Convert From XLSX to XLS

XLSX and XLS are both file extensions used for Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. XLSX is the newer format used in Microsoft Excel 2007 and later versions, while XLS was the default format used in earlier versions of Excel. If you have an XLSX file and need to convert it to an XLS file, there are several options available. In this article, we will discuss the various methods to convert XLSX to XLS.

Method 1: Save As

The easiest and most straightforward method to convert an XLSX file to an XLS file is to use the "Save As" function in Microsoft Excel. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open the XLSX file you want to convert in Microsoft Excel.
2. Click on the "File" tab.
3. Click on "Save As."
4. In the "Save As" dialog box, select "Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xls)" from the "Save as type" dropdown menu.
5. Choose the location where you want to save the file and click "Save."

Microsoft Excel will now save a copy of the XLSX file in XLS format.

Method 2: Online Converters

Another method to convert XLSX to XLS is to use an online converter. There are several online conversion tools available that allow you to upload an XLSX file and convert it to an XLS file. Some of the popular online converters include:

1. Zamzar
2. Online Convert
3. CloudConvert

To use an online converter, follow these steps:

1. Go to the website of the online converter of your choice.
2. Click on the "Choose File" or "Upload" button and select the XLSX file you want to convert.
3. Select "XLS" as the output format.
4. Click on the "Convert" button.
5. After the conversion is complete, download the converted file.

Method 3: Using Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack

If you do not have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer, you can still convert XLSX to XLS by using the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack. This free tool allows you to open, edit, and save files in the XLS format in Excel 2007 and later versions.

Here are the steps to convert XLSX to XLS using the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack:

1. Download and install the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack from the Microsoft website.
2. Right-click on the XLSX file you want to convert and select "Open With."
3. Choose "Microsoft Excel Viewer" from the list of programs.
4. Click on the "File" tab in the Excel Viewer and select "Save As."
5. In the "Save As" dialog box, select "Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xls)" from the "Save as type" dropdown menu.
6. Choose the location where you want to save the file and click "Save."

The Excel Viewer will now save a copy of the XLSX file in XLS format.

Conclusion

Converting XLSX to XLS is a straightforward process and can be done using multiple methods. You can use the "Save As" function in Microsoft Excel, online converters, or the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack to convert your XLSX files to XLS format. Depending on your preference and the tools available, you can choose the method that works best for you.