How to Export Excel Spreadsheet as XML File

An XML file, or Extensible Markup Language file, has a distinct use on a computer. An XML file contains plain text information that is written in such a language that it can be comprehended by both humans and machines. This means that an XML file contains the text of a document that is then encoded so it can be read by the computer as well. While an average user might not be familiar with a use for this function, many programmers use XML files to structure information to be displayed in the Internet. For instance, perhaps a document is saved as a text document. Then the document needs to be opened within a webpage on the Internet. However, the website host does not support a text file. This is an instance where an XML file can prove invaluable. While the website might not support a text file, many programs do support an XML file. This allows for application of text files which would have previously been impossible. It isn't very hard to imagine a scenario where transformation from an Excel spreadsheet to XML may be wanted. Multiple spreadsheets might have data that is wanted to be displayed on a company's website or even within the company's personal Intranet network. A text file won't be allowed to be uploaded. However, an XML file will have the information coded so the computer can read and upload it. A quick search online will reveal a number of SaaS (software as a service) sites that offer to do file conversion. These websites allow for a file to be uploaded, converted, and then downloaded. A huge drawback to these programs is the regular uploading and downloading. This adds a large amount of extra time to the conversion process. Also, many sites only enable conversion of one file at a time. This produces issues for anyone with hundreds or thousands of spreadsheets that need reformatting. Luckily, a quick search for ‘How to Export a Spreadsheet as XML file software' at www.hothotsoftware.com will bring up a fantastic program for easy XML file creation. This program permits multiple Excel spreadsheets to be changed to the XML format with only a couple of mouse clicks. Upon opening the program, you will see that the entire program functions within a single window, easing any worries of getting lost or confused within the program. At the top of the window is a field that exhibits any files you want to transform. Directly below this field is a button marked ‘Add File(s)' which allows files to be added to the program. There is also the capacity for the software to search for Excel files within a specified folder. Below this field are a number of commands to allow for file customization. This includes where to find the XML Header Tag information. This can be taken from the first row, first row and column, or can be specified as not existing. Then, the data can be specified to be collected by row or by column, based upon how it is organized in the spreadsheet. Finally, the very bottom of the window has the command to start the process. Once the program starts it will ask for the name of the output file and then convert your files. If you wish to learn more about this software please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWtUQ6ueOv4. If file uploading can't be performed due to formatting restrictions, a quick conversion may erase those worries and allow you to get back to business.