Excel formats xls xlsx

You can save an Excel file in another file format by clicking the File > Save As. The file formats that are available in the Save As dialog box vary, depending on what type of sheet is active (a worksheet, chart sheet, or other type of sheet).

Note: Whenever you save a file in another file format, some of its formatting, data, and features might not be transferred.

To open a file that was created in another file format, either in an earlier version of Excel or in another program, click File > Open. If you open an Excel 97-2003 workbook, it automatically opens in Compatibility Mode. To take advantage of the new features of Excel 2010, you can save the workbook to an Excel 2010 file format. However, you also have the option to continue to work in Compatibility Mode, which retains the original file format for backward compatibility.

Excel file formats

Format

Extension

Description

Excel Workbook

.xlsx

The default XML-based file format for Excel 2010 and Excel 2007. Cannot store Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macro code or Microsoft Office Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm).

Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (code)

.xlsm

The XML-based and macro-enabled file format for Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, and Excel 2007. Stores VBA macro code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm).

Excel Binary Workbook

.xlsb

The binary file format (BIFF12) for Excel 2010 and Excel 2007.

Template

.xltx

The default file format for an Excel template for Excel 2010 and Excel 2007. Cannot store VBA macro code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm).

Template (code)

.xltm

The macro-enabled file format for an Excel template Excel 2010 and Excel 2007. Stores VBA macro code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm).

Excel 97- Excel 2003 Workbook

.xls

The Excel 97 — Excel 2003 Binary file format (BIFF8).

Excel 97- Excel 2003 Template

.xlt

The Excel 97 — Excel 2003 Binary file format (BIFF8) for an Excel template.

Microsoft Excel 5.0/95 Workbook

.xls

The Excel 5.0/95 Binary file format (BIFF5).

XML Spreadsheet 2003

.xml

XML Spreadsheet 2003 file format (XMLSS).

XML Data

.xml

XML Data format.

Excel Add-In

.xlam

The XML-based and macro-enabled Add-In format for Excel 2010 and Excel 2007. An Add-In is a supplemental program that is designed to run additional code. Supports the use of VBA projects and Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm).

Excel 97-2003 Add-In

.xla

The Excel 97-2003 Add-In, a supplemental program that is designed to run additional code. Supports the use of VBA projects.

Excel 4.0 Workbook

.xlw

An Excel 4.0 file format that saves only worksheets, chart sheets, and macro sheets. You can open a workbook in this file format in Excel 2010, but you cannot save an Excel file to this file format.

Works 6.0-9.0 spreadsheet

.xlr

Spreadsheet saved in Microsoft Works 6.0-9.0.

Note: This format is supported in Excel Starter only.

Text file formats

Format

Extension

Description

Formatted Text (Space-delimited)

.prn

Lotus space-delimited format. Saves only the active sheet.

Text (Tab-delimited)

.txt

Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on another Microsoft Windows operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.

Text (Macintosh)

.txt

Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on the Macintosh operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.

Text (MS-DOS)

.txt

Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on the MS-DOS operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.

Unicode Text

.txt

Saves a workbook as Unicode text, a character encoding standard that was developed by the Unicode Consortium.

CSV (comma delimited)

.csv

Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on another Windows operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.

CSV (Macintosh)

.csv

Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on the Macintosh operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.

CSV (MS-DOS)

.csv

Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on the MS-DOS operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.

DIF

.dif

Data Interchange Format. Saves only the active sheet.

SYLK

.slk

Symbolic Link Format. Saves only the active sheet.

Note: If you save a workbook in any text format, all formatting is lost.

Other file formats

Format

Extension

Description

DBF 3, DBF 4

.dbf

dBase III and IV. You can open these files formats in Excel, but you cannot save an Excel file to dBase format.

OpenDocument Spreadsheet

.ods

OpenDocument Spreadsheet. You can save Excel 2010 files so they can be opened in spreadsheet applications that use the OpenDocument Spreadsheet format, such as Google Docs and OpenOffice.org Calc. You can also open spreadsheets in the .ods format in Excel 2010. Formatting might be lost when saving and opening .ods files.

