLSX.

Open In MAC

  • Microsoft Excel: Open .XLS files directly.
  • Numbers: Import .XLS files, though some formatting may be lost.
  • Google Sheets: Upload and view .XLS files, with potential conversion to .XLSX for editing.

Open In Android

  • Microsoft Excel Mobile: Open and edit .XLS files.
  • Google Sheets: Upload and view .XLS files, with potential conversion for editing.
  • OfficeSuite: An app that supports .XLS files.

Open In IOS

  • Microsoft Excel Mobile: Open and edit .XLS files.
  • Numbers: Import .XLS files, though some features may be incompatible.
  • Google Sheets: Upload and view .XLS files, with conversion available for editing.

Open in Others

  • Online Converters: Tools like Zamzar or OnlineConvert can convert .XLS files to other formats.
  • Other Spreadsheet Software: Applications like WPS Office and Zoho Sheet support .XLS files.

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