Hello Friends,

This is a small excel tip to convert a .xla or .xlam file to .xls or .xlsm file. This is a simple trick but really helpful one 🙂

A file with .xla or .xlam extension is an Excel Add-Ins file format which can add new modules, extra functionalities, tabs, buttons, etc. in to your local Microsoft Excel software. Add-ins are supported by Microsoft Excel 2007 and later on.

For example: You can explore this useful file manager add-in.

This article will show you – How can you convert an existing .xla or .xlam file in to your normal excel spreadsheet which you can view and modify easily.

Follow the below Steps to do the same:

Step 1: Double Click on .xla or .xlam file

Double click on .xla or .xlam file as shown in the below image:

Step 2: File will open as shown in the below Pic 2

This file opens like picture below. As you can see here there is no sheet, tab etc. visible.

Pic 2 – XLA to XLS

Step 3: Now Press ALT+F11

Now press ALT+F11 (Refer Pic 3). If your add-in is password protected, it will prompt for password. Provide the valid password and proceed.

Step 4: Now Expand Microsoft Excel Objects

As shown in below picture, expand the Microsoft Excel Objects and Select This Workbook.

Pic 3 – XLA to XLS

Step 5: Press ALT + F4

After pressing ALT+F4 you should see the property window of the “ThisWorkBook” Object as shown in below picture.

Pic 4 – XLA to XLS

Step 6: Set the IsAddin Property

Set the IsAddin property to FALSE as shown in the below picture

Pic 5 – XLA to XLS

Now you can see your Workbook. Save it as .xls, .xlsx or .xlsm.

Cheers 🙂 You are done !! Enjoy your excel workbook