PDF

.pdf

Portable Document Format (PDF). This file format preserves document formatting and enables file sharing. When the PDF format file is viewed online or printed, it retains the format that you intended. Data in the file cannot be easily changed. The PDF format is also useful for documents that will be reproduced by using commercial printing methods.

Note: This format is not supported in Excel 2007.

XPS Document

.xps

XML Paper Specification (XPS). This file format preserves document formatting and enables file sharing. When the XPS file is viewed online or printed, it retains exactly the format that you intended, and the data in the file cannot be easily changed.

Note: This format is not supported in Excel 2007.

File formats that use the Clipboard

You can paste data from the Microsoft Office Clipboard into Excel by using the Paste or Paste Special command (Home tab, Clipboard group, Paste button) if the Office Clipboard data is in one of the following formats.

Format

Extension

Clipboard type identifiers

Picture

.wmf or .emf

Pictures in Windows Metafile Format (WMF) or Windows Enhanced Metafile Format (EMF).

Note    If you copy a Windows metafile picture from another program, Excel pastes the picture as an enhanced metafile.

Bitmap

.bmp

Pictures stored in Bitmap format (BMP).

Microsoft Excel file formats

.xls

Binary file formats for Excel versions 5.0/95 (BIFF5), Excel 97-2003 (BIFF8), and Excel 2010 (BIFF12).

SYLK

.slk

Symbolic Link Format.

DIF

.dif

Data Interchange Format.

Text (tab-delimited)

.txt

Tab-separated text format.

CSV (Comma-delimited)

.csv

Comma-separated values format.

Formatted text (Space-delimited)

.rtf

Rich Text Format (RTF). Only from Excel.

Embedded object

.gif, .jpg, .doc, .xls, or .bmp

Microsoft Excel objects, objects from properly registered programs that support OLE 2.0 (OwnerLink), and Picture or another presentation format.

Linked object

.gif, .jpg, .doc, .xls, or .bmp

OwnerLink, ObjectLink, Link, Picture, or other format.

Office drawing object

.emf

Office drawing object format or Picture (Windows enhanced metafile format, EMF).

Text

.txt

Display Text, OEM Text.

Single File Web Page

.mht, .mhtml

Single File Web Page (MHT or MHTML). This file format integrates inline graphics, applets, linked documents, and other supporting items referenced in the document.

Note: This format is not supported in Excel 2007.

Web Page

.htm, .html

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).

Note: When you copy text from another program, Excel pastes the text in HTML format, regardless of the format of the original text.

File formats that are not supported in Excel

The following file formats are no longer supported in Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, Excel Starter, and Excel 2007. You cannot open or save files in these file formats.

Format

Extension

Clipboard type identifiers

Excel Chart

.xlc

Excel 2.0, 3.0, and 2.x file formats

WK1, FMT, WK2, WK3, FM3, WK4

.wk1, .wk2, .wk3, .wk4, .wks

Lotus 1-2-3 file formats (all versions)

Microsoft Works

.wks

Microsoft Works file format (all versions)

DBF 2

.dbf

DBASE II file format

WQ1

.wq1

Quattro Pro for MS-DOS file format

WB1, WB3

.wb1, .wb3

Quattro Pro 5.0 and 7.0 for Windows.

File formats that are not supported in Excel Starter

Additionally, the following file formats are no longer supported in Excel Starter. You cannot open or save files in these file formats.

Format

Extension

Excel 97-2003 Add-In

.xla

Excel Add-In

.xlam

Data source name

.dsn

Access MDE database

.mde

Office Data Connection

.odc

Data Link File

.udl

Opening or viewing unsupported file formats

If a file format that you want to use is not supported in Excel, you can try the following:

  • Search the Internet for a company that makes file format converters for file formats that are not supported in Excel.

  • Save to a file format that another program supports and then export from that program into a file format that Excel supports.

Need more help?

You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in the Answers community.

Related Topics

Excel formatting and features that are not transferred to other file formats

XLS vs. XLSX: both are two different file formats of Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet used for storing financial data. The significant difference between the two formats is that while XLS uses the binary format, XLSX uses the latest format based on XML. XLSX files will be reduced in size when converted into XLS files. 

