1) Upload XLSX file to convert
Drop files here, or Click to select
Allowed file types: excel, ris, bib, ods, xls, xlsx, xlsm, csv, tsv, tab, xlsb, xltx, xlr, pxl, qpw, wb3, wq1, dbf, wk3, 123, mdb, sav, evtx, gnu, pages, numbers, sqlite
2) Set converting XLSX to XLS options
3) Get converted file
File extension | .XLSX, .EXCEL |
Category | Document File |
Description | XLSX is a format from Office Open XML family, a native MS Excel file type starting from version 2007. As opposite to XLS, this format uses ZIP compression that makes XLSX files smaller in size. Actually XLSX file is an archive of XML-documents. The cells in XLSX table can contain plain text, formulas or graphic elements. XLSX can be read in MS Office 2007 and later, Universal Viewer, OpenOffice, MS Office Excel Viewer, Corel WordPerfect Office. This format doesn’t support macros. |
Associated programs | Microsoft Excel 2007 OpenOffice OxygenOffice Progessional (Linux) |
Developed by | Microsoft |
MIME type | |
Useful links | More detailed information on XLSX files |
Conversion type | XLSX to XLS |
File extension | .XLS |
Category | Document File |
Description | XLS is the most popular format for storing table data. It is native Microsoft Excel format with data stored in numbered cells that form columns and rows. The top line and left column of each table contains numbering of each cell that can contain either static or dynamic data that is calculated from formulas. XLS features powerful calculation and charts-building options, as well as rich text formatting. XLS is compatible with numerous table editors such as Calc, PlanMaker, OpenOffice, etc. |
Associated programs | Microsoft Excel Microsoft Excel Viewer OpenOffice |
Developed by | Microsoft |
MIME type | application/vnd.ms-excel |
Useful links | More detailed information on XLS files |
Microsoft Excel files come in different formats, and while XLSX is the newer, more powerful standard introduced in Excel 2007, many users and systems still rely on the older XLS format for compatibility. Converting XLSX to XLS helps bridge this gap and ensures smooth collaboration across various platforms and software versions.
The XLSX format uses XML-based compression, making it smaller and more efficient. However, some legacy systems, macros, or third-party tools may not support XLSX files properly. That’s where XLS comes in — an older binary format that offers broader backward compatibility.
Conversion is essential when working with older versions of Excel, outdated plugins, or enterprise systems that require .xls format. Converting ensures your spreadsheet is accessible, functional, and free from formatting errors that can occur when opening newer files in older software.
Our online XLSX to XLS converter makes the process easy. Upload your XLSX file, and receive a fully compatible XLS file in return. The conversion preserves all formulas, cell formatting, charts, and data structure without loss.
Unlike basic converters, CoolUtils handles large or complex spreadsheets with ease. Whether your file contains pivot tables, conditional formatting, or embedded images, our tool ensures accurate conversion with minimal effort.
Use XLSX to XLS conversion to maintain compatibility and ensure your Excel documents work seamlessly, no matter where they’re opened.