How to convert numbers file to excel​？

Numbers is a spreadsheet application developed by Apple Inc. as part of the iWork suite. It is available on macOS and iOS devices. The Numbers app allows users to create tables, charts, and perform basic data analysis. However, the file format it uses, .numbers, is not directly compatible with Microsoft Excel, which uses .xlsx or .xls formats for spreadsheets.

Microsoft Excel, on the other hand, is one of the most popular spreadsheet tools in the world. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite and is available for both Windows and macOS platforms. Excel offers a wide range of powerful features, including advanced data analysis, pivot tables, and various charting tools, making it a preferred tool for many users and businesses.

When you need to share or use a Numbers file on a platform that doesn’t support the Numbers app, converting it to Excel format becomes necessary. Fortunately, there are several ways to convert Numbers files to Excel, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Using iCloud to Convert Numbers to Excel

Apple provides a free online service called iCloud, which allows you to store and access your Numbers documents from any device with a web browser. One of the most convenient features of iCloud is that it lets you convert Numbers files into Excel format directly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using iCloud for Conversion

Open iCloud: Visit iCloud.com on your web browser.

Sign in: Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in to your iCloud account.

Access Numbers: Once signed in, you’ll see a number of app icons, including Numbers. Click on the Numbers icon to open the Numbers app in iCloud.

Upload Your Numbers File: If your Numbers file isn’t already stored on iCloud, you can upload it. Click the Upload button (typically represented by a cloud icon with an upward arrow), browse for your .numbers file on your computer, and upload it to iCloud.

Open the File: Once uploaded, click on the file to open it in the iCloud Numbers app.

Download as Excel: After the Numbers file is open, click the Tools icon (usually a wrench or gear icon) in the upper-right corner. From the dropdown menu, select Download a Copy.

Choose Excel Format: A pop-up menu will appear asking you to select the format for your download. Choose Excel from the list of available formats, and your file will be converted to .xlsx format and automatically downloaded to your computer.

Advantages of Using iCloud:

Free and easy: iCloud is a free service, and the conversion process is simple and fast.

No need for additional software: You can do everything directly in your browser, without installing any additional apps or software.

Disadvantages of Using iCloud:

Requires an Apple ID: You need to have an Apple ID and access to iCloud, which may not be ideal for users who don’t use Apple products.

Requires an internet connection: Since the conversion is done online, you’ll need a reliable internet connection to access iCloud and convert your file.

2. Using Numbers on Mac to Convert to Excel

If you have a Mac and the Numbers app installed, you can use the Numbers app to convert your file to Excel format without needing to rely on iCloud.

Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Numbers to Excel on Mac

Open Numbers: Launch the Numbers app on your Mac.

Open the Numbers File: In Numbers, open the .numbers file you want to convert to Excel. You can do this by selecting File > Open, then browsing for your file.

Export to Excel: Once the file is open, go to the File menu at the top of the screen, then choose Export To > Excel.

Choose Excel Format: In the Export dialog box, select the Excel format. You can also choose between Excel 97-2004 (.xls) or Excel 2007 and later (.xlsx), depending on which version of Excel you want the file to be compatible with.

Export the File: After selecting your preferred format, click Next. Choose a location to save the Excel file, and then click Export. Your file will be converted to Excel and saved in the chosen location.

Advantages of Using Numbers on Mac:

Direct conversion: You can convert the file without using any third-party software or web services.

Full compatibility: The Numbers app provides a native export function that ensures the best compatibility with Excel, preserving formatting and data.

Disadvantages of Using Numbers on Mac:

Only available on Mac: This method requires a Mac computer, so it’s not an option for Windows or non-Apple users.

3. Using Third-Party File Conversion Tools

There are various third-party tools available that can convert Numbers files to Excel format. These tools may be web-based or downloadable applications. Some of the popular online file converters include Zamzar, CloudConvert, and Convertio.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Online File Conversion Tools

Choose a File Converter: Go to a website like Zamzar, CloudConvert, or Convertio.

Upload the Numbers File: Once on the website, you’ll see an option to upload your file. Click the Choose File button or drag your Numbers file into the designated area on the page.

Select Excel Format: After uploading your file, choose the Excel format as the output format. Some converters offer multiple options, so select the one that suits your needs (either .xls or .xlsx).

Start the Conversion: Click the Convert button to begin the process. The tool will convert your Numbers file to Excel format.

Download the Converted File: Once the conversion is complete, the website will provide a link to download the converted Excel file. Click the download link to save the Excel file to your computer.

Advantages of Using Online Converters:

No need for specialized software: These tools are accessible from any web browser and don’t require you to install any software.

Multiple format support: Many online converters can handle a variety of file formats, so they can be useful for other conversions as well.

Disadvantages of Using Online Converters:

File size limits: Some online conversion tools have restrictions on the size of the files you can upload.

Privacy concerns: Uploading files to an online service could raise privacy concerns if your data is sensitive or confidential.

Requires internet connection: As with iCloud, you need an internet connection to use these services.

4. Using a Virtual Machine or Compatibility Software

If you’re using a Windows computer and need to convert a Numbers file, you can either run a virtual macOS machine or use compatibility software like CrossOver to run macOS apps (including Numbers) on Windows.

Step-by-Step Guide Using a Virtual Machine or Compatibility Software

Set Up a Virtual Machine: Download and install virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware. Set up a macOS virtual machine on your Windows computer.

Install Numbers: Once the macOS virtual machine is running, install the Numbers app from the Mac App Store.

Open and Convert the File: Open the Numbers app within the virtual machine, open your .numbers file, and use the export function to save it as an Excel file.

Advantages of Using a Virtual Machine:

Access to macOS apps on Windows: This method allows you to run macOS apps on a Windows machine, making it easy to convert Numbers files without needing a Mac.

Disadvantages of Using a Virtual Machine:

Technical complexity: Setting up a virtual machine can be complicated for users unfamiliar with virtualization software.

Requires resources: Running a virtual machine requires considerable system resources, and it may slow down your computer.

5. Manually Recreating the Numbers File in Excel

If all else fails or if you need to ensure perfect accuracy in the conversion, you can manually recreate the Numbers file in Excel.

Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Recreate a Numbers File in Excel

Open the Numbers File: Open your .numbers file in the Numbers app on your Mac or iCloud.

Create a New Excel File: Open Microsoft Excel and create a new workbook.

Copy Data from Numbers: Copy the data from your Numbers file (either by copying individual cells or entire tables) and paste it into your new Excel workbook.

Adjust Formatting: You may need to adjust the formatting in Excel, as some features or formats in Numbers may not directly translate into Excel. You can adjust column widths, cell formatting, and data types to match the original Numbers file.

Save the Excel File: Once you’ve recreated the Numbers file in Excel, save it as an .xlsx file.

Advantages of Manually Recreating the File:

Full control: You have complete control over the formatting and structure of the Excel file.

No compatibility issues: Since you’re working directly in Excel, there are no compatibility concerns.

Disadvantages of Manually Recreating the File:

Time-consuming: This method can be very time-consuming, especially for large or complex files.

Risk of errors: Manually copying data increases the likelihood of errors or missing data.