XLS & XML Conversion

XML coding makes documents easier to share over the Internet.

You can convert older Microsoft Excel (XLS) spreadsheets to eXtensible Markup Language (XML). Converting to XML makes data more precise when processed by a wide variety of machines, as well as allowing for target retrieval and making documents more accessible, according to XML.gov.

Use Excel 2007 or 2010

Starting with Office 2007, you can save Excel spreadsheets in XML by saving the file as an XML Data file. Open the spreadsheet in Excel 2010, then click "Microsoft Office" button and click "Save As." In the Print dialog box, click the "Save as Type" menu and select "XML Data."

Online Conversion

Use free, online file converters such as Zamzar to change Excel spreadsheets to XML pages. Upload the file to the file conversion server and download the converted file several hours later.

Software Conversion

You can find free or trial versions of software to transform XLS to XML. Navigate to the site and download programs such as Convert XLS, Advanced XLS Converter or Excel Export to Multiple XML Files Software to convert your document. Once one of these applications is installed, you can convert as many files as you need.

References

• W3C: Extensible Markup Language (XML)
• W3C: XML in 10 Points
• MSDN: Introducing the Office (2007) Open XML File Formats
• Microsoft: HOW TO: Import and Export XML in Excel
• XML.gov: Advantages of XML
• Chapter 15. What is XML, and Why Should I Care?

Resources

• Zamzar: Home
• Softinterface: Convert XLS
• Topshareware: Advanced XLS Converter
• SobalSoft: Excel Export to Multiple XML Files Software