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Starting with the 2007 Microsoft Office system, Microsoft Office uses the XML-based file formats, such as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx. These formats and file name extensions apply to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. This article discusses key benefits of the format, describes the file name extensions and discusses how you can share Office files with people who are using earlier versions of Office.
In this article
What are the benefits of Open XML Formats?
What are the XML file name extensions?
Can different versions of Office share the same files?
What are the benefits of Open XML Formats?
The Open XML Formats include many benefits — not only for developers and the solutions that they build, but also for individual people and organizations of all sizes:
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Compact files Files are automatically compressed and can be up to 75 percent smaller in some cases. The Open XML Format uses zip compression technology to store documents, offering potential cost savings as it reduces the disk space required to store files and decreases the bandwidth needed to send files via e-mail, over networks, and across the Internet. When you open a file, it is automatically unzipped. When you save a file, it is automatically zipped again. You do not have to install any special zip utilities to open and close files in Office.
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Improved damaged-file recovery Files are structured in a modular fashion that keeps different data components in the file separate from each other. This allows files to be opened even if a component within the file (for example, a chart or table) is damaged or corrupted.
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Support for advanced features Many of the advanced features of Microsoft 365 require the document to be stored in the Open XML format. Things like AutoSaveand the Accessibility Checker, for two examples, can only work on files that are stored in the modern Open XML format.
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Better privacy and more control over personal information Documents can be shared confidentially, because personally identifiable information and business-sensitive information, such as author names, comments, tracked changes, and file paths can be easily identified and removed by using Document Inspector.
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Better integration and interoperability of business data Using Open XML Formats as the data interoperability framework for the Office set of products means that documents, worksheets, presentations, and forms can be saved in an XML file format that is freely available for anyone to use and to license, royalty free. Office also supports customer-defined XML Schemas that enhance the existing Office document types. This means that customers can easily unlock information in existing systems and act upon it in familiar Office programs. Information that is created within Office can be easily used by other business applications. All you need to open and edit an Office file is a ZIP utility and an XML editor.
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Easier detection of documents that contain macros Files that are saved by using the default «x» suffix (such as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx) cannot contain Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros and XLM macros. Only files whose file name extension ends with an «m» (such as .docm, .xlsm, and .pptm) can contain macros.
Before you decide to save the file in a binary format, read Can different versions of Office share the same files?
How do I convert my file from the old binary format to the modern Open XML format?
With the file open in your Office app, click File > Save as (or Save a copy, if the file is stored on OneDrive or SharePoint) and make sure the Save as type is set to the modern format.
This will create a new copy of your file, in the Open XML format.
What are the XML file name extensions?
By default, documents, worksheets, and presentations that you create in Office are saved in XML format with file name extensions that add an «x» or an «m» to the file name extensions that you are already familiar with. The «x» signifies an XML file that has no macros, and the «m» signifies an XML file that does contain macros. For example, when you save a document in Word, the file now uses the .docx file name extension by default, instead of the .doc file name extension.
When you save a file as a template, you see the same kind of change. The template extension used in earlier versions is there, but it now has an «x» or an «m» on the end. If the file contains code or macros, you must save it by using the new macro-enabled XML file format, which adds an «m» for macro to the file extension.
The following tables list all the default file name extensions in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Word
|
XML file type |
Extension |
|
Document |
.docx |
|
Macro-enabled document |
.docm |
|
Template |
.dotx |
|
Macro-enabled template |
.dotm |
Excel
|
XML file type |
Extension |
|
Workbook |
.xlsx |
|
Macro-enabled workbook |
.xlsm |
|
Template |
.xltx |
|
Macro-enabled template |
.xltm |
|
Non-XML binary workbook |
.xlsb |
|
Macro-enabled add-in |
.xlam |
PowerPoint
|
XML file type |
Extension |
|
Presentation |
.pptx |
|
Macro-enabled presentation |
.pptm |
|
Template |
.potx |
|
Macro-enabled template |
.potm |
|
Macro-enabled add-in |
.ppam |
|
Show |
.ppsx |
|
Macro-enabled show |
.ppsm |
|
Slide |
.sldx |
|
Macro-enabled slide |
.sldm |
|
Office theme |
.thmx |
Can different versions of Office share the same files?
