It is feasible to convert an ODS file to XLS, but What are these files? Today we will talk about what an .XLS and .XLSX file is and how they are edited, you will also learn what program is needed to open them correctly.
What are .XLS and .XLSX files?
XLS file refers to a file format created by office programs like Excel. This is the typical spreadsheet file. of this type of applications, so its relevance is undeniable.
This file was used in the program since its inception (with some variations throughout its history). Anyway, on 2007 was replaced by a new format. Whatever the case, there are many applications that still support the XLS format.
Actually, the XLS format was the standard until the Microsoft Office version 2003, since from version 2007, was replaced by XLSX. And even though it is still a very functional format, it lacks some functions that makes its more modern version.
The main advantage of using this type of file over .XLSX, the thing is It is usually a little faster and less heavy. at the time of work. Despite this, has fewer strings and some limitations in terms of programming alternatives (visual Basic).
On the other hand, the formatted file XLSX is the evolution of XLS files since 2007. It becomes a necessary evolution that came with the many changes that Microsoft Office 2007 integrated into the world of office automation.
Since then it became the standard format present in Microsoft Excel, Given the presents some improvements compared to the previous version, XLS. For this, it can be said that by default Microsoft Excel documents are saved in this file format.
One of the most interesting aspects is that, in the same way as other formats like DOCX, .XLSX is actually a Archivo zip. Inside it, the information of our tables is organized, but this condition has also brought many other advantages.
At the same time of everything previously shown, The main great utility of .XLSX is that it presents soporte visual Basic, that allows the creation of very prominent macros. Actually, highlights the .XLSX format, since tables can be programmed, something that is usually not feasible with XLS, and the weight of the files is usually less.
What are the advantages of using them compared to another type of format?
This new Excel spreadsheet format, offers multiple advantages than those offered by its predecessors, thus allowing to improve work flow. The files that can be created with it can be automatically compressed and decompressed when opened and closed, making its size smaller, while the user still has the opportunity to keep the hard drive optimized; it also uses less bandwidth when browsing the Internet.
On the other hand, this new format has better capacity at the time of recover files who have suffered damage at some time, this happens because each sheet is stored individually and when damage occurs, can still be opened. Enables better file management and information retrieval, it also manages to better expand the combinations of the binary formulas.
Another advantage is that these can be used by any type of user, whether beginner or professional, because it is one of the most used in the world. Being excellent as a tool to use for various office or work activities, because it contributes to the organization in the amount of data. It also has templates and formulas to increase production, managing to erase the use of manual operators, also allowing the interactive use of calculation bases to fill them.
What are the differences between an .XLS file and an .XLSX file?
It is clear that between these two files there are several relevant differences. Among the main differences that may exist between these two, It is that the .XLS file is set as an Excel model before 2007, while '.XLSX’ is established in an Excel model from 2007, mainly ‘.XLS’ is considered a model. plus binary array while. XLSX has an open format. On the other hand, ‘.XLS’ select the information in binary arrangement, pero ‘.XLS’ takes the information for a textual matter fabric record that implements '.XML'.
Another difference between them is that '.XLS’ it is only readable with Microsoft Excel variants, pero ‘.XLS’ is readable by the model 2007 from the same and onwards; the '.XLSX’ has a great capacity to educate the information in ‘.XLS’, but the latter can't make it.
Is it feasible to edit them without having Excel?
Currently it is more than necessary to always have the essential tools to help us in our work, and as you already know, Excel is a basic application to be able to carry out all our activities, but in itself many versions of it have proliferated, which we can use in a more comfortable way without having to have the Excel application to be able to make or edit our tables.
Per se, it is not even necessary to download the application directly to the device, so we will use it through other useful means.
How can I open an XLS and .XLSX file?
With excel
As we pointed out before, the most common way to open XLS and .XLSX files is using Microsoft Office. Being more specific, files in this format can be opened using Microsoft Excel.
Even so, note that natively can open all XLS documents in any version of Microsoft Excel. Whatever the case, for .XLSX documents, it will be necessary to have the version 2007 or some more recent version.
Despite this, these documents can also be opened using other programs. Before this, the first option that comes to mind is to download and install LibreOffice, undoubtedly the best program that exists as an alternative to Microsoft Office.
On the other hand, regarding mobile phones, there is always the option to use google docs, which is compatible with the vast majority of existing office formats. It should be noted that each of the previously shown programs will allow the editing of said documents.
Despite this, if your goal is to edit files in XLS or .XLSX format, there may be some limitations depending on the program you use. Before this, it is best to use Microsoft Excel, you have more options in most cases.
Online
It is necessary to know that Excel has a free version online, that you can use without paying. In it you can open files in Excel and use or edit it without any inconvenience.
On Android devices
It should be mentioned that it is somewhat complicated to edit a file without having Excel on our Android device.. But there are other free applications that will allow you to edit it without any inconvenience., from the app store. You will only have to search the AndroXLS application, This will allow us to edit calculation templates in order to share them with others..
Mobile applications to open these files from PC or mobile device
It is always essential to have a replacement tool that will save us in any possibility, How can an application do it?. A open and read these files You must know the different applications that will allow you to read all the information contained in the file.
Google Sheets
It's a totally free program, that is created to be able to edit and view spreadsheets in the cloud. To enter you can use your Google account. Mainly in this application you can upload XLS or XLSX files, dragging the folder to the browser. By having access to it you will only have to open it as if it were a native document, when you enter you can start working on it. Works for both PC and mobile device.
Zoho
It is a software that houses more than 45 Applications with special capabilities for the business class, providing great benefits to the people who use it. In this you can export your Excel sheets and edit them online thanks to the tools provided by the application.
Google sheet
With respect to Google sheet, it's just excel, in itself this allows you to do most of the things as if it were directly Excel, where it is feasible to create lists, graphics and a myriad of other things. This application is perfect to get you out of trouble due to its great resemblance to Excel where you can do any project as if you were working directly with Excel.
