Technology

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Convert XML File to Excel for Free

There are numerous ways to convert XML files to Excel, both online and offline. However, if you are looking for the fastest, simplest, and most user-friendly method that even non-tech-savvy individuals can easily follow, then refer to the article below.

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28 December, 2023

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Concept and Benefits of XML Files

XML was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), an international organization specializing in web standards and related technologies. XML originated from the need to develop a markup language that provides structured, extensible, and versatile data description capabilities across different domains.

XML allows you to define your own data structure. You can create nested elements and easily create complex data structures. XML separates data from structure, making it easy to exchange information between different applications and systems without worrying about how the data is displayed or stored.

XML not only stores structured data but also text and formatting information. XML is designed to be readable by humans. XML files are often formatted in a way that is easy to follow and verify. Here are some specific examples of XML usage in document formats and applications:

RSS and ATOM: These are two popular formats that use XML to describe news information and data structures on websites, especially in providing updated content for RSS readers.
Microsoft.NET Configuration Files: Applications and services developed on the .NET platform use XML configuration files to store settings such as database connections, application parameters, and security rules.

Microsoft Office 2007 and later versions use the Office Open XML (OOXML) document format based on XML.

For example, Word files use the .DOCX format, Excel files use the .XLSX format, and PowerPoint files use the .PPTX format. Using XML makes it easier to access and modify content in Office documents and increases compatibility between different Office versions.

Guide to Convert XML Files to Excel

Here are two simple methods to convert XML files to Excel that anyone can do.

Convert XML Files to Excel Online

Convertio is an online website that supports free XML to Excel file conversion with simple steps:

Step 1: Open a web browser and search for Convertio (conversiontools.io)
Step 2: Click on Convert XML to Excel → Browse or drag and drop the XML file you want to convert from your computer to the website → Open → Run Conversion. The website will process your file and then provide a download link for the converted Excel file.
Step 3: Click on the “Download” link to download the converted Excel file to your computer.

Choosing the option to split the result into multiple Excel files when exceeding the row limit in a spreadsheet is an important feature when working with large data from XML files. If you do not apply this feature, the Excel file can become too large and difficult to manage.

When you select the “Split Result in Multiple Excel Files” feature, after the conversion process is completed and if the number of rows in the Excel file exceeds the limit, the system will automatically convert and create multiple Excel files to contain the data. Each file will contain a portion of the original data.

For Microsoft Excel 2007 and later versions, you should choose the .xlsx format as it is a modern Excel file format that supports multiple features. If you need compatibility with older versions of Excel, you can choose the .xls format.

Open XML Files with Microsoft Excel

The steps are more complicated than converting XML files to Excel online.

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Excel application. Choose “Open.” In the Excel interface, navigate to the “File” tab (or “Tệp” in the Vietnamese version) at the top left corner of the window.
Step 2: Choose “Open” from the menu in the left column. Select “Browse” → Select the XML file you want to open.
Step 3: After selecting the XML file, you will see an “Open” button at the bottom right. Click this button to open the XML file.
Step 4: Choose Open XML → As an XML table → OK. Then simply save the converted data file.

Microsoft Excel will automatically read the XML file and display the data in a spreadsheet, following the data structure defined in the XML file. You can continue working with this data in Excel, storing, editing, or even performing calculations.

Conclusion

Above are the completely free methods to convert XML files to Excel that you can apply on your computer. If you have any better or faster ways, please comment below to discuss.