Office lets you save files in the Open XML Formats and in the binary file format of earlier versions of Office and includes compatibility checkers and file converters to allow file-sharing between different versions of Office.
Opening existing files in Office You can open and work on a file that was created in an earlier version of Office, and then save it in its existing format. Because you might be working on a document with someone who uses an earlier version of Office, Office uses a compatibility checker that verifies that you have not introduced a feature that an earlier version of Office does not support. When you save the file, the compatibility checker reports those features to you and then lets you remove them before continuing with the save.
Need more help?
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:
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Open the workbook and select File > Save As. In Excel 2019, select Save a Copy instead.
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In the dialog box, accept the suggested file name or type a new name for the workbook.
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In the Save as type or File Format list, choose the format for the resulting file.
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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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Excel is one the tool which has a variety of extension in which we can save the file. A commonly used extension in Excel is . xlsx, which is used for storing a simple type of data. XLS is another type of default extension which was used until MS Office 2007. For storing a VBA code, we have XLSM.
Contents
- 1 What is the file extension for Excel?
- 2 What is the difference between XLTX and XLSX?
- 3 How do you see Excel Add Ins?
- 4 How do I see file extensions in Excel?
- 5 What is macro in Excel?
- 6 What is the difference between XML and XLS?
- 7 What is word extension?
- 8 Are Excel Add-Ins safe?
- 9 What office add-ins?
- 10 Which Excel add-in will help you?
- 11 What is the purpose of file name extension?
- 12 How do you show file extensions?
- 13 How do you change a file extension in Excel?
- 14 What is Vlookup in Excel?
- 15 How do I write VBA code in Excel?
- 16 What is an example of a macro?
- 17 Is Xlsx a XML?
- 18 What are XSD files?
- 19 Can I convert Excel to XML?
- 20 What is an extension in a sentence?
What is the file extension for Excel?
Excel file formats
| Format | Extension |
|---|---|
| Excel Workbook | .xlsx |
| Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (code) | .xlsm |
| Excel Binary Workbook | .xlsb |
| Template | .xltx |
What is the difference between XLTX and XLSX?
An XLTX is the same as an XLSX in all respects – it’s just that Excel creates a new instance of an XLSX if the file opened is an XLTX. That’s all. If you use an XLTX for your data filling and save out an XLSX, every new instance (XLSX) will have that data when the resulting XLSX is opened.
How do you see Excel Add Ins?
Click the File tab, click Options, and then click the Add-Ins category. In the Manage box, click Excel Add-ins, and then click Go. The Add-Ins dialog box appears. In the Add-Ins available box, select the check box next to the add-in that you want to activate, and then click OK.
How do I see file extensions in Excel?
You can determine the Excel file version either from the file extension or file properties.
- Click on the Windows “Start” button then on “Computer” to open Windows Explorer.
- Browse your computer to find the Excel file.
- Check the file extension.
- Right-click on the Excel file and choose “Properties” from the pop-up menu.
What is macro in Excel?
If you have tasks in Microsoft Excel that you do repeatedly, you can record a macro to automate those tasks. A macro is an action or a set of actions that you can run as many times as you want. When you create a macro, you are recording your mouse clicks and keystrokes.
What is the difference between XML and XLS?
The main difference between XML and XLS is what they actually are. While XLS is a file format, as already mentioned, XML is actually a markup language that is prominently used in web pages.To complement this point, XML is also text based and can be read on any text editor.
docx – Word document. . docm – Word macro-enabled document; same as docx, but may contain macros and scripts.
Are Excel Add-Ins safe?
