Convert XLSX to XLS Online

Save your modern Excel workbooks (.xlsx, .xlsm) in the Excel 97-2003 format (.xls) for older versions of Excel, accounting systems or banks that still ask for it.

    Your files are converted in your browser and are never uploaded to this website.

    What is kept in the conversion?

    Kept

    • All sheets, including hidden ones, with their names and tab colors
    • Values, dates and formulas
    • Fonts, colors, fills, borders, alignment and number formats
    • Text with mixed formatting inside a cell
    • Merged cells, column widths, row heights, hidden and grouped rows and columns
    • Frozen panes, zoom and gridlines
    • Hyperlinks, drop-down lists and data validation
    • Named ranges, print area, print titles, page setup, headers and footers
    • Sheet protection

    Not included

    • Images, charts, shapes and form buttons
    • Comments, filters and conditional formatting
    • Data beyond row 65,536 or column IV (the limits of Excel 97-2003)
    • Colors beyond the 56 of the Excel 97-2003 palette are replaced by the closest one
    • Password-protected workbooks (remove the password first)

    If a file has any of these, you will see a notice next to it.

    What does converting XLSX to XLS mean?

    Converting XLSX to XLS means moving a workbook from the current Excel format to the binary Excel 97-2003 format. It is needed when a program, a portal or an old version of Excel only accepts .xls files.

    The .xls format has limits: 65,536 rows, 256 columns and a palette of 56 colors. The tool tells you when a file goes beyond them.

    Advantages

    • Keeps sheets, values, dates and formulas rebuilt for Excel 97-2003.
    • Keeps fonts, colors, borders, number formats and merged cells.
    • Includes hyperlinks, data validation and print settings.
    • Clear notices when something does not fit in the old format.
    • Private: the conversion happens in your browser.

    How to convert XLSX to XLS

    1. Drag one or more .xlsx or .xlsm files onto the tool.
    2. Wait for each file to be converted and check the summary.
    3. Read any notices about limits or items that were not included.
    4. Download each .xls file or all of them together in a ZIP.

    Ideas for using it

    • Send files to banks or portals that only accept .xls.
    • Import data into older accounting programs.
    • Share with people who use Excel 2003 or earlier.
    • Meet the requirements of legacy systems.

    Tips for the best result

    • Keep data within 65,536 rows and 256 columns per sheet.
    • Functions added after Excel 2007 may show #NAME? in Excel 2003.
    • Charts, images and comments are not included in the .xls file.
    • Keep the original .xlsx: it is the most complete version.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is it free to convert XLSX to XLS?

    Yes, with no sign-up and no file limit.

    Are my files uploaded?

    No. The conversion happens in your browser and the files never leave your device.

    What if my sheet has more than 65,536 rows?

    The .xls format cannot hold more rows, so the data outside that area is left out and the tool tells you.

    Are formulas kept?

    Yes. They are rebuilt in the Excel 97-2003 format with their results, and the workbook is recalculated when opened.

    Can I convert files with macros (.xlsm)?

    Yes, you can convert .xlsm files; the data and formatting are moved to the .xls file.

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