When managing old company files, you may encounter a bunch of spreadsheet files in Xls format. As the default format for Excel 2003 and earlier versions, it's very likely to have issues such as being unable to open, functional obstructions, or poor compatibility as subsequent Office versions gradually update. However, the newer Xlsx format not only has a smaller file size and more powerful data processing capabilities, but also offers higher security compared to the older version. Whether it's to improve our work efficiency or to preserve files long-term, it is essential to batch convert the outdated Xls format to Xlsx format.
So aside from manually opening and saving each file as Xlsx format one by one, what other methods can we use to quickly convert old Excel files to the new Xlsx format? This article will explain several methods from start to finish, helping you learn how to batch convert Xls to Xlsx format. Let's learn this technique together to improve efficiency!
When do you need to batch convert multiple Xls to the new Xlsx format?
Software version compatibility
With the continuous updating of office software like Office, many applications have increasingly higher requirements for file formats. The old Xls format cannot support larger data table capacity and some chart options. In such cases, we can batch convert Xls files to the more compatible Xlsx format, allowing us to use them smoothly in newer versions of Excel and avoiding data loss or format limitations caused by format issues.
Data sharing needs
When a team works together on a project, it's best to use a common format for data file sharing and collaboration. Xls files are not only large in size but also have low compatibility, easily leading to slow loading and errors. However, the Xlsx format can optimize file size and speed up loading, enabling all collaborators to view and edit files normally.
Long-term data preservation
When archiving and preserving Excel spreadsheets for the long term, if they are in the old Xls format, they might become obsolete with future software version updates, making them unable to open properly. Batch converting them to Xlsx format in advance ensures that files can still be opened and used years or even decades later, giving Excel spreadsheets better readability and usability.
Preview of batch converting Xls format to Xlsx files
Before processing:
After processing:
Method 1: Use HeSoft Doc Batch Tool to batch convert Excel spreadsheets to Xlsx files
Recommendation index: ★★★★★
Advantages:
- Supports batch conversion of thousands or tens of thousands of spreadsheet files with fast speed and high quality, suitable for users who need to quickly convert a large number of files.
- All files are processed locally and will not be uploaded to third parties, emphasizing user privacy and security.
Disadvantages:
- The software must be installed on the computer to operate.
Steps:
1. Open [ HeSoft Doc Batch Tool ], select [Excel Tools] - [Convert Excel to Xlsx].
2. Choose a method from [Add Files] or [Import Files from Folder] to import the Excel spreadsheets you need to convert. You can also directly drag files into the area below. After confirming the files are correct, click Next. Then enter the save page, click Browse, and select the save location for the new files.
3. After processing is complete, click the red path to open the folder. All added Excel spreadsheets have been converted to the new Xlsx format.
Method 2: Use Excel to directly save as Xlsx format
Recommendation index: ★★★☆☆
Advantages:
- Completely free to use and simple to operate.
- Conversion quality is relatively good, and all Excel versions are supported.
Disadvantages:
- Can only convert a single file at a time, cannot batch convert.
- When there are many files, it can take a long time.
Steps:
1. Open the Excel spreadsheet file, click [File] - [Save As] in the upper left corner, then save it directly as Xlsx format.
Method 3: Use VBA macro functionality to batch convert Xls to Xlsx format
Recommendation index: ★★★☆☆
Advantages:
- Can truly achieve fully automatic batch processing, capable of converting all Xls files in an entire folder at once.
- The code can be saved after processing for reuse.
Disadvantages:
- Requires learning some basic VBA coding, presenting a barrier for beginners.
- Needs adjustment of macro security settings in Excel.
Steps:
1. Place all Xls files into one folder, then open one of the Xls files. Next, press Alt+F11 to open the VBA editor and insert a module.
2. Then paste the following code:
Sub BatchConvert()
Dim file As String
File=Dir ("C: \ Your Folder \ *. xls")
Do While file <> ""
Workbooks.Open file
ActiveWorkbook.SaveAs Replace(file, ".xls", ".xlsx"), 51
ActiveWorkbook.Close
file = Dir
Loop
End Sub
3. Modify the folder path and press F5 to run.
Method 4: Use browser-based online tools to convert Excel to Xlsx format
Recommendation index: ★★★☆☆
Advantages:
- No software installation required; simple and intuitive.
- Can also be operated on mobile phones, allowing conversion anytime even without a computer.
Disadvantages:
- Needs to be used in a scenario with a good network environment, otherwise conversion may fail or take a long time.
- Risk of sensitive information leakage when uploading files.
Steps:
1. Open your browser, go to the [ASPOSE] webpage, click to select and upload the Excel spreadsheets you need to convert.
2. After conversion is complete, simply retrieve the new file.
