1. Home
  2. Document Converter
  3. Convert TXT to XLS

What is TXT?

TXT (Plain Text) is the simplest text format, containing only unformatted text without any styling, images, or metadata.

What is XLS?

XLS is the legacy binary spreadsheet format used by Microsoft Excel 97-2003, still widely supported by spreadsheet applications.

When Should You Use TXT vs XLS?

Use TXT When...

Reach for TXT when your priority is simple text, data exchange — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

Use XLS When...

Reach for XLS when your priority is legacy spreadsheets, older systems — its efficient compression makes sharing fast and storage minimal.

TXT vs XLS: Key Differences

  • •The core technical difference: TXT relies on lossless compression whereas XLS uses lossy compression.
  • •Converting from TXT to XLS changes compression type: lossy source becomes smaller but with some quality tradeoff.
  • •Transparency: N/A — converting from TXT will merge transparency into a solid background
  • •Storage footprint: 1KB to 1MB for TXT vs 50KB to 5MB for XLS.
  • •Primary audience: TXT is built for simple text, data exchange scenarios, while XLS focuses on legacy spreadsheets, older systems — pick the format that matches your output requirement.

Advantages of TXT

  • ✓The lossless nature of TXT means file sizes stay reasonable while handling Simple text, data exchange efficiently.
  • ✓From mobile devices to enterprise servers, TXT is recognized and supported everywhere.
  • ✓The trade-off for TXT's perfection is larger files — but for archival work, it is worth every megabyte.
  • ✓TXT is a first-class citizen in all major software ecosystems, from creative suites to development environments.

Advantages of XLS

  • ✓XLS compresses data using lossy methods, keeping file sizes manageable for Legacy spreadsheets, older systems.
  • ✓Industry-wide support means XLS files open anywhere — from legacy systems to the latest devices.
  • ✓Small file sizes make XLS ideal for email, web uploads, and cloud storage.
  • ✓From professional software to open-source alternatives, XLS works out of the box.

Common Use Cases for TXT to XLS Conversion

  • Grant applications
  • Case studies and whitepapers
  • Professional reports and proposals
  • Academic papers and theses
  • Business contracts and agreements
  • Spreadsheets and data analysis

Industry Applications

Real EstateRegulatory ComplianceBusiness AdministrationAcademic PublishingLegal DocumentationOffice Management

Best Practices for TXT to XLS Conversion

  • →Before converting TXT to XLS, review the document structure — multi-column layouts, text boxes, and floating images behave differently across formats
  • →Export a PDF preview alongside the XLS file so you have a reference of how the document should look
  • →Check that hyperlinks and cross-references survived the TXT to XLS conversion — some formats handle links differently
  • →Run a spell check before conversion to avoid propagating errors into the final document
  • →Keep the original editable file in case the conversion introduces layout shifts
  • →Test the output on at least two different applications or devices

Troubleshooting TXT to XLS Conversion

  • !TXT to XLS formatting looks off → complex layouts with tables and columns may shift between formats
  • !Fonts render differently in XLS → embed fonts or use standard web-safe fonts before converting
  • !Images missing from the XLS output → ensure images are embedded in TXT, not linked externally
  • !Tracked changes disappeared after converting TXT to XLS → some document formats don't support revision tracking

Related Document Converters

Convert TXT to Other Formats

TXT → PDF
Convert TXT to PDF

All Document Formats

View all Document converters →

More Document tools

Convert to XLS →Convert from TXT →

Convert TXT to XLS Online - Free & Fast

Convert TXT files to XLS online for free. High-quality conversion with no registration required.

Document Converter

Upload or enter a URL to convert TXT to XLS instantly

Click to upload or drag & drop TXT file

or paste from clipboard

.txt,.TXT (max 100MB)

SSL EncryptedAuto-deleted in 1 hourProcessed securelyNo registration needed

Verifying security check…

About TXT and XLS

TXT

TXT (TXT text files) - Plain text, simple text format. Best for simple text, data exchange.

XLS

XLS (XLS spreadsheets) - Excel 97-2003 legacy spreadsheet format. Ideal for legacy spreadsheets, older systems.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossless → Lossy
TransparencyN/A
Use CaseConvert from simple text, data exchange to legacy spreadsheets, older systems
File Size~50KB to 5MB after conversion

FAQs

Is converting TXT to XLS free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of TXT to XLS for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert TXT to XLS?

Most TXT to XLS conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is XLS best used for?

XLS is ideal for legacy spreadsheets, older systems. Excel 97-2003 legacy spreadsheet format

Does converting TXT to XLS lose quality?

Yes, converting TXT to XLS uses lossy compression, which reduces file size by discarding some visual data. Set quality to 85-95% for a good balance of quality and file size.

What file size should I expect after converting TXT to XLS?

XLS files are typically 50-80% smaller than TXT files because XLS uses efficient lossy compression. The exact reduction depends on quality settings.

Related Tools

PDF to TXT
Convert PDF to TXT
PDF to XLS
Convert PDF to XLS
DOCX to TXT
Convert DOCX to TXT
DOCX to XLS
Convert DOCX to XLS
View all document converter converters
Tune output for this document conversion

Leave blank to convert all pages.