Understanding the definition of XLS vs. XLSX 

What is XLS?

XLS is a former version of the file extension for a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that uses a proprietary binary format. 

What is XLSX?

XLSX is the latest version of the file extension for a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and is known as open XML. 

XLS and XSLX Pros & Cons

Pros of XLS and XLSX Cons of XLS and XLSX
They are easy to program.  These are not databases. 
They have multiple worksheets.  These are used for storing smaller data. 
They display a linking feature.  They cannot modify large pieces of data. 
These are ideal for calculations.   Displaying equations for an extended function can be problematic.  
Table function filters the data conveniently.  These are not useful for running reports. 
They contain formats, graphics, graphs, and charts. They offer too much functionality. 

Discussing the similarities in excel XLS vs. XLSX 

  • Both are different types of Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. 
  • Both are used to store financial data. 
  • Both can contain charts, tables, and graphics. 
  • Majorly are used in business contexts. 

Understanding the differences between different file formats: 

  • Excel XLS vs. XLSX has a basic difference in their existence; XLS is the default version of Microsoft Excel 2003, and XLSX is the file format of Excel since 2007. 
  • XLS is readable by all Microsoft Excel versions, but XLSX is readable only by Microsoft Excel 2007 and onwards.  
  • XLS vs. XLSX file storage system says that XLS information is saved directly to a binary format, whereas the XLSX file is stored in a text file. 
  • XLS can save the file that contains macros. On the contrary, XLSX can not support macros. 
  • There is also a difference between XLS and XLSM. Where both are file formats only, XLSM contains macros that XLSX doesn’t.  
  • The difference between XLS and XLSX and CSV can be understood as XLS and XLSX being Excel file formats featuring tables, graphics, formulas, etc., whereas CSV can save the file in text format only. 
  • XLS files are larger than XLSX files. 
  • XLS is a proprietary binary format, whereas XLSX is based on Microsoft Office Open XML format. 
  • In the files that require the use of complex formulas with big sets of data, XLS works faster than XLSX. 
  • XLSX can hold data in large quantities, but XLS can store fewer data. 
  • XLSX has more rows and columns capacity than XLS. 

What is the difference between XLS and XLSX in terms of the XLS vs. XLSX row limit? 

XLSX file format’s capability to compress the data and reduce the size of a file makes a big difference between XLS and XLSX. The row limit in XLS workbook is 65,536 (2¹⁶), and in XLSX, it increases up to 1,048,576 rows (2²⁰). The column limit for XLS and XLSX is 256 columns (2⁸) and 16,384 columns (2¹⁴), respectively.  

Can you convert XLSX to XLS?

Yes, you can always convert an XLSX file to an XLS file. 

Why is XLSX smaller than XLS?

Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a language in computers that automatically compresses the data when you save a file in XLSX. It reduces the size of the file. And that is XLS vs. XLSX format.

How do I convert XLSX to XLS without opening?

To convert XLSX to XLS without opening, you can follow these simple steps: 

  1. Make a copy of the file for a backup. 
  2. Open the file explorer. 
  3. Click on the View tab and tick on the file name extension. 
  4. Go to the folder in which the file is stored.  
  5. Make a right-click on the excel file. 
  6. Select Rename.
  7. Change “.XLSX” to “.XLS”. 
  8. Click enter and open the file. 

What’s the best format to save Excel files?

XLSX is the best format to save Excel files. 

How do I convert XLS to XLSX? 

There are many free online file converters available on the internet. They can convert a file in seconds. Other than this, you can follow the offline process: 

  1. Open the file that you desire to convert. 
  2. Click on the office button placed at the top left corner. 
  3. You will see the file menus here. 
  4. Click on “Save As”. 
  5. Select the Excel workbook and the location for the file. 
  6. Give it a name and click on Save. 
  7. Your file will be saved as ‘.XLSX’ instead of ‘.XSL’. 

Is a CSV file smaller than XLS?

Yes, CSV files are smaller than XLS. 

What is the difference between CSV and XLS?

