Convert XLS to TXT

XLS to TXT converter that runs entirely in your browser. 100% free, no signup, no upload — your files never leave your device. One-click batch conversion.

Conversions

About formats

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 It stores tabular data, formatting, formulas, and charts in BIFF binary format, superseded by XLSX in Office 2007.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
Animation
No

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  • −Legacy binary format superseded by XLSX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

TXT

TXT is a plain text file format that stores unformatted character data without any styling or metadata. The TXT format is universally supported by virtually every text editor and operating system, making it the simplest and most portable way to exchange text content. TXT files commonly use the .txt extension and are encoded as ASCII or UTF-8.

Developer
ISO/IEC / Various
Initial release
1960s
Compression
Uncompressed
Color depth
1-bit
Transparency
No
Animation
No

Best for

  • Storing plain unformatted text
  • Exchanging text between any platforms
  • Configuration and log files
  • Note-taking and simple documents
  • Universal text data interchange

Pros

  • +Universally supported by every text editor
  • +Simplest and most portable text format
  • +ASCII or UTF-8 encoding
  • +No formatting overhead

Cons

  • −No formatting, images, or structure
  • −No rich text or styling
  • −Not suitable for formatted documents
  • −Lacks metadata

How to convert XLS to TXT

  1. 1

    Select XLS files from your computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, a URL, or by dragging them onto the page.

  2. 2

    Choose txt — or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported).

  3. 3

    Let the file convert, then download your txt file right away.

XLS vs TXT

PropertyXLSTXT

When to use XLS vs TXT

XLS

  • Legacy Excel files
  • Compatibility with older Excel versions
  • Tabular data storage

TXT

  • Storing plain unformatted text
  • Exchanging text between any platforms
  • Configuration and log files
  • Note-taking and simple documents
  • Universal text data interchange

Use cases for XLS → TXT

  • Legacy Excel files
  • Compatibility with older Excel versions
  • Tabular data storage
  • Storing plain unformatted text
  • Exchanging text between any platforms
  • Configuration and log files
  • Note-taking and simple documents
  • Universal text data interchange

Frequently Asked Questions

Is converting XLS to TXT free?
Yes. This XLS → TXT converter runs entirely in your browser and is completely free — no account, no credits, no watermark.
Which devices and platforms can I use to convert XLS to TXT?
Any modern device with a current web browser: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone and iPad. There is nothing to install — the conversion happens locally.
Are my XLS files uploaded to a server?
No. Files never leave your device. The entire XLS → TXT conversion runs locally in your browser, so your data stays private.
Can I convert multiple XLS files at once?
Yes — batch conversion is supported. Add as many XLS files as you like and convert them to TXT in one pass, then download the results together.
What is the maximum file size?
There is no fixed server-side limit because the conversion happens in your browser. Practical limits depend on the available memory and CPU of your device.
Will converting XLS to TXT lose quality?
No. TXT is a lossless format (or used in a lossless mode here), so the original data from your XLS file is preserved bit-for-bit in the converted result.
Will transparent areas of my XLS file be kept in TXT?
No — TXT does not support transparency. Transparent areas of your XLS file will be flattened onto a solid background colour during conversion.
How will the file size change after converting XLS to TXT?
Both formats use comparable compression, so the TXT output will be similar in size to your XLS file — typically within 10–20% of each other.

Related Conversions

Specific converters

FREE

100% Free

No hidden fees, no subscriptions, and no limits. Enjoy complete access to all features gratis.

SIGNUP

No Signup Required

Start converting immediately without creating an account or sharing email address.

PRIVACY

Private & Secure

Your files never leave your device. All processing is completed locally for maximum privacy.

BATCH

Batch Conversion

Convert multiple files simultaneously to save time. Fast and efficient multi-file queue.

LOCAL

Runs in Browser

Utilizes advanced client-side WebAssembly technology to process files directly inside your tab.

FORMATS

200+ Formats

Supports a wide variety of formats including images, documents, audio, video, and more.

USER REVIEWS

Convert XLS to TXT Quality Rating

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