File Extension Database

Open XLS File

XLS file extension is most commonly associated with Microsoft Excel, a popular spreadsheet application, and are used to store workbooks which can contain one or more individual spreadsheets. XLS files are a proprietary format called Binary Interchange File Format (BIFF), and is the default extension used by Microsoft Excel up until Office 2007.

XLS files contain data in spreadsheet format which is organized in rows and columns. Each individual data item is stored in a cell, which can be uniquely referenced using the column letter and row number. XLS files are used primarily to store numerical data, and can also contain formulas, charts, and graphs, which alter dynamically to reflect the source data. XLS files also support embedded objects from other applications as well as text formatting and images to enhance the presentation of data stored in spreadsheets. XLS files are widely used in any application that involves the storing and manipulation of numerical data, such as budgeting, accountancy and scientific research.

Care should be taken when opening XLS files, particularly from unknown sources, as they may contain a potential security risk in the form of macros. Macros are scripts which are either written in a programming language called Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), or recorded as a series of instructions based on user keyboard and mouse input. Though macros are intended to reduce the need to perform repetitive tasks, they can also be written for malicious or destructive purposes.

A similar albeit less popular format similar to XLS is Corel Quattro Pro's File extension QPW file format, which is also used to store multiple spreadsheets in a workbook. QPW files are a proprietary format which can only be opened using Corel Quattro Pro, part of the Corel WordPerfect Office suite, though data can be exported to other more widely supported formats such as XLS or CSV for use in other applications.

XLS files are native to Microsoft Excel, though you can still open XLS files using other spreadsheet applications such as OpenOffice.org Calc or Corel Quattro Pro. Alternatively, the data contained within an XLS file can be viewed and printed using Excel Viewer, though this will not allow editing. As of Microsoft Office 2007, a new XML-based format using the extension File extension XLSX was introduced as the native Excel format, though XLS files are still fully supported.

For more information refer to Microsoft customer service contacts.

Typical XLS application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\EXCEL.EXE /e
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Typical XLS mime types:

application/vnd.ms-excel

Frequently used application names to open XLS files:

Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office - Office14

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Excel.Sheet.8

How Can I Open XLS File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open XLS file is to find a XLS file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a XLS 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 XLS 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 XLS file opener then try to search online for "XLS viewer", "application to open XLS file" or "open XLS file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open XLS file

How Can I Open XLS File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a XLS file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a XLS 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 XLS file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as XLS file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open XLS file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open XLS file then try to search for "XLS viewer", "application to open XLS file" or "read XLS file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read XLS file

How Can I Open XLS File on Android

If you downloaded a XLS 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 XLS 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 "XLS".
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 "XLS viewer", "XLS 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 XLS File on iPhone or iPad

To open XLS 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 XLS 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 "XLS". This way you can find apps which can open XLS 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 "XLS viewer" or "XLS file" online in your favorite search engine.

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