The difference between XLS and CSV is that an XLS file contains data in a workbook and spreadsheet, while a CSV file can only store the data in text format. It automatically removes all the formats and formulas. 

How do you convert XLS to CSV? 

  1. Open the Excel workbook.
  2. Switch on the File tab and click on Save as.
  3. You can also press f12 to reach the Save as dialog.
  4. In the Save As type box, choose to save the XLS file as CSV (Comma delimited) option. 
  5. Other CSV options are also available. You can check them too. 
  6. Choose a folder to store your file. 
  7. Simply click OK and Yes to the dialog displaying on the screen. 

That’s how you can convert an XLS file to a CSV file. 

Is XLSb faster than XLSX? 

Yes, XLSB is faster than XLSX in creating and loading small data. XLSB is useful for larger spreadsheets. 

Comparison Chart

XLS vs. XLSX: Let’s discover their differences, similarities, pros & cons, and answer some xls and xlsx frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Comparison Video

What is difference between xls and xlsx files of Excel??

The bottom line of XLS or XLSX difference

Both Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet file formats XLS and XLSX are developed to store the financial data and records systematically. XLS and XLSX file formats store the data in spreadsheets containing rows and columns as a grid. One is old, and the other is a new version of the same. 

XLS and XLSX extensions represent popular Excel file formats that were introduced by Microsoft as part of its Office suite over a period of time. XLS being the oldest and widely used file type is also known to be the Excel97-2003 file format. The XLSX file format was introduced as a replacement of XLS file type with the launch of Excel 2007. Common users may not know the underlying differences between the two file formats, however, XLS is different than XLSX file format in several ways as detailed below.

XLS vs XLSX

So what is it that is actually
different between XLS and XLSX? Following is a list of differences between the
XLS and XLSX file formats.

The File Format Difference

The underlying file format is what makes the main difference between the XLS and XLSX files.

XLS files are
based on the Binary Interchange File Format (BIFF) and store information in binary
format as per XLS File Format Specifications.  Data is arranged in an XLS file as binary
streams in the form of a compound file as described in [MS-XLS].

In contrast, an
XLSX file is based on Office Open XML format that stores data in compressed XML
files in ZIP format. The underlying structure and files can be examined by
simply unzipping the .xlsx file. A sample XLSX file when renamed to .zip and
extracted, its contents can be observed in a folder as any other folder of files.

Support for Macros

XLS files, being old format, provided the support for Macros which are programs that are written by end-users and are used for automation of tasks such as opening files, data comparison, etc. Macros at one end facilitate users to automate tasks, but on the other hand can be risky as well since these run directly when you open an Excel file.

In contrast, XLSX files do not support Macros. If you need to embed and execute Macros, you will have to save your file as XLSM which is an Excel Open XML Macro-Enabled spreadsheet file format.

Excel Supportability

XLS files can be opened with all versions of Excel due to the backward compatibility. However, XLSX can only be opened with Excel 2007 and lateral versions only.

Have any further queries about the internal details of XLS or XLSX file formats? You can get in touch with file format experts over the file format forum to have guidance for your questions.


Probably 99% of all Excel workbooks are saved in the XLSX file type these days. But there are various other file extensions available: For example XLSM, XLSB or “older” Excel users might still remember the XLS file type. What are the differences of these file types? And even more important: Which one should you use?

excel, file type, file types, types, save as, extension, xlsx, xlsb
Excel provides 29 different file types when you save your Excel workbook.

When you save an Excel workbook for the first time or use the “Save As” function, you are asked for a folder, file name as well as the file type. By default, Excel suggests the XLSX file type (unless your file has VBA macros). The window looks similar to the screenshot on the right side.

So which file type are you going to use? The answer – like so often: It depends. Before we conclude in a decision tree, we we take a look at the most important file extensions in Excel with their advantages and disadvantages first.

XLSX

The “default” file extension is XLSX. The large majority of Excel workbooks uses this format these days. Microsoft says in the Excel help text about the XLSX file format:

The default XML-based file format for Excel 2007-2013. Cannot store Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macro code […].

