Flat / XLS hosting
XLS hosting: share legacy Excel workbook files
Give an existing XLS workbook a link. Upload from your browser or the CLI, check its data preview, and share the original with people using compatible spreadsheet software.
Checking your upload limits... · Public · Limits
Drop your XLS files here
or choose them from your device.
Select XLS filesWhat readers see at your XLS link
Flat recognizes the legacy XLS format and displays its saved sheet data in a grid. Readers can switch between sheets, as shown in the sample workbook.
The preview does not run macros or formula calculations. It does not reproduce the workbook's exact layout, drawings, or embedded objects. The original XLS remains available to download.
A single file opens in the viewer. Several files open in the explorer, where readers can choose a file. Public links need no Flat account. Original downloads remain available if a preview cannot load.
The main link opens Flat's viewer. The exact path /project-costs.xls serves the original file, without changing its contents.
How to upload XLS files and get a link
Prepare your file
Open the workbook in a compatible editor, recalculate it, and save the version you want to share. Use a real XLS export; changing an XLSX filename to end in
.xlsdoes not convert it.Keep XLS when the receiving system requires it. For a new workbook without a legacy requirement, consider XLSX. Check values after any format conversion.
Publish from your browser or terminal
In your browserGo to uploaderDrop, publish, copy the link.
Drop your finished files into the uploader above, or select them from your device. Enter your email if signed out, then choose "Publish files".
Selected files need unique names and publish at the top level. Use the CLI for folders; the browser uploader does not accept folders or extract ZIPs.
TerminalNode.js 20+One command. Files or folders.
npx -y @getflat/cli deploy ./project-costs.xlsReplace the example path with your file. Pass a folder to publish related files with their relative paths intact. The CLI prints the published URL.
Check before sharing
Compare each sheet with the saved XLS, especially formula results and dates. Download the file and confirm it opens in the recipient's target application.
Signed-out uploads expire after 1 hour by default. Sign in before expiry to keep them online, or sign in before publishing for no default expiry.
What you can share with XLS hosting
Legacy system exports
Share a workbook produced by older reporting software. Recipients can inspect the figures before importing the original file.
Historical worksheets
Publish a specific archived workbook for reference while preserving the original file needed to examine it in a desktop editor.
Keep a version, or keep an address.
Share this version
Every upload gets its own link. Publishing revised files creates a new link and leaves the earlier version unchanged. Use the version link when someone needs to review a specific upload.
Update files at one address
Use a named onflat.page address or your own domain. Sign in, then publish with the CLI using --domain. Publish revised files with the same domain to point that address to the new upload.
Named addresses are included on Free. Adding your own domain requires a paid plan. The browser uploader does not set up or repoint these addresses.
XLS hosting questions
Is hosting free, and what are the limits?
Yes. Signed-in Free includes 5 MiB per upload, 1 GiB of storage, and 5 GiB of monthly transfer, with no default expiry. The per-upload limit covers all files in that upload. Paid plans raise these limits.
Do readers need a Flat account?
No. Public links open without a Flat account. Anyone with the link can open the uploaded files. Password-protected links also require the visitor password.
Can I password-protect my upload?
Yes. Password protection is available on every plan. Add --password YOUR_PASSWORD to your CLI deploy command. It protects access to the upload and its files, but does not prevent someone with access from saving a copy. The browser uploader creates public uploads.
Can I replace files without changing the link?
A version link always refers to its original upload. For same-address updates, use a named address or your own domain. Publish revised files with the same --domain value in the CLI to point that address to the new upload.
What happens when an upload expires?
Flat stops serving it. An expired upload cannot be recovered. Signed-out uploads expire after 1 hour by default. For browser uploads, use the sign-in link shown after publishing. For CLI uploads, run npx -y @getflat/cli login. Complete sign-in before expiry to keep the upload online. If you chose a shorter expiry in the CLI, that deadline stays in place.
Does Flat convert XLS to XLSX?
No. Flat reads data for the browser preview and serves the original XLS at its exact path. Convert it in a spreadsheet application if you also need an XLSX copy.
Do macros or linked workbooks run in the preview?
No. Macros, formulas, embedded objects, and external workbook refreshes do not run. The grid shows saved data. Use the original download in an appropriate desktop workflow when you need workbook functionality.
How large can an upload be?
Upload allowances depend on your plan and cover all files in the upload. Compare current plan limits. Preview availability also depends on format and processing support. The original file remains available to download if a preview is unavailable.
Can I embed the viewer on another website?
Flat's generated viewer cannot be embedded in an iframe and keeps Flat branding on every plan. Link to the viewer for reading or to the exact file URL for the original.
Another spreadsheet format?
Find the guide for your spreadsheet file.
Give your XLS files a link.
Publish your file, check the preview, and share the URL.
Publish filesFree to start · View pricing