Convert XLTX to XLS Using GroupDocs for .NET: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Are you struggling with converting Excel template files (.xltx) into regular Excel workbooks (.xls)? You’re not alone. Many businesses and developers face challenges when handling different Excel formats, especially in environments where legacy systems require specific file types like XLS.

In this tutorial, we’ll explore using GroupDocs.Conversion for .NET to seamlessly load XLTX files and convert them to the XLS format. By leveraging GroupDocs.Conversion’s powerful capabilities, you can streamline your workflow and ensure compatibility across various platforms.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to install and configure GroupDocs.Conversion for .NET.
  • A step-by-step guide on converting XLTX files to XLS.
  • Practical applications of this conversion process in real-world scenarios.
  • Performance considerations to optimize your conversions.

Now, let’s move on to the prerequisites you’ll need before getting started.

Prerequisites

To follow along with this tutorial, ensure you have:

  • GroupDocs.Conversion for .NET installed. We’ll cover installation steps shortly.
  • A development environment set up with Visual Studio or any other IDE that supports .NET applications.
  • Basic knowledge of C# and familiarity with handling file operations in .NET.

Setting Up GroupDocs.Conversion for .NET

Installation

You can easily install GroupDocs.Conversion using NuGet Package Manager. Here’s how:

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

To try out GroupDocs.Conversion, you can download a free trial from their website. For extended use, consider purchasing a license or applying for a temporary license through the purchase page.

Initialization and Setup

Once installed, initialize GroupDocs.Conversion in your .NET project with the following code snippet:

using System.IO;
using GroupDocs.Conversion;
using GroupDocs.Conversion.Options.Convert;

string outputFolder = Path.Combine(@"YOUR_OUTPUT_DIRECTORY");

// Create a new instance of Converter class
using (Converter converter = new Converter("path/to/your/file.xltx"))
{
    // Specify conversion options for XLS format
    var convertOptions = new SpreadsheetConvertOptions();

    // Convert and save the file to the specified output directory
    converter.Convert(outputFolder + "/output.xls\