Share Excel Spreadsheets Online for Free
Share XLS, XLSB, XLSM, XLSX files online with ShareOtter. Instant links, password protection, and expiry control. No account, no hassle.
Drop files or folders to start sharing
or click to select files or upload a folder
Supported File Types
ShareOtter supports almost everything you throw at it.
Images
Audio
Video
Font
Document
eBooks
Presentation
Code
Spreadsheets
CAD
What is a xls file?
XLS is short for Excel Spreadsheet. Microsoft created it in 1985 alongside the first version of Excel, and it became the default format for every spreadsheet saved in Excel for the next two decades.
If you worked with Excel before 2007, you worked with XLS files. Rows, columns, cells, formulas, charts — everything Excel could do lived inside an XLS file. It was the format that helped turn spreadsheets into a business essential across finance, accounting, logistics, and just about every other industry that runs on data.
In 2007, Microsoft replaced XLS with XLSX as part of the Office 2007 overhaul. Same shift that brought DOCX to Word and PPTX to PowerPoint. XLSX uses XML and compression, so files are smaller, less prone to corruption, and easier to open in non-Microsoft software. XLS stuck around for compatibility but stopped being the default.
The difference matters if you’re dealing with older files. XLSX opens cleanly in Google Sheets, LibreOffice, and most modern tools. XLS can be trickier, especially the older the file gets. Some formulas, macros, and formatting from legacy XLS files don’t always survive the trip into newer software intact.
Today most spreadsheets you’ll encounter are XLSX. But XLS files haven’t disappeared. They’re sitting in company archives, old email attachments, and shared drives everywhere. Sharing them with someone who just needs to check the numbers, without Excel installed, without downloading anything, that’s exactly where ShareOtter steps in.
Applications that open .xls files
If you prefer to view these files offline on your computer or mobile device, the following software tools are recommended:
How to Share xls Spreadsheets Online
Three steps. No account, no software, no waiting around.
Select or Drop your File
Drag your XLS into the upload box above, or click to browse. Either way works.
Let it upload
Watch the progress bar. Most XLS files are done in a few seconds. Bigger files can take a little longer.
Copy your link
Done. Grab the link and send it anywhere. Slack, email, text, WhatsApp wherever your file needs to go.
Everything You Need to Share Files, Nothing You Don't
Sharing a file shouldn't mean losing control of it the moment you hit upload.
Instant Shareable Link
Upload once, get a link instantly. No waiting on emails to send, no attachment size limits bouncing your file back — just a clean URL you can paste anywhere, ready the second your upload finishes.
Password Protection
Lock any file behind a password before sharing. Only people with both the link and the password can open it, so sensitive files stay sensitive even if the link ends up somewhere you didn't intend.
Link Expiry Control
Set a link to expire after a day, a week, or whatever window makes sense. Once it's gone, it's gone — no stale links floating around in old emails months later.
Comments for Feedback
Let people comment directly on the file instead of replying in a separate email thread. Feedback stays attached to exactly what it's about, so nothing gets lost translating between a file and a conversation.
Email-Gated Access
Restrict a file to specific people by email. They'll get a magic link to sign in and view it — no password to share, no guessing who actually opened your file.
No Signup Required
Share a file in seconds without creating an account. Drop it, get your link, send it — sign up later only if you want to manage files long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can recipients modify cells or formulas on ShareOtter?
No, ShareOtter renders spreadsheets in a secure, read-only grid view to preserve the integrity of your document. If you want recipients to edit, they can download the file locally and open it in Excel or Google Sheets.
How do I share a xls spreadsheet using ShareOtter?
You can simply drag and drop your xls file onto the Dropzone on top of this page. You can also click the Dropzone to open the file picker.
How long will my xls spreadsheet be available online?
Your xls spreadsheet will be available for 24 hours after the upload. If you want to save it longer, you will need to sign up for an account.
Can I password protect my xls spreadsheet files?
Yes, you can password protect your xls spreadsheet files. People you share the file with will need to enter the password to view or download it.
Does ShareOtter support other spreadsheet formats besides xls?
Yes, ShareOtter supports a wide range of spreadsheet formats, including .xls, .xlsx, .xlsb, .xlsm, .ods, .csv formats. Each format gets its own optimized viewing experience.
Can I use ShareOtter for business or personal use?
ShareOtter is perfect for both business and personal use. Whether you're sharing marketing videos, client presentations, educational content, or personal projects, ShareOtter provides a professional way to share your files.
Do I need any technical skills to use ShareOtter?
No technical skills are required. ShareOtter is designed for ease of use. Just drag and drop your file, customize your page settings, and share the link—no coding or server management needed.