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Excel spreadsheet (xls)

The Excel Spreadsheet (XLS) file format has the .xls extension. This file type originates from Microsoft Excel. However, other spreadsheet software can be used to display these files as well. These include:

  • OpenOffice
  • WordPerfect

The XLS file format should not be confused with XLSX and XSLB.

MIME types

The following MIME types apply to this file format:

  • application/msexcel
  • application/xls

File signature

Microsoft Excel spreadsheets of version 97-2003 use the OLE Compound File (OLECF). These files therefore have the OLECF file signature.

The object stream of the OLECF containing a Excel spreadsheet contains the string "..." with some version.

Excel 97-2003 spreadsheets

The Excel 97-2007 Binary File format is stored in the OLECF using multiple streams:

  • Workbook stream

Encryption

See Word Document (doc). Note: perhaps this section should be moved to a separate section about Microsoft Office encryption

See Also