File Extension Database

Open EXCEL File

Microsoft Excel is a popular spreadsheet program used for organizing, managing, and analyzing data. Excel files come in various formats, each with its unique features and ways to open or use them. In this article, we will explore the different file formats associated with Excel, their uses, and how to open or use them effectively.

XLS File Format

The XLS file format is the standard extension for Excel files created in versions of Microsoft Excel up to Excel 2003. It is a binary file format designed to store spreadsheet data, including formulas, charts, and formatting information. To open an XLS file, simply double-click on it, and it will open in Microsoft Excel. If you don't have Excel installed, you can use free alternatives such as LibreOffice Calc or Apache OpenOffice Calc that can read and edit XLS files.

XLSX File Format

With the release of Microsoft Excel 2007, the default file format changed from XLS to XLSX. This format is based on Office Open XML (OOXML), making it more accessible, as it is a zipped collection of XML files. XLSX files are compatible with Microsoft Excel 2007 and later versions. If you have an older version of Excel, you can download the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack to open, edit, and save XLSX files. Free alternatives like LibreOffice Calc and Apache OpenOffice Calc can also handle XLSX files.

CSV File Format

CSV (Comma Separated Values) files are plain text files that contain data separated by commas. These files can store spreadsheet data and are often used for data interchange between different applications. Excel can easily open, edit, and save CSV files. To open a CSV file in Excel, follow these steps:

Open Microsoft Excel.
Click on the 'File' menu, then choose 'Open'.
Locate the CSV file on your computer, select it, and click 'Open'.

You can also use other spreadsheet programs or text editors like Notepad to open and edit CSV files.

ODS File Format

ODS (OpenDocument Spreadsheet) is the standard file format for spreadsheets in open-source office software like LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice. Although primarily used with open-source software, Excel can open and save ODS files as well. To open an ODS file in Excel, click 'File', choose 'Open', locate and select the ODS file, and then click 'Open'.

EXCEL File Important Information

It is essential to remember that different Excel file formats have their advantages and limitations. For instance, XLSX files offer better security, smaller file sizes, and support for more rows and columns compared to the older XLS format. However, if you need to share files with users who have older versions of Excel, you may need to stick to the XLS format or convert the file before sharing it.

Many free and paid online tools, such as Convertio or Zamzar, can help with this conversion process. It's also essential to be cautious when opening Excel files from unknown sources, as they may contain harmful macros or viruses. Always ensure that your security settings in Excel are up to date and scan files with reliable antivirus software before opening them.

How Can I Open EXCEL File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open EXCEL file is to find a EXCEL file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a EXCEL file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open EXCEL file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as EXCEL file opener then try to search online for "EXCEL viewer", "application to open EXCEL file" or "open EXCEL file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open EXCEL file

How Can I Open EXCEL File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a EXCEL file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a EXCEL file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with EXCEL file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as EXCEL file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open EXCEL file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open EXCEL file then try to search for "EXCEL viewer", "application to open EXCEL file" or "read EXCEL file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read EXCEL file

How Can I Open EXCEL File on Android

If you downloaded a EXCEL file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded EXCEL file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "EXCEL".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "EXCEL viewer", "EXCEL file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open EXCEL File on iPhone or iPad

To open EXCEL File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the EXCEL file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "EXCEL". This way you can find apps which can open EXCEL files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "EXCEL viewer" or "EXCEL file" online in your favorite search engine.

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