How to Convert XML to XLSX / Excel Format – Free & Best Ways

  Kumar Raj
Written By Kumar Raj
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh  
Published On May 31st, 2025
Reading Time 9 Minutes Reading

Today, sharing data is similar to exchanging currency. Professionals, businesses, and individuals constantly use different file extensions to transfer information efficiently and error-free. XML and XLSX (Microsoft Excel) file formats are popular due to their versatility and usability when storing and transmitting data. Due to some limitations of XML files, many users look for how to convert XML to XLSX file extension to streamline the work and data management.

In this stepwise guide, we will walk through the meaning of these file extensions and discover the best techniques for XML to XLSX file conversion. So, let’s dive into it.

Understanding of File Extensions: XML & XLSX Format

XML is an acronym for Extensible Markup Language, which is a plain-text-based file format. It is widely used in the storage and transportation of structured data.. Moreover, this file extension contains text that is machine and human-readable. Here, users need to define tags like <person>name</person> to represent the information. Below are the features of XML:

  • Pre-defined tags to save/show the data..
  • It helps to organize data in a structured or hierarchical format.
  • Used for the exchange of information across multiple platforms and programming languages.
  • XML is widely used by many applications and operating systems to save configuration settings.

On the flip side, XLSX or .xlsx default files for saving Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (from 2007 and later). This file format is a great way to manage or store structured data in rows and columns. Moreover, this simple file extension helps to represent the complex data like numbers, charts, formulas, etc, into a spreadsheet format.
Some key highlights of XLSX or Excel format include:

  • Used for analysing vast data into a pivot table, formulas, charts, images, and more.
  • Allows you to sort and create reports for profit, loss, budget, and other financial expenses.
  • An Excel spreadsheet offers a basis to advanced formatting like fonts, styles, colors, and data validations.
  • XLSX is a highly compatible file extension; it is accessible on Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice, Google Sheets, and multiple operating systems and mobile phones.

In summary, both XML and XLSX are different file extensions. However, the main purpose of developing these file formats is data exchange. Compared to XML, the XLSX file format offers various features, including freedom of formatting and better readability. Now, let’s get to know these file types better.

Why Convert XML to XLSX Format?

Does manual scripting or coding for data management in XML annoy you? For novice and tech-savvy users, this can be a daunting task. Converting XML to XLSX files is beneficial for many reasons. It offers a visual representation of data and a functional environment to edit, format, and analyze the structured information.

Here are the advantages of converting the XML files to Excel (.xlsx) format:

  • Better Visualization: XML to XLSX export lets users convert data in a graphical view. In this way, non-technical users can easily edit or understand the data.
  • No More Coding: To manage XML files, you must have expertise in coding or structured formatting. Here, converting XML into Excel format allows you to analyze or optimize data without manual efforts.
  • Improve Compatibility: XML file requires programming tools or XML-supported parsers to read or access the data. On the flip side, XLSX is a simple extension, widely accepted by Microsoft Excel, Sheets, Power BI, LibreOffice, and more.

Overall, converting XML to XLSX allows you to access the structured data in a human-readable format. Now, let’s break down the best techniques for how to convert XML files to XLSX securely.

#1 How to Convert XML to XLSX With Microsoft Excel

If you’re seeking methods to convert XML to XLSX free, use Microsoft Excel, a great way to access the XML data in XLSX format. Excel offers a built-in feature to import .xml files without interference from any third-party tools. In this way, you can open the XML files to an Excel spreadsheet for visual representation of structured data in a tabular format.

Here are the common steps to convert XML files to XLSX using MS Excel:

1. Launch MS Excel on your PC and open it.

2. To open XML > tap File and click the Open icon.

3. From the Import Feature, review the three options:
a) Access XML as a table
b) Read-only workbook
c) Manual mapping of XML elements into cells

4) Open the file in Excel and look over your imported XML data.
5) Go to Save as XLSX file > press the Save button.

Pros: Using Microsoft Excel for XML to XLSX conversion is an ideal way. Here, you won’t need any third-party applications or plugins to access XML files to an Excel spreadsheet. Hence, it is a fast and secure way to convert XML to XLSX files.
Cons: Do you fear losing XML elements in Excel? If yes, then don’t use this technique. Using MS Excel, there is the potential risk of a formatting error due to the absence of advanced mapping. Additionally, the large XML files might crash when importing into Excel.

