Convert Excel XML to Excel XLSX Online
Online Converter: Convert Excel XML file (up to 1 GB) to Excel XLSX
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Convert Microsoft Office Excel XML files to the modern XLSX format for better compatibility, smaller file sizes, and improved performance. This converter handles the specific XML format that Excel uses, not generic XML data files.
Note: If you have a generic XML data file (not an Excel XML spreadsheet), use our XML to Excel converter instead.
When Do You Need This Converter?
Excel XML files (sometimes called SpreadsheetML) are a legacy format that some systems still generate. You might need to convert these files when:
- Legacy System Exports: Older enterprise applications or reporting tools output data in Excel XML format rather than modern XLSX.
- File Size Concerns: Excel XML files are uncompressed and can be 3-5x larger than equivalent XLSX files. Convert to reduce storage and transfer times.
- Software Compatibility: While Excel opens XML files, some third-party tools and libraries only support the XLSX format.
- Standardization: Convert legacy files to XLSX for consistent file management across your organization.
- Email Attachments: XLSX files are smaller and more universally recognized than Excel XML files for sharing.
Understanding Excel XML Format
Microsoft Office XML (SpreadsheetML) is a native Excel format that stores spreadsheet data as human-readable XML text. Key characteristics:
- File Extension: These files typically have a .xml extension but can be opened directly in Excel
- Native Excel Format: Unlike generic XML, this format preserves Excel-specific features like formulas, formatting, and multiple sheets
- Human-Readable: The XML structure can be viewed and edited in any text editor, useful for debugging or automated modifications
- Uncompressed: Files are not compressed, resulting in larger sizes compared to XLSX but faster read/write for programmatic access
XLSX: The Modern Excel Standard
Office Open XML (OOXML), commonly known as XLSX, is the default format for Excel 2007 and later versions. Benefits of converting to XLSX:
- Compressed Storage: XLSX is actually a ZIP archive containing XML files, resulting in significantly smaller file sizes
- Universal Compatibility: Supported by Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, and virtually all spreadsheet applications
- Better Performance: Modern applications are optimized for XLSX, offering faster loading and processing times
- Full Feature Support: XLSX supports all modern Excel features including advanced formatting, pivot tables, charts, and macros (as XLSM)
Format Resources
- MS-XLSX - Excel file format specification (Microsoft)
- Excel file formats - Supported formats (Microsoft)
How the Conversion Works
Our converter reads the Excel XML structure and recreates all content in XLSX format:
- All worksheet data and multiple sheets are preserved
- Cell formatting (fonts, colors, borders, number formats) transfers intact
- Formulas are converted and remain functional in the XLSX output
- Row heights, column widths, and merged cells are maintained
- Named ranges and print settings carry over
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my file is Excel XML?
Open the file in a text editor. If it starts with <?xml and contains <Workbook or <ss:Workbook tags, it's an Excel XML file. Regular XML data files won't have these Excel-specific elements.
What's the difference between this and the XML to Excel converter?
This converter handles Excel XML format (SpreadsheetML) - a native Excel format. The XML to Excel converter handles generic XML data files and maps them into spreadsheet rows and columns.
Will my formulas still work after conversion?
Yes, formulas are converted and will function in the XLSX output. The converted file works exactly like a native XLSX file created in Excel.
How much smaller will my file be?
XLSX files are typically 60-80% smaller than equivalent Excel XML files due to ZIP compression. A 10 MB Excel XML file might convert to a 2-3 MB XLSX file.
Is the conversion secure?
Yes. All uploads use encrypted HTTPS. Source files are deleted immediately after conversion, and results are removed within 24 hours.
- Sign in to work securely with your files. Sign in or Sign up for full access.
- Conversion time varies by file size; thank you for your patience.
- Limits apply to maximum conversions and file size. See available plans on the Pricing page.
- Unregistered users: up to 5 conversions/day, up to 50 conversions/month, and 10 MB per file. Sign up to extend your limits.
- Need help converting files? Contact us.
