When you work with Excel spreadsheets, chances are you’ll want to share them with other people. But sometimes, advanced workbooks become very large and occupy a significant amount of file storage space on your computer. Plus, some file sharing services and email providers limit the size of attachments that you can send. Fortunately, Excel offers an easy fix. Let’s learn how to reduce file size in Microsoft Excel.
How to Reduce File Size in Excel
Excel spreadsheets default to a certain file format: .xlsx. This is by far the most commonly used format for Excel sheets, but it isn’t your only option. Plus, if you need to keep file size to an absolute minimum, it won’t be your best bet. Excel offers a different format: Excel Binary Workbooks, which are abbreviated .xlsb.
By saving your spreadsheets in .xlsb format, you’ll save precious storage space. But these formats still maintain most functionality, so for everyday use .xlsb is a workable option to use over and over again.
Saving in this format is very easy. To get started, find the File dropdown menu. This sits in the far upper left corner of your Excel window. Click on it to open it up. You’ll see an array of options appear. The one you’ll want is Save As.
When you click Save As, Excel will automatically launch the Save As dialog box. At the top, you can give your file a name. In the Where section, you can specify exactly where you want your images to be saved on your computer or network drive.
Finally, to reduce file size in Excel, click on the File Format dropdown. Under Speciality Formats, you’ll see what you’re looking for: Excel Binary Workbook (.xlsb). Click there, and then choose Save.
Excel will save your finished spreadsheet file in the new, reduced-size file format. Now, you’ll find that it’s easier to share with audiences anywhere.
DATE in Excel