xls-reader is an open-source JavaScript library that enables developers to read and parse legacy Excel .xls (BIFF8) files directly in the browser. It processes files entirely client-side, ensuring privacy and eliminating the need for uploads. Ideal for web developers needing to handle old Excel formats in web apps.
In the Frameworks & SDKs space, xls-reader takes a focused approach. It focuses on reading and extracting data from legacy .xls files directly in the browser without server uploads. It is built as an open-source project for web developers. xls-reader is open source under the MIT license. It runs on the web.
It is developed by Thiago Zanluca, and the product first shipped in 2026. Development happens publicly on GitHub with 14 stars and 30 commits in the last 90 days. Key capabilities include .xls parsing, client-side processing, and no upload required.
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Show HN: Xls-reader – read legacy .xls in the browser, no upload, zero deps verified by the PulseGate indexer
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