Most of the time you use the XLSX format: It’s save (can’t store malicious code), has the maximum number of rows and columns and is best known. XLSX is available since Excel 2007 and replaces the old XLS file type. It uses the open XML standard so which is documented well.

Knowing these quick facts, there are the following advantages and disadvantages for the XLSX file format:

Advantages Disadvantages
  • The default file format and because of that the best known and widest spread file type.
  • Can use up to 2^20 (1048576) rows and 2^14 (=16384) columns.
  • Uses the open file format and is in general accessible with other applications.
  • Secure because it can’t save VBA macros.
  • Can use and save all the functions available in Excel.
  • A little bit contradicting: But not being able to include VBA macros can be an advantage and disadvantage at the same time.
  • Needs more disk space than other file formats (e.g. XLSB).
  • Can’t be opened with Excel versions before 2003 (e.g. 2003, at least without any further conversion of Excel extension/ add-in).

XLS

advice, xls, file type, extension, excel

The XLS file type has been the default Excel file extension and format before Excel 2007. In Excel 2007, XLSX replaced the XLS format. Therefore, XLS is kind of outdated right now. In the daily life you won’t find it often any more. But some data base tools still export data as XLS files.

The XLS file type has some disadvantages towards the newer file types XLSX or XLSM: It’s rather unsafe as it can contain VBA macros with malicious code. Also, it needs more disk space than the other file types and at the same time has less rows and columns.

On the other side the only advantage: You can easily open XLS files with older versions of Excel.

Advantages Disadvantages
  • Can be opened with Excel versions before 2007 (e.g. 2003).
  • Unsafe as it can contain VBA macros.
  • Needs more disk space than most of the other file formats (e.g. XLSX, XLSB).
  • Can’t use all newer Excel functions, e.g. formulas or functionality (you will be warned when saving an XLS file though).
  • Can only use up to 65,536 (2^16) rows and 256 (2^8) rows.
  • Outdated…

XLSM

If you include VBA macros in your XLSX file, you will be asked to change the file extension to XLSM. Only that way you can save your macro within the Excel file (there are other file types possible, e.g. XLSB – but you can’t use XLSX for VBA macros). Therefore, it has most of the advantages and disadvantages of the XLSX file type. Positive: You can immediately identify Excel files with VBA macros.

Advantages Disadvantages
  • The default Excel file type for workbooks with VBA macros.
  • Can use up to 2^20 (1048576) rows and 2^14 (=16384) columns.
  • Uses the open file format and is therefore accessible with other applications.
  • Can use and save all the functions available in Excel.
  • Uses the open XML standard.
  • Unsafe: Can contain malicious code within the VBA part.
  • Needs more disk space than other file formats (e.g. XLSB).
  • Can’t be opened with Excel versions before 2003 (e.g. 2003, at least without any further conversion of Excel extension/ add-in).

XLSB

advice, xlsb, excel, file, type

Many people don’t know that there is an actual alternative to the XLSX and XLSM file type: The XLSB file extension. XLSB files store the data a little bit different than the XLSX or XLSM file types: They don’t use the XLM file structure. Instead, XLSB files try to save disk space because the data is stored in the binary structure. The main difference: Binary files are computer- but not human-readable. For more information on binary files in general, please refer to this Wikipedia entry.

The main disadvantage: Binary Excel files can contain VBA macros. So unless you don’t know the origin of a file, please consider well before opening them. Besides that: All the other disadvantages seem minor.

Advantages Disadvantages
  • Smaller file size.
  • Faster opening and closing of files.
  • Formulas with more than 8192 characters allowed.
  • Can use and save all the functions available in Excel.
  • Security: Files can contain VBA code whereas XLSX files can’t.
  • You can’t change the Excel ribbon.
  • Some third party tools (e.g. OpenOffice) might not be able to open your file.
  • You can’t open your files with Excel 2003 or earlier (which nowadays should not be a problem any more…).
  • Not very well known. So people might get confused receiving XLSB files from you.

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CSV

csv, advice, excel, export

CSV stands for comma separated values. These files are basically plain text – so there are no formulas or formatting. CSV is often used for data exchange. Excel provides the functionality to import or even directly open CSV files.