Microsoft Office add-ins themselves have limited capabilities to cause harm to the operating systems and applications running on a device due to the add-in runtime environment. However, the permissions granted to an add-in could allow unwanted access to resources and documents.
What office add-ins?
With Office Add-ins, you can use familiar web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to extend and interact with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Project, and Outlook. Your solution can run in Office across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iPad, and in a browser.
Which Excel add-in will help you?
The Analysis ToolPak is a Microsoft Office Excel add-in program that is available when you install Microsoft Office or Excel. It allows you to develop complex statistical or engineering analysis, all while helping you save steps and time.
What is the purpose of file name extension?
A file extension, sometimes called a file suffix or a filename extension, is the character or group of characters after the period that makes up an entire file name. The file extension helps an operating system, like Windows or macOS, determine which program on your computer the file is associated with.
How do you show file extensions?
Fortunately, it only takes a few steps:
- Choose My Computer from the Windows Start menu. (You can use any method for launching Explorer.)
- Choose Folder Options from the Tools menu and click the View tab.
- In the Folder Options dialog box, uncheck the Hide Extensions For Known File Types option.
- Click OK.
How do you change a file extension in Excel?
You can change the file type that is used by default when you save a workbook.
- Click the Microsoft Office Button. , and then click Excel Options.
- In the Save category, under Save workbooks, in the Save files in this format box, click the file format that you want to use by default.
What is Vlookup in Excel?
VLOOKUP stands for ‘Vertical Lookup’. It is a function that makes Excel search for a certain value in a column (the so called ‘table array’), in order to return a value from a different column in the same row.
How do I write VBA code in Excel?
Insert VBA code to Excel Workbook
- Open your workbook in Excel.
- Press Alt + F11 to open Visual Basic Editor (VBE).
- Right-click on your workbook name in the “Project-VBAProject” pane (at the top left corner of the editor window) and select Insert -> Module from the context menu.
- Copy the VBA code (from a web-page etc.)
What is an example of a macro?
Macro is defined as something that covers a large amount, or is large in size. An example of macro is the study of the key driving aspects of an economy; macro economics. An example of macro is a very close up photograph of an ant; a macro photograph.
Is Xlsx a XML?
XLSX was originally developed by Microsoft as an XML-based format to replace the earlier proprietary binary format that uses the . xls file extension [MS-XLS]. Since Excel 2007, XLSX has been the default format for the Save operation.
What are XSD files?
A file with the XSD file extension is most likely an XML Schema file; a text-based file format that defines validation rules for an XML file and explains the XML form. Since they’re schema files, they provide a model for something else, XML files in this case.
Can I convert Excel to XML?
You can convert your Excel file to an XML data file, or vice versa. This enables you to exchange data between different applications. First, turn on the Developer tab.The schema defines the structure of the XML file.
What is an extension in a sentence?
an addition to the length of something 12. an addition that extends a main building. (1) Donald’s been given an extension to finish his thesis. (2) The extension of the garden will take several weeks.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The following is a list of filename extensions used by programs in the Microsoft Office suite.
