XLS File

What are XLS files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an XLS file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your XLS files.

What is an XLS file?

XLS files have multiple uses, and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet

The .xls extension is given to spreadsheets that have been created in versions of Microsoft Excel that were published prior to the 2007 edition of the product. Microsoft Excel 2007 and later versions now use the .xlsx format rather than the .xls extension. This is because the newer Excel software utilizes XML formatting for the increased program and file interoperability.

Microsoft Excel is included in the Microsoft Office suite, although it can also be purchased individually. Excel is the most commonly used application to create spreadsheet documents, so most of the spreadsheets created today have the .xls or .xlsx file extension.

How to open XLS files

We have identified six XLS openers that are compatible with this specific type of XLS file.

Programs that open Microsoft Excel spreadsheet files

Last updated: December 21, 2023

All known file formats using extension .XLS

While Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is a popular type of XLS-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .XLS file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

XLS OrthoTrak format

Data format used by motion analysis software Orthotrack, by Motion Analysis Corp.

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

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File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about XLS file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.