How to Convert XLS to XLSX Using GroupDocs.Conversion for .NET

Introduction

Are you dealing with outdated Excel files in the XLS format? Converting them to XLSX can significantly enhance compatibility, improve performance, and unlock new features. This tutorial will guide you through using GroupDocs.Conversion for .NET to seamlessly transform your XLS files into XLSX format. Whether you’re an IT professional or simply looking to streamline data management processes, this guide will empower you with the necessary skills.

What You’ll Learn

• Setting up GroupDocs.Conversion in a .NET environment.
• Steps to convert XLS files to XLSX using C#.
• Best practices for optimizing performance and troubleshooting common issues.

Let’s dive into setting up your environment and start converting those files!

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the following ready:

Required Libraries

• GroupDocs.Conversion library: Essential for conversion tasks.
• .NET Framework or .NET Core/5+: Your development environment should support these versions.

Environment Setup Requirements

• Visual Studio: Any recent version will do (2017 and up).
• Basic knowledge of C# programming.

Setting Up GroupDocs.Conversion for .NET

To start using GroupDocs.Conversion, you’ll need to install it. Here are the installation steps:

NuGet Package Manager Console

Install-Package GroupDocs.Conversion -Version 25.3.0

.NET CLI

dotnet add package GroupDocs.Conversion --version 25.3.0

License Acquisition

You can try out the library with a free trial, or obtain a temporary license to explore its full capabilities without limitations. If it suits your needs, consider purchasing a full license.

Basic Initialization and Setup

Once installed, initialize the converter in your C# project:

using GroupDocs.Conversion;
using System.IO;

string sourceFilePath = Path.Combine("YOUR_DOCUMENT_DIRECTORY\