XLS Converter
Free XLS converter that runs entirely in your browser. No upload, no signup — convert to XLS or from XLS into 200+ supported formats in one click.
Drop any file here or click to browse
All file types supported
About XLS
XLS
XLS is the legacy binary spreadsheet format used by Microsoft Excel 97 through 2003. It stores tabular data, formatting, formulas, and charts in BIFF binary format, superseded by XLSX in Office 2007.
- Developer
- Microsoft
- Initial release
- 1987
- Compression
- Lossless
- Color depth
- up to 24-bit
- Transparency
- Yes
Best for
- Legacy Excel files
- Compatibility with older Excel versions
- Tabular data storage
Pros
- +Compatible with legacy software
- +Compact binary structure
Cons
- −Legacy binary format superseded by XLSX
- −Row and column limits (65,536 rows)
- −Less open than XML-based formats
How to convert with the XLS converter
- 1
Choose the XLS file you want to convert from your PC, Mac or mobile device, or simply drag and drop it onto the page.
- 2
When your file is uploaded, the output format is preset to XLS. You can add more files to batch-convert them together.
- 3
Click the gear icon and tweak codec, quality, resolution or other options if you need them, then apply to all files if you want.
- 4
Click the Convert button. When conversion completes, download the result to your computer or save it back to Google Drive / Dropbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an XLS file?▼
XLS is the legacy Microsoft Excel binary format used from Excel 97 to 2003. It stores cells, formulas, formatting, and charts in BIFF structure. Modern Excel still opens XLS, but XLSX is now the standard.
XLS vs XLSX — what is the difference?▼
XLS is the old binary format, XLSX is the modern Office Open XML format. XLSX supports larger sheets, better compression, and recovery, while XLS exists for compatibility with older systems.
Why convert XLS to XLSX or CSV?▼
XLSX compresses smaller, handles more rows, and works reliably across cloud apps. CSV is the universal data-exchange format for databases, banks, and analytics tools.
Does converting XLS preserve formulas?▼
When converting to XLSX, formulas and formatting are preserved. When converting to CSV, only the calculated values are kept — formulas are evaluated and the result text is stored.
Are my spreadsheets uploaded when converting?▼
Never. ChameLeo converts locally in your browser — financial and client data stays on your device.
Supported Conversions
Specific converters
100% Free
No hidden fees, no subscriptions, and no limits. Enjoy complete access to all features gratis.
No Signup Required
Start converting immediately without creating an account or sharing email address.
Private & Secure
Your files never leave your device. All processing is completed locally for maximum privacy.
Batch Conversion
Convert multiple files simultaneously to save time. Fast and efficient multi-file queue.
Runs in Browser
Utilizes advanced client-side WebAssembly technology to process files directly inside your tab.
200+ Formats
Supports a wide variety of formats including images, documents, audio, video, and more.
XLS Converter Quality Rating
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