Word[edit]
- Legacy
- Legacy filename extensions denote binary Microsoft Word formatting that became outdated with the release of Microsoft Office 2007. Although the latest version of Microsoft Word can still open them, they are no longer developed. Legacy filename extensions include:
- .doc – Legacy Word document; Microsoft Office refers to them as «Microsoft Word 97 – 2003 Document»
- .dot – Legacy Word templates; officially designated «Microsoft Word 97 – 2003 Template»
- .wbk – Legacy Word document backup; referred as «Microsoft Word Backup Document»
- OOXML
- Office Open XML (OOXML) format was introduced with Microsoft Office 2007 and became the default format of Microsoft Word ever since. Pertaining file extensions include:
- .docx – Word document
- .docm – Word macro-enabled document; same as docx, but may contain macros and scripts
- .dotx – Word template
- .dotm – Word macro-enabled template; same as dotx, but may contain macros and scripts
- .docb – Word binary document introduced in Microsoft Office 2007
- .pdf – PDF documents
- .wll – Word add-in
- .wwl – Word add-in
Excel[edit]
- Legacy
- Legacy filename extensions denote binary Microsoft Excel formats that became outdated with the release of Microsoft Office 2007. Although the latest version of Microsoft Excel can still open them, they are no longer developed. Legacy filename extensions include:
- .xls – Legacy Excel worksheets; officially designated «Microsoft Excel 97-2003 Worksheet»
- .xlt – Legacy Excel templates; officially designated «Microsoft Excel 97-2003 Template»
- .xlm – Legacy Excel macro
- .xll_ – Excel 4 for Mac add-in
- .xla_ — Excel 4 for Mac add-in
- .xla5 – Excel 5 for Mac add-in
- .xla8 – Excel 98 for Mac add-in
- OOXML
- Office Open XML (OOXML) format was introduced with Microsoft Office 2007 and became the default format of Microsoft Excel ever since. Excel-related file extensions of this format include:
- .xlsx – Excel workbook
- .xlsm – Excel macro-enabled workbook; same as xlsx but may contain macros and scripts
- .xltx – Excel template
- .xltm – Excel macro-enabled template; same as xltx but may contain macros and scripts
- Other formats
- Microsoft Excel uses dedicated file formats that are not part of OOXML, and use the following extensions:
- .xlsb – Excel binary worksheet (BIFF12)
- .xla – Excel add-in that can contain macros
- .xlam – Excel macro-enabled add-in
- .xll – Excel XLL add-in; a form of DLL-based add-in[1]
- .xlw – Excel work space; previously known as «workbook»
PowerPoint[edit]
Legacy
- .ppt – Legacy PowerPoint presentation
- .pot – Legacy PowerPoint template
- .pps – Legacy PowerPoint slideshow
- .ppa – PowerPoint (2007?) add-in
- .ppam – PowerPoint 2007 add-in with macros enabled
OOXML
- .pptx – PowerPoint presentation
- .pptm – PowerPoint macro-enabled presentation
- .potx – PowerPoint template
- .potm – PowerPoint macro-enabled template
- .ppam – PowerPoint add-in
- .ppsx – PowerPoint slideshow
- .ppsm – PowerPoint macro-enabled slideshow
- .sldx – PowerPoint slide
- .sldm – PowerPoint macro-enabled slide
- .pa – PowerPoint add-in
Access[edit]
Microsoft Access 2007 introduced new file extensions:
- .ACCDA – Access add-in file
- .ACCDB – The file extension for the new Office Access 2007 file format. This takes the place of the MDB file extension.
- .ACCDE – The file extension for Office Access 2007 files that are in «execute only» mode. ACCDE files have all Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) source code hidden. A user of an ACCDE file can only execute VBA code, but not view or modify it. ACCDE takes the place of the MDE file extension.
- .ACCDT – The file extension for Access Database Templates.
- .ACCDR – is a new file extension that enables you to open a database in runtime mode. By simply changing a database’s file extension from .accdb to .accdr, you can create a «locked-down» version of your Office Access database. You can change the file extension back to .accdb to restore full functionality.
- .ACCDU – Access add-in file
- .MDA – Access add-in file
- .MDE – Access add-in file
OneNote[edit]
- .one – OneNote export file
Outlook[edit]
- .ecf – Outlook 2013+ add-in file
Billing[2][edit]
Publisher[edit]
- .pub – a Microsoft Publisher publication
XPS Document
- .xps – a XML-based document format used for printing (on Windows Vista and later) and preserving documents.
See also[edit]
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Office XML formats
- Filename extension
- Alphabetical list of file extensions
- Office Open XML
External links[edit]
- Introducing the Microsoft Office (2007) Open XML File Formats
- Introduction to new file-name extensions
References[edit]
- ^ «Excel 2007 XLL Software Development Kit Documentation». MSDN. Microsoft. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
- ^ Stross, Randall (2014). Planet google : one company’s audacious plan to organize everything we know. Free Press. ISBN 978-1-4165-8047-8. OCLC 893105047.
