Convert XLS to TSV Online Free
Extract data from legacy Excel .xls files into tab-separated format. Perfect for command-line processing, database imports, and pasting into modern spreadsheets.
ChangeThisFile converts your legacy Excel spreadsheet to tab-separated TSV format directly in your browser using the SheetJS library. Cell data is extracted cleanly with tab delimiters for easy processing. Your file stays on your device, ensuring complete privacy. Free, instant, no signup required.
Convert XLS to TSV
Drop your XLS file here to convert it instantly
Drag & drop your .xls file here, or click to browse
Convert to TSV instantly
XLS vs TSV: Format Comparison
Key differences between the two formats
| Feature | XLS (Excel Legacy) | TSV |
|---|---|---|
| File format | Binary BIFF format (pre-2007) | Plain text with tab delimiters |
| Max rows | 65,536 rows | No row limit |
| Multiple sheets | Supported | Single table only |
| Formulas | Supported | Not supported (values only) |
| Formatting | Fonts, colors, borders | None (plain text) |
| Command-line tools | Requires special parsers | Native with awk, cut, sort, grep |
| Spreadsheet paste | Requires Excel or compatible app | Paste directly into any spreadsheet |
When to Convert
Common scenarios where this conversion is useful
Processing legacy Excel data with Unix tools
Convert old .xls files to TSV for processing with awk, cut, sort, and grep. TSV is the native format for Unix text processing tools.
Database imports from archived spreadsheets
Many databases support TSV for COPY or LOAD DATA commands. Convert legacy XLS files to TSV for bulk database loading.
Recovering data from old Excel files
Open legacy .xls files without installing older Excel versions. Convert to TSV for a universal, text-based data format.
Pasting legacy data into modern spreadsheets
Convert XLS to TSV and paste directly into Google Sheets or modern Excel. Tab-separated data aligns perfectly in spreadsheet columns.
How to Convert XLS to TSV
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1
Upload your XLS file
Drag and drop your .xls file onto the converter, or click to browse. Legacy Excel 97-2003 format is fully supported.
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2
Automatic conversion
Your legacy spreadsheet is parsed in the browser. Formulas are resolved to values. Formatting is stripped, leaving tab-separated raw data.
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3
Download the TSV result
Click Download to save your .tsv file. Copy and paste the output directly into any modern spreadsheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Excel 97-2003 .xls files (BIFF8 binary format) are fully supported. This covers the most common legacy Excel format.
The first sheet in the workbook is converted. Rearrange sheets in Excel before converting if you need a different sheet.
Formulas are resolved to their last computed values. The TSV contains calculated results, not formula expressions.
Excel dates are converted to their text representation based on the cell format.
Tab characters within cell values are replaced to prevent breaking the TSV column structure.
Yes. TSV is the native clipboard format for spreadsheets. Copy and paste for automatic column alignment.
No. The converter uses SheetJS to parse XLS files entirely in your browser without any Office installation.
No. Password-protected XLS files cannot be read by the browser-based parser.
XLS files are limited to 65,536 rows by format. The converter handles all standard XLS files efficiently.
Yes. The conversion runs entirely in your browser. Your data is never sent to any server.
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