The basic application for CSV files: Import or export data. Data base programs often export data as CSV files. Also if you want to transport Excel data into a database program, often the CSV file type works.

Advantages Disadvantages
  • Smaller file size.
  • Faster opening and closing of files.
  • Unlimited rows and columns.
  • No code or macros possible and therefore save to open.
  • CSV files are basically text documents and therefore can’t contain formulas or formatting, pure data.
  • No more than one “worksheet”.

ODS

ODS stands for Open Document Spreadsheet. The file type is designed to work on both Excel and other applications, e.g. LibreOffice. From the Excel point of view, ODS doesn’t support all the features. Text and data is usually saved well though. But formatting and many other features (for example charts, tables, conditional formatting) might run into problems.

Advantages Disadvantages
  • Can be opened in Excel and LibreOffice.
  • You might lose formatting or features which are not supported. For a detailed lists of the features supported, please refer to this website.

XLSX (Strict)

Besides the regular XLSX format, Excel offers to save your Excel workbook as “Strict Open XML Spreadsheet”. So what is the difference between those two? Basically, the two file types use the same structure. But:

The Strict variant has less support for backwards compatibility when converting documents from older formats.

Furthermore:

The Strict variant of XLSX disallows a variety of elements and attributes that are permitted in the more common Transitional variant […]

Advantages Disadvantages
  • Same as XLSX.
  • Additionally: Opening in other applications than Excel might work better.
  • Some backward compatibility problems might occur.

PDF

pdf, advice

As you’ve probably heard of PDF files, we won’t go much into detail here. PDF stands for portable document format and has the reputation of not easily being manipulated. Also, it’s quite save to say that how a PDF file looks on your computer, it will most probably look like this on most other computers.

And that’s it for the advantages. I recommend using it when you present your final results in the following cases:

  • The recipient of your file should not edit it any more.
  • Formatting should be exactly preserved.
  • There is no database included, just the summarized results.

That could be the case if somebody wants to check your results on an iPad or a similar device. But: In many cases it would be professional (and nice) to also send at least parts of your Excel file. That way, your recipient could at least take a look at the calculation process.

Advantages Disadvantages
  • Static, therefore contents can not (easily) be manipulated.
  • The document always look the same.
  • No macros.
  • Formulas etc. will be lost.
  • Difficult (and troublesome) to further edit the file.
  • (Depending on the contents) large file size.

XLAM

XLAM is the file extension for Excel add-ins. Also our add-ins (for example the popular “Professor Excel Tools“) are XLAM files. They can contain VBA macros, worksheets as well as forms, images and individual ribbons. If you double click on such file, it will open in Excel and you can use the funcationality of the add-in. But next time you open Excel again, it won’t be available any longer. You rather have to enable the add-in within the options (File –> Options –> Add-Ins).

As the XLAM file type is not really an alternative for all the other file extensions above, we skip the advantages and disadvantages.

Comparison of file types

So if we put all the advantages, disadvantages and facts from above together, we come to the following comparison:

Which file type should you use?

Decision Tree

In order to define the best file type for your Excel workbook, please follow the decision tree.

Follow the Professor Excel decision tree for finding the best file type for your Excel workbook.
  • The first question: Do you just want to display your results only? Then you could also consider the PDF format. But if the recipient of your work wants to edit or follow up your calculations, you shouldn’t use PDF.
  • Does your file contain VBA macros?
    • If yes, choose XLSB if you have a large file. Choose XLSM for a file size smaller than app. 10 MB.
    • If no and you got a large file (larger than app. 10 MB), also choose XLSB.
    • If no (you don’t have macros) and your file small, follow the tree on the right hand side.
  • The lower two levels of the decision tree are just about compatibility: If you want to open and edit your workbook with another software, choose the strict XLSX or ODF format.
  • If you want to make sure that you can open it with versions of Excel 2003 or earlier, go for XLS.