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Extension File (Table of Contents)
- Extensions of Excel
- How to Change the Excel file format or Extension?
- How do you know the file type of saved file?
Extensions of Excel
Excel is one the tool which has a variety of extension in which we can save the file. A commonly used extension in Excel is .xlsx, which is used for storing a simple type of data. XLS is another type of default extension which was used until MS Office 2007. For storing a VBA code, we have XLSM. This is purely made for macros. Another extension, CSV (Comma Separated Values), delimits the data, which is separated by commas. XLSB extension is used for compression, saving, opening etc.
For example, the filename “XYZ.doc” has an extension of “.doc, ” a file extension associated with the document file.
Excel file extensions can be of various types. Here we will cover the most common file type:
- XLS – Excel file extension
This extension is the most common and default type in the spreadsheet generated by Microsoft office. Prior to Excel 2007, the file extension was XLS. This extension refers to a file which contains all type of information including data, formats, graphics etc. The operating system recognizes the file type with the help of an extension and operates this file using the Excel application.
The XLS is the default file type for Excel version 2.0 to Excel 2003.
- XLSX – Excel file extension
This extension is used by the spreadsheet files generated with the Excel version 2007 onwards. For an Excel file, the current default file extension is XLSX.
XSLX is an XML based file format. With the use of this technology, the file with XSLX format is very less in weight or size, and as compared to the XLS file format, this leads directly to saving space. It requires less time to download or upload excel documents.
Only one disadvantage of this XSLX extension is that this version is incompatible to run the files prior to Excel 2007.
- XLSM – Excel file extension
This extension file type is generated by the spreadsheet with the excel version 2007 onwards, including Excel macros.
With the help of an extension, it’s easy to understand that the file contains a macro. Because of security reasons and for protecting a file with computer viruses, malicious macros, infecting computers, etc., this version comes into existence.
This file extension is very reliable in terms of macros and for security reasons.
- XLSB – Excel file extension
If excel files contain a large amount of data or information, this file extension type fully supports in the compression process, saving, opening, etc.
An excel file that contains a large amount of data takes a lot of time in the opening in processing that file. Sometimes while opening, it gets hanged and frequently crashes.
How to Change the Excel file format or Extension?
For changing the file extension, follow the below steps:
- Open the workbook for which you want to change the format.
- Go to the FILE tab.
- It will open a left pane window. There are a lot of options available in this pane. Refer to the below screenshot.
- Click on Save As option as shown below.
- It will open a dialog box, as shown below.
- Now you need to select where you want to save the file in the system. Refer to the below screenshot.
- I have selected the Desktop for saving this file as a destination.
- Under the File name field, give the file name for the workbook.
- Under Save as type field, we need to choose the file format.
- Click on Save as type filed; it will open a list of formats as shown in the below screenshot.
- Choose the file format and click on the Save button for saving the file.
- It will save the file with the extension.
How do you know the file type of saved file?
For this, follow below steps:
- Select the file for which you want to know the file format.
- Right-click on that file.
- It will open a drop-down list of options.
- Click on the Properties option from the list. Refer to the below screenshot.
- It will open a Properties window.
- Under the Type of file option, you can see the file type or extension of the file. Refer to the below screenshot.
Things to Remember about Excel File Formats
- Any file format doesn’t support all the features of excel like formulas etc.; then it will display an alert message box.
- Then you can change the file format again.
Recommended Articles
This has been a guide to Extensions of Excel. Here we discuss how to Change the Excel file format or Extension along with its practical examples. You can also go through our other suggested articles –
- Cheat Sheet of Excel Formulas
- CSV Files into Excel
- Sort Columns in Excel
- Data Table in Excel