XLS to CSV converter
Convert XLS files to CSV with TLS uploads and automatic deletion. Comma-separated plain-text tabular data.
Drop a XLS file, or click to browse
Converts to CSV · runs live, right now
How it works
Drop your file
Drag a XLS file in, or click to browse. No account needed to try it.
We convert it
Secure upload, converted to CSV in our sheet pipeline.
Download the result
Grab your CSV file immediately, or find it later in your dashboard.
Why convert XLS to CSV?
Both XLS and CSV use no compression scheme of its own, so the conversion mainly changes compatibility, not quality. The main reason to convert XLS to CSV is compatibility: CSV opens cleanly in Excel, Google Sheets and most spreadsheet tools, while XLS doesn't always. If you're sharing a file with someone else, sending it to a tool that expects a specific format, or archiving it for the long term, CSV is usually the safer target.
Format comparison
| XLS | CSV | |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .xls | .csv |
| MIME type | application/vnd.ms-excel | text/csv |
| Compression | no compression scheme of its own | no compression scheme of its own |
| Category | spreadsheet | spreadsheet |
Common reasons to convert XLS to CSV
- Importing data into a tool or script that only reads CSV
- Sharing a spreadsheet with someone who doesn't have XLS's original app
- Maximizing compatibility with older or stricter tools that expect an uncompressed CSV file
Your file, handled carefully
Uploads use TLS in transit and AES-256 SSE-S3 at rest in production (when the production S3 credential gate is enabled), are processed in an isolated job, and deleted on the schedule you choose — as fast as immediately. We don't index, search, or share files between accounts. Read the full security model →
Frequently asked questions
Is converting XLS to CSV free?
Yes — the Free plan includes 50 conversions every month, including XLS to CSV. Paid plans raise that limit.
Will I lose quality converting XLS to CSV?
CSV is comma-separated plain-text tabular data. We use the highest-quality encoder settings by default so visual or data loss is minimized.
Do you keep a copy of my file?
Files are deleted automatically based on your plan's retention options. Free accounts can keep results for 1h or 24h; Pro and above add options such as delete-immediately and 7 days.
What is XLS?
Legacy binary Microsoft Excel format, predating XLSX.
What happens if a conversion fails?
You get a clear error message and the job is marked failed in your history — we never silently drop a file. Retry is one click. Monthly quotas count attempts (including failures) because processing starts as soon as the job is created.