How to Open an XLSX File Without Excel
You got a spreadsheet and don't have Office. Here's how to read it, fix it and save it as a real .xlsx, on Mac or Windows.
Quick Answer
- ✓You don't need Excel. Numbers, LibreOffice, Google Sheets and FileHop all open .xlsx files.
- ✓If you want to save back to .xlsx, pick a tool that edits the file directly. FileHop patches the file and leaves what you didn't touch as it was.
- ✓For private files, avoid uploads. FileHop opens the workbook on your computer and works offline.
Why won't my XLSX file open?
An .xlsx is a workbook in Excel's modern format. Your computer needs an app that understands that format, and neither macOS nor Windows includes Excel. On a Mac, double-clicking usually opens Numbers, which imports the file into its own format. On Windows, you may see a prompt to choose an app, or a Microsoft 365 offer.
An error is a different problem. If the file opens in nothing, it may be damaged or only partly downloaded, so ask for a fresh copy. If it opens read-only, it may be marked as coming from the internet or protected by its author.
How to open and edit an XLSX with FileHop
FileHop is a file browser for Mac and Windows with a built-in spreadsheet editor. There's no account and no upload.
Download and open FileHop
Install it, then open the folder containing your spreadsheet.
Open the workbook
Click the .xlsx. Its sheets appear in a grid with a formula bar and sheet tabs.
Make your changes
Edit cells and formulas, adjust formatting, and use Find & Replace. Formulas recalculate as you edit.
Save or export
Save back to the same .xlsx, or export to PDF, CSV or Parquet from the Data Tools menu.
Charts, pivot tables, comments and macros aren't shown in the grid, but they stay in the file when you save. Saving clears undo history, so review your changes first.
Other ways to open an XLSX
Which one suits you depends on what you need to do with the file.
Apple Numbers (Mac)
Free on every Mac and good for reading a workbook. It imports the file and you need to export back to Excel format, so complex formatting can shift.
Google Sheets or Excel for the Web
Free and convenient with an account and a connection, but your file is uploaded to the service.
LibreOffice Calc
A capable, free, open-source office suite that works offline. It's a strong choice for heavy spreadsheet work, including creating charts and pivot tables, which FileHop can't do.
Ways to open an XLSX, compared
How FileHop compares with a web spreadsheet.
| What matters | Web spreadsheet | FileHop |
|---|---|---|
| Works offline | Needs a connection for most use | Yes |
| Upload needed | Yes, unless already in the service | No |
| Account needed | Yes | No |
| Create charts and pivots | Yes | No, existing ones are kept |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an XLSX file without Excel?
Yes. FileHop, Numbers, LibreOffice and Google Sheets can all open .xlsx files.
What's the best free way to open XLSX on a Mac?
Numbers is already installed and fine for reading. Use FileHop if you want to edit and save the original .xlsx, without importing it.
How do I open XLSX on Windows without Office?
Install FileHop or LibreOffice, then open the file. Both work offline.
Why does my XLSX open as read-only?
In Excel, it may be marked as downloaded from the internet or protected. In FileHop, .xls and .ods files, and sheets over 100,000 rows, open read-only.
Can I edit, not just view?
Yes. FileHop lets you edit cells, formulas and formatting, then save.
Will my charts survive?
Yes. FileHop keeps charts in the file when you save, though the grid doesn't display them.
Can I open password-protected workbooks?
Locked cells on a protected sheet stay locked. If a password-encrypted workbook won't open, remove the password in the app that created it.
Is my spreadsheet uploaded?
No. FileHop opens it on your computer.
Open your spreadsheet now
Read, edit and save .xlsx files on Mac and Windows. No Office and no upload.
Download FileHop Free