When working with Microsoft Excel, one of the most important skills is knowing how to create, save, and open workbooks. The .xlsx format is the default file type for Excel workbooks (from Excel 2007 and newer versions).
1. Creating a New Excel File
You can create a new Excel workbook in several ways:
1: Using Excel App:
- Open Microsoft Excel
- Click on “Blank Workbook” (or choose a template if you want a specific layout)
- A new worksheet opens, and you can start entering data right away
2: Using Right-Click Menu (Windows):
- Right-click on your desktop or in a folder
- Choose New → Microsoft Excel Worksheet
- A new .xlsx file is created that you can rename and open
3: Using Excel Online (Web Version)
- Go to Office.com and sign in.
- Click Excel → New blank workbook.
- Works similarly to the desktop version but with limited features.
2. Saving an Excel File (.xlsx)
1: Save for the First Time
- Click File → Save As (or press Ctrl + S).
- Choose a location (OneDrive, This PC, or a folder).
- Enter a file name.
- Ensure the “Save as type” is set to:
- Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) (Default, supports macros-free files).
- Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm) (If macros are used).
- Click Save.
2: Save an Existing File with Changes
- Press Ctrl + S (Quick Save) or click the Save icon (💾) in the toolbar.
3: Save a Copy in a Different Format
- Go to File → Save As.
- Choose a different format if needed:
- .xls (Excel 97-2003, outdated but compatible).
- .csv (Comma-separated values, plain text).
- .pdf (For sharing uneditable documents).
3. Opening an Existing Excel File (.xlsx)
1: Double-Click the File
- Locate the .xlsx file in File Explorer (Windows) / Finder (Mac) and double-click it.
2: From Inside Excel
- Open Microsoft Excel.
- Click File → Open (or press Ctrl + O).
- Browse to the file location and select it.
3: Using Excel Online (Web Version)
- Go to Office.com → Excel.
4: Drag and Drop
- Drag the .xlsx file directly into an open Excel window to load it.