How to convert XLS to TSV
1. Upload XLS
Select or drag and drop your XLS file into the converter.
2. Choose TSV
Select TSV as your output format. You can process multiple files at once.
3. Download
Click convert and download your new TSV file instantly.
Format Details
XLS
XLS is the legacy binary spreadsheet format used by Microsoft Excel from 1987 through the Office 2003 era, based on Microsoft's proprietary Binary Interchange File Format (BIFF). It stores worksheets, formulas, charts, and macros in a binary structure that requires Microsoft's format specification to parse correctly. XLS remains common in older enterprise systems and when compatibility with legacy versions of Excel is required.
TSV
TSV (Tab-Separated Values) is a plain-text tabular data format that uses tab characters as column delimiters and newlines to separate rows, making it similar to CSV but avoiding issues when data values contain commas. It is well-supported by spreadsheet applications, relational databases, and scripting languages, and is commonly used for data exports from bioinformatics databases, genome browsers, and text-processing pipelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert XLS to TSV?
Upload your XLS file on Convertek, select TSV as the output format, then click Convert. Your TSV file will be ready to download instantly.
Is the XLS to TSV converter free?
Yes. Converting XLS to TSV on Convertek is completely free with no watermarks. Fair upload limits apply (typically 30 MB per file).
Is my file kept after conversion?
No. Files are processed temporarily and not stored permanently. Converted downloads are available only in your browser session.
What is the difference between XLS and TSV?
XLS and TSV are different file formats with distinct use cases. Converting between them lets you use your file in software or workflows that require the TSV format.