Summary

In conclusion, you can distill a quite short table (if you don’t need to consider old file types and other applications as LibreOffice). You just have to answer two questions: Do you need VBA macros and do you work with a large amount of data?

summary, file type, xlsx, xlsm, xlsb

Excel file extensions are there to identify the file format. For example, in computer operating systems, file extensions are to identify the file type for the operating system so that it runs and opens the file with the specified format.

If you observe at the end of the file name, you will see the extension of that file.

Excel Extensions

The above image, includes XLSX, XLSM, XLSB, XLS, and XLAM.

I am sure you know about Excel but not about their formats. If you have no idea about Excel file extensions, this is a tailor-made article. In a general case scenario, you must have seen the xlsx file format in Excel. When you try to save the unsaved workbook Excel automatically saves it as an “xlsx” file.

Note: When we save the existing file with a different Excel file format (extension), some of the features of the current file might not be transferred to the new file extension.

Table of contents
  • Extensions in Excel
    • Where to Find File Extensions in Excel?
    • Top 5 Excel file Formats
      • #1 – XLSX
      • #2 – XLSM
      • #3 – XLSB
      • #4 – XLS
      • #5 – XLAM
    • Other Additional Excel File Formats
    • Things to Remember
    • Recommended Articles

Where to Find File Extensions in Excel?

You must be thinking about where these file formats are. These file formats are available when we see the save dialog box. Under the “Save as type,” we can see many of the accessible file formats in the computer system.

Excel Extensions 1

If you look at the above image, the first extension the operating system recognizes is Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) format, and all the other remaining forms follow after.

Top 5 Excel file Formats

Below are some of the top file formats for Excel. You may follow this article to explore some of them.

#1 – XLSX

The default Excel format is “XLSX.” However, when we press the “Save As” option, Excel, by default, recognizes this extension. It is the replacement of the earlier extension called XLS. It is the most popular Excel file extension for non-macro files.

Below is the image which shows how the file is saved under this method.

Excel Extensions (File Format 1 xlsx)

#2 – XLSM

This Excel file format is used for a VBA Macro file. If we are working with macro in Excel, we need to change the Excel extension to enable the smooth flow of macro running. It is the default extension type for a macro containing a workbook.

XLSX does not support the macro code. Therefore, we need to save the workbook as a macro-enabled workbook to run the macros.

While saving the workbook, we need to select the file type as “Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook.”

Excel Extensions (File Format 2 xlsm)

#3 – XLSB

Often in Excel, we face the issue of too much data, and the Excel file slows down. In addition, if Excel is saved in the form of “XLSX” or “XLSM” Excel, the workbook tends to slow down.

“XLSB” means “Excel Binary Workbook.” If we save the workbook as a binary workbook, it will reduce the weight of the workbook.

Look at the below image, an Excel workbook saved in the form of “XLSX,” and the total workbook weight is 63.4 KB.

Excel Extensions (File Format 2 xlsb)

Now, we will save this file as “Excel Binary Workbook.”

Excel Extensions (File Format 2 xlsb) 1

Now, look at the size of the workbook.

Excel Extensions (File Format 2 xlsb) 2

So, Excel binary workbook reduces the workbook size to 59.4 KB. In the case of a large file, it reduces the size of the workbook by 50%.

#4 – XLS

Probably, we may not see this kind of Excel file format these days. However, this file is saved for the binary workbook of Excel 97 to Excel 2003 binary format.

Excel Extensions (File Format 4 XLS)

#5 – XLAM

It is the Excel Add-in. Excel Add-insAn add-in is an extension that adds more features and options to the existing Microsoft Excel.read more are extra features we add to the Excel workbook. Excel has many built-in features. On top of these available features, we can create some macros and make Excel talk according to our wishes.

Excel Extensions (File Format 5 xlam) 2

Once the macro is created, we need to save the file as “Excel Add-ins.” Once the workbook is saved as “Add-in,” click on Developer TabEnabling the developer tab in excel can help the user perform various functions for VBA, Macros and Add-ins like importing and exporting XML, designing forms, etc. This tab is disabled by default on excel; thus, the user needs to enable it first from the options menu.read more >Excel Add-ins and select the additional feature created by a User Defined Function (UDF).

