New file extensions aren’t only the result of version differences. Some file extensions specify the file type, for as whether the file is an Excel template or an Excel file with a macro. You’ll have a better understanding of how to save your file in the file save dialogue box if you know all of the Excel file extensions.
The Importance of Excel File Extensions
Before you open an Excel file, the extension provides you with vital information about it. It also allows you to organise the files you save in your directories as template files, macro-enabled files, and other types of files. You may learn more about the Excel file and what it’s used for just by looking at the file extension. The extension of an Excel file tells you: In Excel, pick File from the menu, Save As, and then select the file type option under the file name box to display all of the file extensions. As you can see, each file type has a descriptive name that aids in determining what the file extension means.
Versions of Excel File Extensions
The first set of file extensions is mostly connected to the version of Excel with which the worksheet was saved. The Excel versions shown here are linked to the following extension types:
XLS vs. XLSX: What’s the Difference?
While the conversion to the XLSX extension by Microsoft after Excel 2007 may appear to be a minor naming convention adjustment, the truth is that there was more to the shift than the file extension. XLS is a file format for Excel spreadsheets that is known as Binary Interchange File Format. This was a Microsoft-created proprietary file format. Microsoft changed the default to XLSX, which is based on the Office Open XML format, with the introduction of Excel 2007. This is a technique for storing spreadsheet data in an XML file.What were the benefits of moving to this new way of Excel spreadsheet data storage? There are numerous. The first is that XLS files save and open more quickly. Second, Excel files with the XLS extension can be opened on any Excel version, regardless of how old it is.
Other Excel File Formats
It’s a little easier to figure out what the other Excel file extensions signify now that you know the difference between XLS and XLSX.
Files with Excel Templates
If you’re not familiar with Excel templates, now is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with them and begin utilising them. If you frequently create spreadsheets with the same formatting, formulas, or style, establishing a template might save you a lot of time. Simply put up your formatting, layouts, and other features of your worksheet that you don’t want to redo each time to build a template. Then save the file as a template with one of the Excel file extensions indicated above. When you create a new Excel file, you can search from thousands of predefined templates in a variety of categories.
Using Other File Formats
Excel can open a variety of file types, not just those with the Excel extension. You’ll see a large list beyond what’s included in this article when you open a file in Excel and select from the file type drop box. This is due to the fact that Excel also supports non-Microsoft file formats. Keep in mind that not all of these file formats will appear as possibilities when saving or opening files, depending on the Excel version you’re using.
