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

  Kumar Raj
Written By Kumar Raj
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh  
Modified On October 8th, 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 to convert XML to XLSX / XLS format. 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 complex data like numbers, charts, formulas, etc., in a spreadsheet format.

Some key highlights of XLSX or Excel format include:

  • Used for analyzing 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 for 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.

Quick Suggestion to Import XML to Excel

Download the SysTools XML Converter Software to convert XML files to XLSX / XLS formats in bulk at the same time. It comes with different features that make it better than manual methods. Like XML to XLSX converter supports large and multiple XML files, so that users don’t need to repeat the same process for each data file.

Also, a free download is available to try and analyze how the XML to Excel converter works to convert XML to XLSX.

Easy Steps to Convert XML to XLSX / XLS

  • Step 1: Install and run the XML to XLS converter.
  • Step 2: Import your single and multiple XML files.
  • Step 3: Select the needed data files from the panel.
  • Step 4: Choose the XLSX option as the saving type.
  • Step 5: Select the saving destination.
  • Step 6: Select the Next icon to import XML to Excel.

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 to convert XML to XLS / XLSX format:

  • Better Visualization: Import XML to Excel 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 XLSX 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 import XML to Excel securely.

How to Transform XML to XLS Formats?

Microsoft Excel 2016, 2019, 2021, and Office 365 provide two direct options to import XML to Excel spreadsheet to preview and manage data. You can use Get Data and Power Query in Excel. The direct option can map data into cells for better preview, and the Power Query method is better for nested and large XML files. For technical users, we have used the Python language, and for multiple XML files, you can use the automatic tool. All methods are mentioned in the upcoming section to convert XML to XLSX:

#1: Using Built-In Option

  1. Launch the Excel application.
  2. Go to the “Data” tab.
  3. Choose the “Get Data” >> “From File” >> “From XML” options.
  4. Browse and upload your XML file.
  5. After that, Excel will map all your XML file data into a table format.
  6. Lastly, analyze your data and save your file as XLSX and XLS.

#2: Power Query

This method is suitable for nested and large XML files to convert XML to XLSX formats. All steps are mentioned below:

  1. Again, launch your file.
  2. Select the Data >> Get Data >> From File and then From XML options.
  3. After that, Power Query will load the data automatically in a structured way.
  4. Select the Load icon to import the cleaned data into an Excel file.

#3: Import XML to Excel using Python

Python programming can save you time when transforming XML 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 XML 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’”)

Drawbacks of Mentioned Manual Methods

  • The first and second methods required Excel installation.
  • Also, these methods can’t work for multiple Excel files.
  • Users have to repeat the same procedure for each data file.
  • Third, manual methods require strong technical knowledge about coding.
  • Manual methods don’t provide a 100% guarantee that they will convert XML to XLSX format.

#4: Automatic XML to XLSX Converter for Bulk Data Files

If you are not comfortable with manual methods and have large and multiple XML files, then download the mentioned software. This XML to XLSX converter gives you a 100% guarantee of complete and safe XML to Excel conversion. It offers different types of features and settings, which make the software the first preference of all experts to convert XML to XLSX.

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 XML to XLSX converter ensure protection of data, including the XML nested structure. So, batch convert XML to XLSX format. Follow the steps of the tool.

How to Convert XML to XLSX Format? Complete Steps

  1. Download the software through the given buttons and install the XML to Excel converter on your system.

    xml to excel converter

  2. Import your XML files and folders to the software using the Add Files and Add Folders options.

    import your xml files

  3. After selecting the required XML files/folders, choose the Next icon to continue the process.

    required XML files

  4. Now select the XLSX option from the saving list and browse the location to save the output data file using the Change icon.

    saving list

  5. Lastly, choose the Export button to convert XML to XLSX / XLS format. And choose the OK button to confirm the process.

    convert xml to xlsx

What are the Capabilities of XML to XLSX Converter?

  • The XML to Excel converter is capable of handling nested and large XML files in bulk without any restrictions.
  • This software supports those data files that are invalid, meaning they have missing tags. It will fix the error and convert XML to XLSX format.
  • Also, it doesn’t make changes to the original data file; it just converts a copy of your data into another selected format and makes your original data safe.
  • The XML to XLSX converter works without having any internet or proxy connection, which means your data is completely safe and secure.
  • Not only XLSX, but this software provides 10+ other different saving options, including converting XML to CSV, PDF, SQL Server, DBF, JSON, HTML, DOC, TXT, ACCDB, and MDB.
Final Words

This write-up provided the best ways to convert XML to XLSX format in bulk. You can easily import XML to Excel formats using the built-in direct option and the Power Query option. If you are a technical person, then you should go for the Python option. An automatic solution called XML to XLSX converter is the best option for those who don’t have any technical knowledge and have multiple large XML files to convert XML files into XLS format in bulk. If you have any queries or want any changes, then contact us through live chat support.

  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.