Convert XLS to CSV online in seconds — free, with no sign-up. CSV is lossless and ideal for exporting and importing raw data between tools. Your files are encrypted and deleted automatically after 24 hours.
XLS
Microsoft Excel (legacy) — The older binary Excel format, superseded by XLSX.
CSV
Comma-Separated Values — Plain-text tabular data that opens in any spreadsheet or database.
How to convert XLS to CSV
- 1Upload your XLS file
Click “Choose a file” or drag and drop your XLS file onto the page — no sign-up or email needed.
- 2Convert to CSV
CSV is already selected as the output. Open Options to fine-tune quality if you like, then click Convert.
- 3Download your CSV file
Your CSV file is ready in seconds — click Download to save it. Files are automatically deleted after 24 hours.
XLS vs CSV
| XLS | CSV | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Microsoft Excel (legacy) | Comma-Separated Values |
| Type | Spreadsheet | Spreadsheet |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Best for | legacy spreadsheets; converted to XLSX or CSV | exporting and importing raw data between tools |
Frequently asked questions
Does converting XLS to CSV lose quality?
Converting XLS to CSV preserves your text, images and most formatting. Very complex elements — macros, live formulas or unusual fonts — may not carry over perfectly, but the content stays intact.
What's the difference between XLS and CSV?
Microsoft Excel (legacy) (XLS) is lossless and best for legacy spreadsheets; converted to XLSX or CSV. Comma-Separated Values (CSV) is lossless and best for exporting and importing raw data between tools. Convert XLS to CSV when you need a spreadsheet for exporting and importing raw data between tools.
Is the XLS to CSV converter free?
Yes — converting XLS to CSV is completely free. There's no watermark, no sign-up and no email required, and you can convert as many files as you like.
Are my XLS files private and secure?
Yes. Your uploads are encrypted in transit, processed privately, and automatically deleted within 24 hours. We never share, sell or look at your files.
Can I convert XLS to CSV on iPhone, Android, Mac or Windows?
Yes. The converter runs entirely in your browser, so it works on any device — iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows or Linux — with nothing to download or install.
How long does it take to convert XLS to CSV?
Most files convert in a few seconds. Larger files take a little longer, and your upload speed is usually the limiting factor. There's no queue and no waiting for an email.
What else can I convert XLS files to?
Besides CSV, you can convert XLS to ODS, PDF, XLSX and more — see the full list of XLS conversions below.
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Last updated July 2026