How else can you open a file in xls format? If, for example, your PC does not have the main program for this - Excel. Excel is the main program that allows you to open, view and edit a file, but it often happens that this program does not exist, or it cannot be installed on a PC or smartphone.
Files like .xls- created by Microsoft. The information inside the document is contained in cells, thereby creating a full-fledged table. .xlsx is an updated version of the same cells, which allows you to create a document that is much smaller in size, but with a larger set of functions and settings.
Each “platform” has its own program that works with the .xls format and this is not Excel.
1. How to open an .xls file on Windows
Without the MS Office application package, it is quite possible to open files of this xls type using the free “Open Office” utility.Open Office utility
Launch the program and select the required document type, the document you want to create:
LibreOffice utility
Another utility that can work with tables of the .xls type. In addition to the standard functions: working with text, tables and presentations, the program has a built-in vector graphics editor, a DBMS and even a form. LifeOffice is also free.
If you have Mac OS, then you can download MS Office with compatibility for MAC OS, but this is not the best opportunity to open a file of this format on Apple OS.
Getting started with Apple Numbers
In its own way, the most successful utility that works with tables, which can also be used for Mac. The application will allow you to open files without losing data and quality. The graphs will remain in their place, as will the cells.
Utility Planamesa NeoOffice
Another set of useful programs for full-fledged work with both text and xls format tables.
The app even has the ability to edit and save files. The main toolbar is very similar to the standard Microsoft Office toolbar.
2. Online services for opening .xls formats
If you are not a supporter of “extra” programs on your PC, then it is better for you to use an Internet service that could work with files “ office" Such sites exist, and there are quite a few of them. Most of them are free.Yandex Disk
A standard cloud-type storage for your data, which can store files and, if possible, view them without downloading. But editing a specific document through Yandex Disk is not available.
Google Docs
An analogue of Yandex disk, which performs all the same functions. But this source has special extensions that allow you to work with documents of this type directly in the browser. For full operation, you need the Internet, or an extension that would allow Google Drive storage and its functions to work offline.
Text files are sent automatically to the " Google Docs" or " Google Docs" By going to this section it is very easy to view and even edit files with the extension .xls and even .docx. To edit presentations – “ Google Slides", for editing and viewing tables - Google Sheets.
To access Google Drive you need to have your own Google account - this service is fully connected to the gmail mail service. Initially, the user is provided with 7 gigabytes of free space for personal files.
3. Open.xls on Android
You can also install applications that work with this format on various devices: tablets or smartphones.
Multiplatform application Kingsoft WPS Office– created specifically for working with text and table files.
The Android version of the program is quite simple, as is its interface. The program has a lot of functions, and that is why it was at the top of the Google Market for some time.
4. Open .xls on iOS
There is an even larger list of commands for iPhones, iPads, etc. Until recently, this program was the official version for products from Apple - Microsoft Excel, but now it is being replaced by other applications, for example MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro.
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro In addition to viewing all the user’s files and documents, it also included the ability to use the explorer built into it, which will simplify the search for some files on the phone, as well as upload new ones to it.
5. Open .xls on Windows Phone
Especially for Windows Phone platform pack software for working with Microsoft formats is initially installed.
But many people complain about a lot of shortcomings in the operation of this software: it is quite difficult to find files, and large documents sometimes lose some information. That is why you should use additional applications from the official store.
Excel Mobile– an application that will provide access to the required tables at any time. The program interface is exactly the same as in the standard MS Excel program.
An XLSM file can be opened by special programs. To open this format, download one of the proposed programs.
How to open an XLSM file
XLSM files are of the “ Microsoft Excel worksheet with integrated macros” and represent a structured set of data in the form of tables, formed as cells consisting of columns and rows. A distinctive feature of the XLSM extension is the macroelements (macros) integrated into the format, obtained using the language program code Visual Basic for Applications(VBA).
Format support and data storage are organized using Open XML components (OXML). OXML is an innovative standard and began to be used with the advent Microsoft Office 2007.
Like other sets of office formats that are part of OXML, data storage in an XLSM file (including macros) is organized in the form of ZIP packages with its own directory and subdirectory structure.
