Convert ODS to XL

Understanding ODS and XL file formats

ODS (OpenDocument Spreadsheet) is an open-source spreadsheet file format used by applications like LibreOffice Calc and Apache OpenOffice Calc. It is part of the OpenDocument standard and is widely used for storing spreadsheet data in a platform-independent way.

XL is a legacy spreadsheet file extension associated with early versions of Microsoft Excel (prior to the more common XLS and XLSX formats). XL files store spreadsheet data, but the format is largely outdated and rarely used in modern applications.

Why convert ODS to XL?

Converting ODS to XL may be necessary for compatibility with older software or systems that only support the XL format. This ensures that spreadsheet data can be accessed and edited in environments where newer formats like XLS or XLSX are not supported.

Best software for ODS to XL conversion

The most reliable way to convert ODS to XL is by using LibreOffice Calc, which supports both formats. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open your ODS file in LibreOffice Calc.
• Go to File → Save As.
• In the Save as type dropdown, select Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP (.xls) (since XL is a legacy Excel format, XLS is the closest supported export).
• Click Save to convert your file.

If you specifically need the .xl extension, you can manually rename the .xls file to .xl after saving. However, be aware that this does not change the internal file structure, only the extension.

Online converters

Several online converters can also handle ODS to XLS conversion, such as Zamzar or CloudConvert. Simply upload your ODS file, choose XLS as the output format, and download the converted file. You can then rename the file extension to .xl if required.

Important considerations

• Data integrity: Some advanced features or formatting in ODS files may not be fully preserved in the XL format.
• File extension: The .xl extension is rarely used today; consider using .xls for better compatibility.
• Backup: Always keep a backup of your original ODS file before conversion.