File converter  /  Documents  /  Convert to XLS  /  CSV converter  /  XLS to CSV

Convert XLS to CSV

You have the option to convert your xls file to csv, as well as a variety of other formats, using our free online converter.

Converting your xls file to csv is easy with these steps.

Converting your csv file to xls is easy with these steps.

Icon of «Upload xls-file»
Step 1

Upload xls-file

You can select xls file you want to convert from your computer, Google Drive, Dropbox or simply drag and drop it onto the page.
Icon of «Select «to csv»»
Step 2

Select «to csv»

Choose csv or any of the other 200+ supported formats you'd like to convert to.
Icon of «Download your csv file»
Step 3

Download your csv file

Please wait for the conversion to complete, then click on the download button to obtain your converted file in the csv format.

Converting xls to csv

Fast and easy
Simply drag and drop your xls files onto the webpage, and you'll be able to convert them to csv or over 250 different file formats, all without having to register, provide an email address, or include a watermark.
You don't need to worry about security.
As soon as you upload your xls files, we instantly delete them. Converted files are then deleted after 24 hours. Furthermore, we ensure that all file transfers are secure through advanced SSL encryption.
Everything is stored in the cloud.
You don't have to go through the hassle of installing any software. We handle all xls to csv conversions in the cloud, which means that none of your computer's resources will be used in the process.

Microsoft Excel Binary File Format

Extension.xls
Category🔵 documents
Programs
🔵 Microsoft Office
🔵 LibreOffice
🔵 Kingsoft Office
🔵 Google Docs
Main program🔵 Microsoft Office
Description🔵 .xls The .xls format is the default file format for spreadsheets created in Microsoft Excel, particularly in versions before Excel 007. This binary file format can store data in cells organized in rows and columns, and it supports formulas, charts, graphs, and various formatting features to manipulate and visualize dataThe .xls format was commonly used in business, finance, and any field requiring data analysis and presentation but has since been largely replaced by the more advanced .xlsx format.
Technical details🔵 The `.xls` format, primarily for Microsoft Excel versions before 2007, stores spreadsheet elements like worksheets, formulas, and macros. As a proprietary binary format by Microsoft, its undocumented internal structure made third-party software compatibility challenging. This format includes binary records encapsulating data, formatting, and embedded objects, supporting multiple worksheets, various functions, and inter-sheet referencing. `.xls` files may contain Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros, enabling automation and complex calculations. It's supported not just in Excel but also in applications like OpenOffice Calc, with options to convert between `.xls` and other formats like `.xlsx`. Despite security concerns with macros, `.xls` is still used, mainly for its compatibility with older Excel versions and legacy systems, although the newer `.xlsx` format, introduced in Office 2007 with XML and ZIP technologies, offers improved efficiency and security.
Developer🔵 Microsoft
MIME type
🔵 application/vnd.ms-excel

Comma Separated Values File

Extension.csv
Category🔵 documents
Programs
🔵 Microsoft Excel
🔵 Microsoft Works
🔵 Corel Quattro Pro
🔵 Apache OpenOffice
🔵 LibreOffice
🔵 Microsoft Notepad
🔵 Libre Office
🔵 MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro 7
Description🔵 .csv The .csv (Comma-Separated Values) format is a plain text format used for representing tabular data. Each line in the file corresponds to a row in the table, and columns in a row are separated by commas. This format is widely supported by many applications, including spreadsheet and database software. It's commonly used for exchanging data between different programs and for exporting and importing large amounts of data due to its simplicity and wide compatibility.
Technical details🔵 The `.csv` (Comma-Separated Values) format is a simple text format for tabular data, with each line representing a table row and fields separated by a delimiter, typically a comma, though alternatives like semicolons or tabs are also used. As a plain text format, it's universally compatible and easy to edit. The structure consists of delimited rows and fields without a standard schema, treating all data as strings, with interpretation dependent on the importing application. CSV files may include optional headers and support various text encodings like UTF-8 and ASCII. Special handling is needed for fields containing delimiters, usually by enclosing them in quotes and escaping internal quotation marks. Due to its simplicity and flexibility, CSV is favored for basic data exchange and import/export tasks across different programs, despite not being suitable for complex or relational data structures. Its broad compatibility with common software, including spreadsheet and database programs, maintains its popularity for straightforward data operations.
Developer🔵 Microsoft
MIME type
🔵 text/comma-separated-values

FAQ

❓ How do I change xls to csv?
To get started, either pick a file you want to convert from xls and select it or drag and drop it into the conversion tool. Next, select the desired format that you wish to convert your file to. Once you have selected the format, click the "convert" button and wait for the tool to finish converting your file.
⏳ What is the estimated time it will take to convert xls to csv?
Typically, image conversions only take a few seconds, so you can expect a speedy conversion when changing xls to csv.
🛡️ Can I trust OnlineConvertFree to convert xls to csv securely?
Absolutely! We take your security seriously, and guarantee the protection of your uploaded and converted files. No one will have access to your information since we delete all files once the conversion process is complete. You can trust that all types of conversions, including xls to csv, are 100% safe on OnlineConvertFree.
📱 Is it possible to convert xls to csv without having to install any software?
Yes, that's right! OnlineConvertFree doesn't require any installation, which means that you can convert any files, including xls to csv, on your computer or mobile device, completely online.