In essence, the XLSM extension is an analogue of the format, except that XLSM supports macro integration, while such a feature is not available in XLSX.
In order for macros to be available in XLSX, you must first translate the data into the XLSM extension, otherwise Excel will not be able to identify them (even if they actually exist in the XLSX file).
Playback of XLSM files is available on Microsoft Excel 2007 and later versions. To open the format on older versions of Excel, an additional installation of the Open XML component is required.
To support information security policy, automatic inclusion of macronutrients in Excel not available.
It is noteworthy that for security purposes, some mailers may block the sending of messages containing XLSM files.
Programs for opening XLSM files
The XLSM extension is adapted to work on Windows and Mac operating systems.
It should be remembered that MS Excel earlier versions do not support working with XLSM document macroelements. To work correctly with the format based on Microsoft Excel of previous versions (versions before 2007), you may need to install an archive containing Open XML components.
If an error occurs when playing the format: either the source file is damaged or infected with a virus, or the XLSM file is opened using an incorrect software utility.
Convert XLSM to other formats
XLSM is one of the most common formats for presenting data in the form of Microsoft Excel tables with macros enabled. Therefore, XLSM can be easily converted into similar extensions representing spreadsheets of data consisting of columns and rows.
In particular, using the internal translator of one of the office plugins (for example, Microsoft Excel or Corel WordPerfect Office X), an XLSM file can be converted to or .
You can also convert data from XLSM (for example, into XLS) online through one of the Internet resources, for example, TheFile.org.
Why XLSM and what are its advantages?
The main advantages of the XLSM extension include the ability to support macroelements using Open XML components (OXML).
Although the format is unpretentious for conversion, it has a high degree of data protection.
However, it should be recognized that this extension is not as popular and popular among spreadsheet users as, for example, XLS.
Files with the .xls extension are often used in work and study. They contain tables with filled data, as well as a number of settings for them. Their use helps to save and distribute information, organize it in a convenient form. Not everyone knows which program to open .xls tables, so they encounter some difficulties.
Free programs for opening .xls
A free project that contains a whole range of various office utilities. Among them is a powerful table processor. It quickly processes even very large files and allows you to edit them in any convenient way. OpenOffice Calc is the name of the program that works with xls.
It has a user-friendly design that is intuitive. Of course, to perform complex operations you will have to study online manuals or help from the developers. The utility is distributed in Russian. How to open a .xls file in this program? You just need to drag it into the work area, or call the corresponding item from the main menu. The functionality of the program is not inferior to paid, more demanding analogues.
The interesting thing is that you can not only download Calc for free, but also get all the source codes. And then apply them in your commercial projects.
Most Windows users associate the word “document” with this particular package - Microsoft Office 2013. Office is the standard for office programs, and its interface is familiar to everyone, even the most inexperienced users. This is a definite advantage.
Excel is the name of the spreadsheet processor from Microsoft. It is incredibly powerful, functional and comfortable. You can do almost everything in it, from a small table to a huge statistical document in .xls format. How to open a finished file if the program is installed on a computer at home? You can use similar software, or the online version, which Microsoft kindly provides to all users completely free of charge. This version has a number of limitations, but it is enough for simple editing. 
If you have any questions, ask in the comments, we will definitely help.
The most common problem that prevents users from opening this file is an incorrectly assigned program. To fix this in Windows OS, you need to right-click on the file, in the context menu, hover the mouse over the “Open with” item, and select “Select a program...” from the drop-down menu. As a result, you will see a list of installed programs on your computer, and you will be able to select the appropriate one. We also recommend checking the box next to “Use this application for all XLS files.”
Another problem that our users also encounter quite often is that the XLS file is corrupted. This situation can arise in many cases. For example: the file was not downloaded in full as a result of a server error, the file was damaged initially, etc. To resolve this problem, use one of the recommendations:
- Try finding the file you need in another source on the Internet. You may have luck finding a more suitable version. Example Google search: "File filetype:XLS" . Just replace the word "file" with the name you want;
- Ask them to send you the original file again, it may have been damaged during transmission;
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