Convert XLSM to XLS — Free Online Converter
Convert Excel Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet (.xlsm) to Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet (.xls) online for free. Fast, secure document conversion with no waterm...
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How to Convert
Upload your .xlsm file by dragging it into the upload area or clicking to browse.
Choose your output settings. The default settings work great for most files.
Click Convert and download your .xls file when it's ready.
About XLSM to XLS Conversion
XLSM is the modern OOXML macro-enabled Excel format introduced with Office 2007, storing worksheets and VBA code in a ZIP-compressed XML structure. XLS is the legacy BIFF8 binary format used by Excel 97-2003, still required by many older systems, enterprise applications, and ERP integrations that cannot process OOXML files.
Converting XLSM to XLS downgrades the modern macro workbook to the legacy binary format, enabling compatibility with older Excel versions and systems that only accept the classic .xls format.
Why Convert XLSM to XLS?
Many enterprise systems, ERP platforms, and legacy applications were built to import and export XLS files exclusively. Manufacturing systems, accounting software from the 2000s era, and government databases often require XLS format. Converting XLSM to XLS ensures data compatibility with these systems.
Some organizations standardize on XLS for backward compatibility across their software ecosystem. When workbooks need to be opened on machines running Excel 2003 or earlier, or processed by legacy automation, XLS is the required format.
Common Use Cases
- Export XLSM workbooks to XLS for import into legacy ERP and accounting systems
- Convert macro-enabled reports to XLS for users running Excel 2003 or earlier
- Produce XLS versions of XLSM templates for enterprise systems requiring BIFF8 format
- Downgrade XLSM files for compatibility with legacy database import routines
- Share workbooks with partners whose systems cannot process OOXML file formats
How It Works
LibreOffice opens the XLSM OOXML file and saves as XLS (BIFF8 binary format). Cell values, formulas, formatting, charts, and sheet structure are converted to the binary representation. VBA macros may be partially preserved (XLS supports VBA), though some modern VBA features and references may not be backward-compatible. The XLS format has limitations: 65,536 row maximum (vs. 1,048,576 in XLSM), 256 column maximum (vs. 16,384), and a 2GB file size limit.
Quality & Performance
Standard worksheet data, formulas, and formatting convert accurately. The main risks are XLS format limitations: workbooks exceeding 65,536 rows or 256 columns will be truncated. Modern Excel features (sparklines, slicers, structured table references) may not have XLS equivalents. VBA macros are partially preserved but may need adjustment for the older object model.
Device Compatibility
| Device | XLSM | XLS |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Partial | Partial |
| macOS | Partial | Partial |
| iPhone/iPad | Partial | Partial |
| Android | Partial | Partial |
| Linux | Partial | Partial |
| Web Browser | No | No |
Tips for Best Results
- 1Check your row count before converting — XLSM data beyond row 65,536 will be lost in XLS
- 2Test VBA macros after conversion — some modern VBA features may not be backward-compatible
- 3Verify column count stays within 256 (column IV) for the XLS format limit
- 4Remove modern Excel features (sparklines, slicers) before conversion to avoid data loss
- 5Keep the original XLSM as a backup — XLS conversion is lossy for large workbooks
XLSM-to-XLS conversion enables backward compatibility with legacy systems, though format limitations may truncate large workbooks.