How To Open XLSX File In Google Sheets

How to Open XLSX File in Google Sheets

Opening an XLSX file in Google Sheets is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your spreadsheet handling capabilities. This guide will help you seamlessly transition your XLSX files to Google Sheets for easier access and editing.

We'll also explore why Sourcetable is a better alternative to using Google Sheets. Sourcetable makes it easy to become an advanced spreadsheet user faster as an AI-first spreadsheet. It simplifies answering questions about your spreadsheets, building formulas and queries, and automating any spreadsheet task.

How to Open XLSX File in Google Sheets

Open an Excel File from Drive

To open an Excel file directly from Google Drive, locate the file and double-click on it. This will open a preview of the Excel file.

Click "Open with Google Sheets" located at the top of the preview window. The file will open in Google Sheets, allowing you to edit it.

Edit and Save Changes

Once the XLSX file is open in Google Sheets, you can edit it as needed. Any changes made will be automatically saved in the original Excel format.

Import Excel Files into Google Sheets

Open an existing spreadsheet or create a new one in Google Sheets. Click on "File" and then select "Import."

Choose the Excel file you want to import by clicking "Select." You can then choose to create a new spreadsheet, insert new sheet(s), or replace the existing spreadsheet with the imported data. Click "Import data" to finalize.

Alternative Method: Using Chrome Plugin

If you prefer to manually upload an XLSX file, download the Chrome plugin "Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides." This plugin allows you to open the file in Chrome, which will subsequently open it in Google Sheets.

The XLSX file will initially be in "Compatibility mode," which has fewer features than the full Google Sheets version. You can save it in the full Google Sheets format by selecting "Save as Google Sheets" from the File menu.

Follow these steps to effectively open and manage your XLSX files in Google Sheets, leveraging the platform's powerful collaboration and accessibility features.

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Use Cases Unlocked by Knowing How to Open XLSX Files in Google Sheets

Cloud-Based Accessibility	By opening XLSX files in Google Sheets, users can access their spreadsheets from anywhere due to cloud storage. This flexibility is crucial for individuals who need to work remotely or access files across various devices. Google Drive ensures that your data is always available, making it convenient to continue working seamlessly from any location.
Enhanced Collaboration	One of the primary advantages of Google Sheets over traditional Excel is its powerful collaboration capabilities. Multiple users can edit and comment on the same XLSX file simultaneously. This feature is invaluable for teams working on shared projects, as it simplifies communication and increases productivity by enabling real-time updates and feedback.
Software Compatibility	Google Sheets provides a convenient solution for users who do not have Excel installed on their computer. By opening XLSX files in Google Sheets, users can view and edit their spreadsheets without the need for additional software. This compatibility ensures that the lack of Excel software does not hinder your ability to manage XLSX files effectively.
Seamless File Conversion	Google Sheets not only opens XLSX files but also allows users to convert these files into Google Sheets format. This conversion is beneficial for leveraging Google Sheets’ unique features, such as advanced collaboration and cloud integration, while maintaining the ability to revert to the original Excel format if necessary. This flexibility ensures that users can work in the most efficient environment.
Email and Export Functions	Google Sheets facilitates the distribution of XLSX files by allowing them to be emailed as attachments directly from the platform. Additionally, users can download the files in various formats, including a copy in Excel format. These functionalities streamline the process of sharing and exporting data, making it easier to circulate information without additional steps.
Real-Time Editing and Saving	When you open an XLSX file in Google Sheets, any changes made are saved in the original Excel format. This real-time saving feature ensures that your updates are preserved continuously, reducing the risk of data loss. This capability is particularly useful for maintaining data integrity during collaborative projects.
User-Friendly Interface	For those unfamiliar with Excel, Google Sheets offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of viewing and editing XLSX files. The platform's ease of use makes it accessible to a broader audience, enabling users to manage their data efficiently without extensive training or experience in Excel.

Comparing Google Sheets and Sourcetable

Google Sheets and Sourcetable serve different needs in the realm of spreadsheet management. Google Sheets is a widely-used, cloud-based spreadsheet editor, but Sourcetable stands out as an AI-first spreadsheet tool.

Sourcetable comes equipped with an AI assistant that can write complex spreadsheet formulas and SQL queries. This makes Sourcetable ideal for advanced users who need to automate and simplify intricate tasks without deep technical knowledge.

Unlike Google Sheets, which requires several steps to integrate data, Sourcetable seamlessly integrates with over five hundred data sources. This allows users to search and query their data effortlessly, making data analysis more efficient.

If you're searching for how to open an xlsx file in Google Sheets, Sourcetable offers a more streamlined approach. Sourcetable's AI can handle such tasks effortlessly, making it a superior choice for anyone who wants to save time on data management tasks.

Sourcetable not only makes complex tasks accessible but also empowers users to get more value from their data. Whether you are dealing with simple spreadsheets or intricate data queries, Sourcetable provides a powerful, efficient alternative to Google Sheets.

How to Open XLSX Files in Sourcetable

To open XLSX files in Sourcetable, simply use the Sourcetable AI assistant. This AI-first tool makes advanced spreadsheet tasks accessible to everyone.

First, ensure your XLSX file is ready. Then, use Sourcetable’s integration capabilities. With connections to over five hundred data sources, importing data is seamless.

Next, open the Sourcetable AI assistant. This chatbot answers any questions about your spreadsheet. Type “How do I open an XLSX file?” into the chatbot.

The AI assistant will guide you through the process of uploading your XLSX file. It uses the latest AI models to provide step-by-step instructions.

After uploading, the assistant can help with more advanced tasks. Whether it’s writing complex formulas or SQL queries, Sourcetable has you covered.

With Sourcetable, become a spreadsheet expert quickly. Simply ask questions and get smarter with each interaction.

How can I open an XLSX file in Google Sheets from Google Drive?

To open an XLSX file in Google Sheets from Google Drive, double-click the Excel file in Drive and then click 'Open with Google Sheets' at the top of the preview.

Will my changes be saved if I edit an XLSX file in Google Sheets?

Yes, any changes made will be saved in the original Excel format.

How can I import data from an Excel file into a new or existing Google Sheets file?

To import data, create a new spreadsheet or open an existing one in Google Sheets, click File, then Import, choose the Excel file, click Select, choose an import option, and then click Import data.

Can Google Sheets open XLSX files?

Yes, Google Sheets can open XLSX files, which are Microsoft Excel files.

What are the advantages of using Google Sheets over Microsoft Excel?

Google Sheets offers advantages such as accessing files from anywhere and collaboration features.

What should I do if I want the XLSX file to open automatically in Google Sheets in Chrome?

You should download the Chrome plugin Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides. This allows you to open an XLSX file in Chrome, which will then open in Google Sheets.

What is 'Compatibility mode' in Google Sheets for XLSX files?

When an XLSX file is opened with the Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides plugin, it is opened in 'Compatibility mode', which has fewer features than the full Google Sheets.

How can I save an XLSX file in the full Google Sheets version?

You can save the XLSX file in the full Google Sheets from the File menu by selecting 'Save as Google Sheets'.

Conclusion

With Sourcetable, opening and managing XLSX files in Google Sheets becomes effortless.

Sourcetable's AI capabilities simplify answering any data-related questions, making it a superior choice.

Its seamless integration with third-party tools ensures real-time data access for the entire team.

Don't miss out on the easiest way to automate reports and queries.

Try Sourcetable now.

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