Excel Extensions (File Format 5 xlam)

Excel Extensions (File Format 5 xlam) 1

Other Additional Excel File Formats

We have seen the top five file formats. On top of these, there are many other additional extensions available.

  1. XLC: Excel Chart Type
  2. XLT: Excel Template
  3. XLD: Excel DataBase
  4. XLK: Excel Back up

Things to Remember

  • For macros, we need to select the “XLSM” type extension.
  • We cannot use the workbook of the Excel “Add-in” extension, but we can use that as an add-in in other workbooks.
  • If the Excel is saved as “CSV,” it will not be an Excel workbook. It is to store the data, but it is not very easy to work on it. It will reduce the size of the workbook.
  • “Excel Binary Workbook” can reduce the workbook size by 50%.

Recommended Articles

This article is a guide to Excel Extensions. We discussed the top file formats, including XLSX, XLSM, XLSB, XLS, and XLAM, their key features, and applications. You may also look at these useful Excel tools below: –

  • Equations in Excel ExamplesIn Excel, equations are the formulas we type into cells. We begin by writing an equation with an equals to symbol (=), which Excel knows as calculate.read more
  • AutoFill in ExcelAutoFill in excel can fill a range in a specific direction by using the fill handle.read more
  • Excel vs. Google SheetsIn Google Sheets, we may share a link with other users to permit them to read or edit the sheet at the same time, however in Excel, only one person can edit the file at a time.read more
  • How to use Array Formulas in Excel?Array formulas are extremely helpful and powerful formulas that are used in Excel to execute some of the most complex calculations. There are two types of array formulas: one that returns a single result and the other that returns multiple results.read more
  • LINEST Excel FunctionThe built-in LINEST Function in Excel calculates statistics for a line by the least-squares regression method & returns an array that defines the line proving to be well-suited for the given data. read more

Excel File Extensions and Their Uses

XLS, XLSX, XLSM, XLTX and XLTM

A file extension is the group of letters that appear after the last period in a file name. File extensions are usually 2 to 4 characters long, although they can be of any length. Excel uses a handful of standard extensions to disambiguate certain kinds of spreadsheet files.

The information in this article applies to Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel Online, and Excel for Mac.

XLS vs. XLSX

The current default file extension for an Excel file is XLSX. Prior to Excel 2007, the default file extension was XLS. The main difference between the two is that XLSX is an XML-based open file format and XLS is a proprietary Microsoft format. But, the newer versions of Excel save and open XLS files for the sake of compatibility with earlier versions of the program.

Determine if a file contains macros before you open it. Macros contain code that could damage files and compromise computer security if they come from untrusted sources. Excel files containing VBA and XLM macros use the XLSM extension.

XML and HTML

XML stands for extensible markup language. XML is related to HTML, the extension used for web pages. Advantages of this file format include:

  • Smaller file sizes for storage and transfer.
  • Better recovery of information from damaged files.
  • Easier detection of files containing macros.

XLTX and XLTM

If an Excel file has either an XLTX or an XLTM extension, it is saved as a template file. Template files are used as starter files for new workbooks. Templates contain saved settings such as the default number of sheets per workbook, formatting, formulas, graphics, and custom toolbars. The difference between the two extensions is that the XLTM format can store VBA and XML macro code.

Macintosh computers do not rely on file extensions to determine which program to use when opening a file. However, for the sake of compatibility with the Windows version of the program, Excel for Mac uses the XLSX file extension.

Excel files created in one operating system can be opened the other. One exception to this is Excel 2008 for the Mac, which does not support VBA macros. As a result, it cannot open XLMX or XMLT files created by Windows or later Mac versions that support VBA macros.

Change File Formats With Save As

To change an Excel format (and its extension), follow these steps:

  1. Open the workbook and select File > Save As. In Excel 2019, select Save a Copy instead.

  2. In the dialog box, accept the suggested file name or type a new name for the workbook.

  3. In the Save as type or File Format list, choose the format for the resulting file.

  4. Select Save to save the file in the new format and return to the current worksheet.

If a file is saved in a format that does not support all the features of the current format, such as formatting or formulas, an alert message box appears prompting you to continue or to cancel.

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