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

How Can I Open XLS File on Mac OS

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:

How to Open XLS File on iPhone or iPad

To open XLS File on iOS device follow steps below:

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XLS file article translations

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