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Some of the content in this topic may not be applicable to some languages.

The file formats that are listed in the Save As dialog box vary, depending on what type of sheet is active. If you are saving your file into a different format, in most cases, Excel converts only the active sheet. To convert the other sheets in a workbook, switch to each sheet and save it separately.

File format

Description

Excel Workbook (.xlsx)

The default, XML-based workbook format for Excel 2016 for Mac, Excel for Mac 2011, and Excel for Windows. Cannot store VBA macro code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets.

Excel 97-2004 Workbook (.xls)

Compatible with Excel 98 through Excel 2004 for Mac and Excel 97 through Excel 2003 for Windows. Preserves VBA macro code and Excel 4.0 macro sheets. 

CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited) (.csv)

*Excel 2016 for Mac only

Exports the data on the active sheet to a text file that complies with UTF-8 Unicode encoding standards. Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

Excel Template (.xltx)

Saves the workbook as an XML-based template that you can use to start new workbooks. Saves settings such as formatting, headings, formulas, and custom toolbars. Cannot store VBA macro code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets.

Excel 97-2004 Template (.xlt)

Saves the workbook as a template that you can use to start new workbooks. Compatible with Excel 98 through Excel 2004 for Mac and Excel 97 through Excel 2003 for Windows. Saves settings such as formatting, headings, formulas, VBA macros, and custom toolbars. VBA macros do not run in Excel 2008.

Comma Separated Values (.csv)

Exports the data on the active sheet to a text file that uses commas to separate values in cells.

Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

Web Page (.htm)

Saves the workbook for display on the web. HTML is the default web format and can be displayed by Macintosh and Windows browsers.

PDF

Exports the selected cells, the active sheet, or all sheets in the workbook to PDF files, which look the same on Macintosh and Windows computers.

OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods)

*Excel 2016 for Mac only

Saves the workbook in the XML-based OpenDocument format.

Excel Binary Workbook (.xlsb)

Stores data in binary format. Takes less time to save, and helps keep sensitive data more secure. Preserves VBA macro code and Excel 4.0 macro sheets. 

Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm)

The XML-based workbook format for Excel 2016 for Mac, Excel for Mac 2011, and Excel for Windows that preserves VBA macro code and Excel 4.0 macro sheets.

Excel Macro-Enabled Template (.xltm)

Saves the workbook as an XML-based template that preserves VBA macro code and Excel 4.0 macro sheets.

Excel 2004 XML Spreadsheet (.xml)

Exports workbook data to an XML file that uses the Excel 2004 XML Spreadsheet schema. Number precision, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

Excel AddIn (.xlam)

Saves the active sheet as an XML-based add-in, a supplemental program that runs additional code. Preserves VBA macro code and Excel 4.0 macro sheets. 

Excel 97-2004 AddIn (.xla)

Saves the active sheet as an add-in, a supplemental program that runs additional code. Compatible with Excel 98 through Excel 2004 for Mac and Excel 97 through Excel 2003 for Windows. Preserves VBA macro code and Excel 4.0 macro sheets. 

Single File Web Page (.mht)

Saves the workbook for display on the web by creating a single file that includes all page elements. Uses the MIME HTML Internet standard.

UTF-16 Unicode Text (.txt)

Exports the data on the active sheet to a text file that complies with UTF-16 Unicode encoding standards. Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

Tab Delimited Text (.txt)

Exports the data on the active sheet to a text file that uses tabs to separate values in cells. Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

Windows Formatted Text (.txt)

Exports the data on the active sheet to a Windows-compatible text file that uses tabs to separate values in cells. Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

MS-DOS Formatted Text (.txt)

Exports the data on the active sheet to an MS-DOS compatible text file that uses tabs to separate values in cells. Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

Windows Comma Separated (.csv)

Exports the data on the active sheet to a Windows-compatible text file that uses commas to separate values in cells. Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

MS-DOS Comma Separated (.csv)

Exports the data on the active sheet to an MS-DOS-compatible text file that uses commas to separate values in cells. Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

Space Delimited Text (.prn)

Exports the data on the active sheet to a text file that uses spaces to separate values in cells. Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

Data Interchange Format (.dif)

Exports the data on the active sheet to a text file that can be used to exchange data with other spreadsheet applications. Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

Symbolic Link (.slk)

Exports the data on the active sheet to a text file that is compatible with Multiplan and other spreadsheet applications. Cell properties, formulas, graphics, and other formatting are not preserved.

Excel 5.0/95 Workbook (.xls)

The workbook format that is compatible with Excel 5.0 for Mac and Excel 95 for Windows. Preserves VBA macro code and Excel 4.0 macro sheets. 

See also

Change the file format for saving workbooks

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