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XLSX document file – Organize data efficiently

by Casey Schmidt  |  December 1, 2019

3 min. read
A picture of a key on a keyboard with the words "Spreadsheet File" on it.

The XLSX document file is the Microsoft Excel standard format file type. Its ability to visually layout and organize data boosts data analysis. If you have a lot of different XLSX files and you’re not sure the best way to utilize them, this article has valuable information to consider. Learn more about how it works in order to truly succeed with your data. Here’s a complete guide.

What is an XLSX document file?

XLSX files are the standard extension for the modern Microsoft Excel spreadsheet files. They are a zip-compressed XML spreadsheet file used to analyze and organize data. They contain numerical data separated by rows and columns within a cell. It is a modern, updated version of the original Excel file format.

How is an XLSX different than an XLS document file?

The XLS is an Excel spreadsheet file used by earlier versions of the Microsoft software Excel. After 2006, the Excel program began saving the files as an XLSX extension, which remains the current state of saved Excel files. The XLS is still accessible by all systems capable of accessing XLSX. Furthermore, older computers and software systems may still use the XLS if they’re using outdated operating systems.

A screenshot of Micrsoft Excel.
An XLSX is a modern version of the XLS.

How to open an XLSX document file on both Windows and Mac

For Windows users, you can open the XLSX using any modern version of Microsoft Office. If you don’t own a copy, there are third-party alternatives available. For Mac users, the XLSX opens using the Apple Numbers program – the Mac tool for spreadsheets. Alternatively, a lot of cloud services host XLSX files and can store them for editing.

Benefits of using an XLSX document file

XLSX document file types are necessary for companies with large amounts of data that require organization. The XLSX can be sorted in different ways that give teams a greater chance of information discovery. The layout and structure of XLSX says a lot about a company and it’s overall efficiency, so sort yours accordingly.

A spreadsheet on a computer screen.
Large data arrangement is easier with Excel files.

Furthermore, XLSX boosts the understanding of data by creating opportunity for users to view a large amounts of data within a visually-simplistic format. By seeing a layout of data within organized rows and columns, users gain valuable insight into the purpose and meaning of the data portrayed.

How to convert an XLSX document file and why

Consider converting an XLSX to a different file extension to increase the diversity of devices and software that can open the file you’re working on. Here’s how to do so on both Windows and Mac:

Using Windows

  1. Open the intended XLSX file within Microsoft Excel
  2. Click the ‘File’ dropdown menu, then click ‘Export’
  3. Click ‘Create as’ and select the intended extension (PDF, etc)
  4. Under the ‘Save as’ dropdown in the popup save window, select the extension
A screenshot of the Excel interface.
The ‘Export’ function in the menu is your key to conversion.

Using Mac

  1. Go to ‘File’ then ‘Save as’
  2. Select the intended format extension from the ‘file format’ dropdown box
  3. Click ‘save’

The XLSX document file is the modern way for companies to organize and lay out data. Learn its functions to improve your data analysis.