Excel Open XML

• XML is not the same as XLSX. However, there are no practical differences between the two data file formats.
• XML is an Open-Source file format. On the other hand, XLSX is a proprietary Microsoft file format and is a group of XML files.
• Viewing XML file data may require some parsing. An XLSX file shows data in a table format.

We can convert XML to Excel by importing XML data into the worksheet using the following methods:
• Importing XML data using the Import option from the Developer tab.
• Here, importing XML data using the Get Data option from the Data tab.
• Importing XML data from the web.

We can remove XML maps in Excel using the Delete option in the XML Maps window.

For example, a worksheet contains XML maps, dataset_Map, and dataset_Map1. And the requirement is to remove the XML maps in the Excel sheet.

The steps to remove XML maps in Excel are as follows:
• Step 1: Select Developer → Source.



The XML Source pane opens, showing the currently chosen XML map, where we must click the XML Maps option.



The XML Maps window opens.



• Step 2: Select the first XML map, and click Delete in the XML Maps window.



Excel will show a warning message stating that deleting the XML map will no longer allow us to import and export XML data using the specific XML map. Click OK to continue.



Likewise, repeat the deletion process for the second XML map.





• Step 3: Click OK in the XML Maps window.



And we will see the XML Source window empty, as shown below.

We can’t open an XML file in Excel if the XML file does not refer to an XML schema.
Excel requires a schema based on the data in the XML file we wish to open in Excel. And an insufficient, incorrect, or missing schema can lead to the XML file in Excel not opening.