What Is an XLS File?

XLS File,How to open, edit, & convert XLS files

XLS File,A file with the XLS file extension is a Microsoft Excel 97-2003 Worksheet file. Later versions of Excel save spreadsheet files in the XLSX format by default.

XLS files store data in tables of rows and columns with support for formatted text, images, charts, and more.

Microsoft Excel files that are macro-enabled files use the XLSM file extension.

XLS Files in a folder

XLS File,How to Open an XLS File

XLS File,XLS files can be opened with any version of Microsoft Excel. You can open XLS files without Microsoft Excel using Microsoft’s free Excel Viewer, which supports opening and printing XLS files, as well as copying data out of them.

Several free alternatives to Excel that can be used to both open and edit XLS files include WPS Office and OpenOffice Calc.

Opening and editing XLS files is very easy in the Chrome web browser with the free extension called Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides. You can open and edit XLS files you find online without having to download them to your computer, as well as view and manipulate ones from your computer by dragging them into the Chrome browser.

Note: Saving XLS files this way using the Chrome extension forces them to be stored in the newer XLSX format.