# Excel to .xlsx Converter

Convert .xls files to .xlsx format. Note: Only supports converting old .xls files to new .xlsx format.

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/excel-version-converter

- **Category:** Format Conversion

- **Keywords:** excel, converter, version, format, xls, xlsx, transform, migrate

## Overview

The Excel to .xlsx Converter allows you to quickly transform legacy .xls spreadsheet files into the modern .xlsx format, ensuring compatibility with current versions of Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet software.

## Inputs

- **Excel File** (file)
- **Target Format** (select)
- **Output Filename** (text): Leave empty to use original filename

## When to use

- When you need to open an older .xls file in a modern application that only supports .xlsx.
- When you want to reduce file size and improve stability by migrating to the XML-based .xlsx format.
- When you are preparing legacy data archives for integration into modern cloud-based spreadsheet tools.

## How it works

- Upload your legacy .xls file using the file selector.
- Optionally specify a custom output filename for your converted document.
- Click the convert button to process the file and download the updated .xlsx version.

## Use cases

- Updating legacy financial reports for modern accounting software compatibility.
- Migrating historical project tracking sheets to current office suites.
- Standardizing company-wide spreadsheet formats to the latest .xlsx version.

## Frequently asked questions

### What file formats are supported?

This tool specifically supports converting legacy .xls files to the modern .xlsx format.

### Is there a file size limit?

Yes, the tool supports files up to 10MB in size.

### Will my data formatting be preserved?

Yes, the conversion process maintains your data, formulas, and basic formatting during the transition to .xlsx.

### Can I convert multiple files at once?

No, this tool processes one file at a time.

### Is my data secure?

Your files are processed securely and are not stored on our servers after the conversion is complete.

## Related tools

- [XLSX Markdown Table Exporter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/xlsx-markdown-table-exporter): Convert a selected Excel range or whole sheet into Markdown table format
- [Excel to CSV Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/excel-to-csv): Convert Excel file to CSV format, extracting data from the first worksheet
- [Excel to HTML Table Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/excel-to-html): Convert Excel file to HTML table format, extracting data from the first worksheet
- [Excel to JSON Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/excel-to-json): Convert Excel file to JSON format, extracting data from the first worksheet
- [Excel to Markdown Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/excel-to-markdown): Convert Excel file to Markdown table format, extracting data from the first worksheet
- [Excel to XML Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/excel-to-xml): Convert Excel file to XML format, extracting data from the first worksheet
- [XLSX Conditional Formatting Rule](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/xlsx-conditional-formatting-rule): Batch-apply conditional formatting rules such as threshold highlights, data bars, and color scales to Excel worksheets
- [Excel Field-Level Decryptor](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/excel-field-decryptor): Decrypt specific fields in Excel files using various decryption methods to restore encrypted information

## Samples

- [XLSX Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/xlsx-samples): Sample XLSX spreadsheets for worksheet parsing and data extraction testing
- [XLS Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/xls-samples): Sample legacy Excel (XLS) files for binary spreadsheet parsing and import tests
- [Text Case Format Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/text-case-formats): Examples of different text case formats: camelCase, snake_case, kebab-case, PascalCase, and more
- [Nginx Log Parser Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/nginx-log-samples): Comprehensive Nginx log samples for testing log-parser tool, including access logs and error logs with various formats and scenarios

## Related content

- [Professional Assembly of an Excel Workbook](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/xlsx-workbook-professional-assembly): Furnish a bare spreadsheet into a workbook people can use without asking you questions — upgrade the legacy file, fill formulas down with the cells locked, name the ranges, gate inputs with validation dropdowns, let conditional formatting flag outliers, freeze the headers, build the index sheet, and set the workbook up to print.