Excel: Open XLSX file - how it works

XLSX has been the standard format for XML-based tables since the 2007 version of Excel and is therefore widely used. With the new format, not only the values of individual cells are stored, but also formatting instructions, formulas and graphics. Files in this format can be opened quite easily.

Excel: Open XLSX file - here's what you need to know

Since this file format has already been declared the new standard since version 2007, you can open XLSX files with newer versions of Excel without any problems.

1. The format was developed by Microsoft to ensure compatibility and readability between different office applications.
2. An XLSX file consists of several XML files that are packed directly via the well-known ZIP algorithm when saved.
3. This not only saves storage space, but also creates higher data integrity and allows data recovery.
4. All newer Excel versions can open and read the files with a simple double-click.

Open XLSX files in older versions

1. Excel versions such as 2000 and 2003 can neither read nor open the new format.
2. Mithilfe des „Microsoft Office Compatibility Packs“ können Sie jedoch auch für ältere Versionen die Kompatibilität erzeugen.
3. Es ist jedoch nicht sichergestellt, dass die Datei dadurch immer absolut korrekt dargestellt werden kann.
4. Alternativ können Sie einfach den Excel Viewer nutzen, der kostenlos erhältlich ist.
5. Damit können Sie die Datei zwar nicht bearbeiten, sich jedoch deren Inhalte vollständig anzeigen lassen.