XLS File Extension
Excel Spreadsheet
- File Type xls
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Excel
- Category Data Files, Spreadsheet Files
- Format Binary
What is a XLS file?
Files with the XLS extension are associated with Excel Spreadsheet and are categorized as Data Files and Spreadsheet Files, making up 6309 files.
The Excel Spreadsheet (XLS), created by Microsoft, is one of file format they developed, and they also built 242 programs to support them.
XLS files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux, as well as mobile phones such as Android, Apple iOS and Windows Phone. When working with XLS files, you can rely on 24 programs, including Microsoft Excel, Numbers and OpenOffice Calc.
MIME types
- application/x-excel
- application/x-msexcel
- application/vnd.ms-excel
- application/xls
- application/excel
- application/x-dos_ms_excel
- application/msexcell
Programs that support XLS files
Windows
Microsoft Excel
Corel Quattro Pro
OpenOffice Calc
Microsoft 365
Excel Regenerator
Pyspread- Query and nVision
STATISTICA- Corrupt Office Salvager
- WinNonlin
- SoftSpire vCard Converter
Microsoft Office- Project Viewer
- Advanced Excel Repair
Documents To Go- DBF to XLS (Excel) Converter
- QuickSurf
- Open Contacts
- Full Convert Enterprise
Kingsoft Office
Mac OS
Android
Apple iOS
Windows Phone
Online Services
How to open a XLS file?
If you can’t open a XLS file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
Microsoft Excel, Numbers and OpenOffice Calc stand out as the preferred programs to manage XLS files effectively. To get the latest version of Microsoft Excel, open the Microsoft website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
After setup, the operating system should recognize XLS files and link them with Microsoft Excel.
Set Microsoft Excel to open XLS by default
Change default apps on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired XLS file to access the file’s context menu;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, and there you will find the "Enable" menu. The default selection is "Recommended Programs";
- Choose "All Programs" within this menu and locate Microsoft Excel. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.
Set default programs for Windows
- Take the first step by right-clicking on your XLS file. Next, select "Open With" and then choose "Choose another app" from the available options;
- Find the Microsoft Excel application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
- Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening XLS files.
Convert files to and from XLS
If a XLS file is difficult to handle, you might try converting it to formats such as MP3, PDF, CSV, RTF, XPS or similar, which may be easier to work with.
Be aware that converting a XLS file may reduce some features, but you can usually revert it to the original format.
Offline conversion tools, like Microsoft Excel, Corel Quattro Pro and OpenOffice Calc, provide reliable and high-quality conversion of XLS files.
Convert XLS to other file formats
Converting Files to XLS Format
Easy XLS Troubleshooting
XLS files can sometimes be tricky, but minor software adjustments usually resolve the issues. Refer to the tips below for guidance.
How do I know if my XLS file has been damaged?
XLS data files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Error alerts occur when actions are performed on the file;
- The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Microsoft Excel;
- When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
- Unexplained XLS file size inflation;
- Microsoft Excel or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
Why does Microsoft Excel quit or crash unexpectedly?
Lack of software updates is a possible reason behind Microsoft Excel crash. Keep your Microsoft products up to date by installing the latest updates.
Restarting your computer is often an effective solution to resolve various common problems. Therefore, it is recommended to do so before making any changes to the software configuration.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged XLS file?
In Excel Regenerator, Corrupt Office Salvager or Advanced Excel Repair, open the damaged XLS file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged data files.
How to edit a XLS file?
To make changes to XLS files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the data files. Online XLS editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Excel Spreadsheet.
Best XLS Editor Software in 2026
Based on your described criteria, here is a list of available XLS editors.
| XLS Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Microsoft | Windows, Mac OS, Apple iOS, Android | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| OpenOffice Calc | OpenOffice | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
| Corel Quattro Pro | Corel | Windows | 4.4 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Numbers | Apple | Mac OS, Apple iOS | 4.3 out of 5 (37 reviews) |