#2 How to Convert XML Files to XLSX Using Online XML to XLSX Converter

To convert XML to XLSX format, the Microsoft Excel method might fail. Try online XML to XLSX converter, best known for converting XML files into XLSX format in just a few clicks. Some of the popular free online platforms include Conversion Tools, DataConverter.io, etc. Using these free solutions, you can access the data of XML files into Excel format without coding and manual efforts. Now, follow the steps below to change XML file to XLSX free using online tools:

  1. On your browser, visit to free online tool.
  2. Open Conversion Tools > drop the XML files.
  3. Select the Excel format > press Start Conversion.
Pros: Online tools are an easy way of converting the XML files to XLSX format. Without manual labor, you can batch convert XML to XLSX file extension. Moreover, it allows you to upload or browse large XML files.
Cons: Uploading the XML files online poses the grave risk of data loss and compromise. From formatting errors to data leakage, it brings bad consequences to anyone. So, we won’t recommend the use of an online XML to XLSX converter to access XML data to Excel format.

#3 How to Convert XML to XLSX Files With Python

Python programming can save you time when changing XML data to XLSX format. It allows users to convert the complex structure of XML into Excel with flexible formatting and styling. The Python script offers libraries for the accurate conversion of data. Using this technique, you can automate tasks and convert a nested structure to XLSX. Below are the steps to convert XLS files to XLSX format using Python:

import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
from openpyxl import Workbook

# Load the XML file
tree = ET.parse(‘input.xml’)
root = tree.getroot()

# Create a new Excel workbook and sheet
wb = Workbook()
ws = wb.active
ws.title = “XML Data”

# Extract column names from the first element
headers = [child.tag for child in root[0]]
ws.append(headers) # Add headers to the first row

# Extract data rows
for item in root:
row = [child.text for child in item]
ws.append(row)

# Save to XLSX file
wb.save(‘output.xlsx’)

print(“Conversion complete. Saved as ‘output.xlsx'”)

Pros: Using the Python technique, you can make changes with minimal effort. It allows users to add filters and rename columns when converting XML files to XLSX. Additionally, the advanced parsing helps in handling the nested structure.
Cons: Python requires knowledge of programming; many professionals and novice users can’t perform this method due to its complexity. Here, you need robust tools like an XML to XLSX converter to change XML data to Excel format without tampering with it.

#4 How to Change XML File to XLSX – Try XML to XLSX Converter

Previously, we have explained 3 different methods having major consequences. If you’re searching for a secure way to convert XML to XLSX, consider SysTools XML Converter, one of the trusted and powerful tools. It is typically known as XML to XLSX converter, designed for Windows or macOS users. This advanced software allows you to convert XML to CSV, plain TXT file, XLSX, and more.

From a simple interface to smooth processing, it covers all for users. Without complex coding and expertise in programming languages, you can access XML files to XLSX in just a few clicks. It helps to save your valuable time and efforts that might be lost in manual methods. Additionally, the built-in features of this utility ensure protection of data, including the XML nested structure. So, batch convert XML files to XLSX format. Follow the steps of the tool.

Quick Guide on How SysTools XML to XLSX Converter Works

  1. “Open & Run” the SysTools XML to XLSX Converter tool.
  2. Tap Add Files or Folder to choose the required XML files > Next.
    tab add files and press next
  3. From Export Option, click on the XLSX radio icon.
  4. Change the button to set the path for output files.
  5. Lastly, press the Export icon to begin the conversion.

Concluding Words

In this tech guide, we have explained 4 ways on how to convert XML to XLSX files in batch mode. From free to advanced tools, the covers all. Instead of using the free methods, where the chances of mistakes are high, try SysTools XML to XLSX converter, a secure way for changing XML data to Excel format.

  Kumar Raj

By Kumar Raj

Kumar Raj has more than 14 plus years of expertise in migration technology. He likes to create, edit, and optimize web material on topics conversion of email data, and migration of email data. For the majority of the past ten years, he has been a devoted fan of the technology scene.