Why should I archive XLS files into ZIP format?

Archiving XLS files into ZIP lets you bundle multiple spreadsheets and related files into a single, compressed archive that’s easier to transfer, backup, and share across different platforms.

Will converting XLS to ZIP change my spreadsheet data or formatting?

No, archiving XLS files in ZIP format applies lossless compression without altering the original binary file contents, so your data, formulas, charts, and macros remain intact.

Are there any risks with macros inside zipped XLS files?

Macros included in XLS files remain inside the archive and can pose security risks or be blocked by some antivirus or security policies even after compression.

Can ZIP files handle very large XLS archives?

Yes, but very large archives require the ZIP64 extension. Not all software fully supports these features, so ensure your tools can handle ZIP64 if dealing with large files.

Archive Your XLS File in ZIP Format

Easily convert and archive your XLS spreadsheet files into ZIP archives for simpler transfer, backup, and cross-platform distribution, preserving your original data with efficient compression.

Upload Up to 10 Files | Maximum size per file: 25MB

Quick Access To 3 XLS File Conversion Pairs

What Is This Tool?

This tool allows you to archive XLS files into ZIP format, bundling one or more Excel legacy spreadsheet workbooks into a single compressed archive. It facilitates easier file transfer, backup, and exchange across multiple platforms while maintaining the XLS binary file integrity.

How to Use This Tool?

Upload your XLS spreadsheet files using the tool interface
Select ZIP as your desired output archive format
Optionally add related files to bundle within the ZIP archive
Start the conversion to compress and package the files
Download the resulting ZIP archive for storage or sharing

Key Features

Convert and package XLS files into a single ZIP archive
Apply lossless per-file compression to reduce file size without altering data
Preserve the rich formatting, formulas, charts, and macros inside XLS files
Enable easy transfer and backup of multiple related files in one container
Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments

Examples

Compress multiple XLS financial models into a ZIP to send as a single email attachment
Bundle legacy Excel reports together with PDFs and text notes in a ZIP for backup
Create a project package containing XLS workbooks and related documents in one archive

Common Use Cases

Archiving richly formatted legacy Excel workbooks with formulas and embedded objects
Distributing XLS files as compact ZIP attachments via email or file sharing platforms
Packaging Excel-based corporate financial models for team handoffs and collaborations

Tips & Best Practices

Keep XLS files inside the ZIP to preserve original formatting and macros
Use ZIP archives to simplify sending multiple related files together
Be aware that VBA macros remain inside XLS files and may still be blocked by security policies
Prefer ZIP64 where available for handling very large archive files
Verify recipient software supports ZIP extensions used, especially for encryption

Limitations

Zipping does not remove XLS legacy constraints like row/column limits or lack of new Excel features
Macros inside XLS files remain a security risk and may be blocked by antivirus or policies
Compression ratio may be lower than solid archive formats since ZIP compresses files individually
Legacy ZIP encryption (ZipCrypto) is weak; AES encryption is not universally supported
Very large archives require ZIP64 extension and some tools may not support all features

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I archive XLS files into ZIP format?: Archiving XLS files into ZIP lets you bundle multiple spreadsheets and related files into a single, compressed archive that’s easier to transfer, backup, and share across different platforms.
Will converting XLS to ZIP change my spreadsheet data or formatting?: No, archiving XLS files in ZIP format applies lossless compression without altering the original binary file contents, so your data, formulas, charts, and macros remain intact.
Are there any risks with macros inside zipped XLS files?: Macros included in XLS files remain inside the archive and can pose security risks or be blocked by some antivirus or security policies even after compression.
Can ZIP files handle very large XLS archives?: Yes, but very large archives require the ZIP64 extension. Not all software fully supports these features, so ensure your tools can handle ZIP64 if dealing with large files.

Key Terminology

XLS: Microsoft Excel's legacy binary spreadsheet format supporting worksheets, formulas, charts, and macros, used before Office 2007.
ZIP: A widely supported archive format that compresses and packages multiple files and directories into a single container with per-file lossless compression.
VBA Macros: Scripts embedded in Excel files that automate tasks but can pose security risks when executing malicious code.
ZIP64: An extension to the ZIP format that allows support for archives larger than legacy ZIP size limits.
Lossless Compression: A data compression method that reduces file size without any loss of original data.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the primary benefit of archiving XLS files into ZIP format?

It converts XLS files into editable text

It bundles multiple files with lossless compression for easier sharing

It removes all macros from the XLS files

Which of the following is a limitation of ZIP archives?

They permanently change the XLS file format

They use per-file compression, which can reduce overall compression efficiency

They automatically convert Excel formulas to plain text

What risk remains when archiving XLS files containing VBA macros in ZIP?

Macros are removed when zipped

Macros still pose security risks and can be blocked

Macros are enhanced to work faster