.XLB File

What is an XLB File?

.XLB files are binary files used in Microsoft Excel to store toolbar and menu customization settings. These files store information about customized toolbars, macros, and menu settings, making it convenient for users to personalize their Excel experience.

An XLB file can be a Module Information File in OpenOffice. An XLB file is a settings file that stores information about a component library or macro in OpenOffice.org. It is used by the OpenOffice Basic programming language to store information about macros and libraries.

In this article, we will mention to the more common use of XLB file as binary files used in Microsoft Excel.

How to Open an XLB File?

The default way to open an XLB file is to double-click it. If you have Excel installed, it will open the file and load the custom toolbar settings. If you do not have Excel installed, you can use a third-party file viewer, such as File Magic.

How to Create, Edit an XLB File?

To create, edit an XLB file, with Excel versions from Excel 97 to Excel 2019, you can use the following steps:

1. Open Excel.
2. Click on the "View" tab.
3. In the "Toolbars" group, click on the "Customize" button.
4. In the Customize dialog box, click on the "Toolbars" tab.
5. Select the toolbar that you want to export to an XLB file.
6. Click on the "Save" or "Edit" button.
7. In the Save As dialog box, select the ".xlb" file type and click on the "Save" button.

If you are using Excel 2022 or later and need to create a custom toolbar, you can use the following steps:

1. Open Excel.
2. Click on the "File" tab.
3. In the navigation pane, click on the "Options" button.
4. In the Excel Options dialog box, click on the "Customize Ribbon" button.
5. In the Customize Ribbon dialog box, click on the "Toolbars" tab.
6. Click on the "New" button.
7. In the New Toolbar dialog box, enter a name for the toolbar and click on the "OK" button.
8. Drag and drop the commands that you want to add to the toolbar to the toolbar.
9. Click on the "Close" button to close the Customize Ribbon dialog box.

The custom toolbar will be saved in the Excel Personalization file (PERSONAL.XLSB). You can open this file in Excel to edit or delete the custom toolbar.

How to Export an XLB File to Excel?

Since XLB files are internal files used by Excel to store customization settings, there's usually no need to export them manually. Customizations made within Excel will be automatically saved to the XLB file.

However, you can export an XLB file to Excel using a thirdparty software, following steps:

1. Open the XLB file in a file viewer, such as File Magic.
2. Click on the "Export" button.
3. In the Export dialog box, select the "Excel" file type and click on the "Save" button.

How to Import an XLB File to Excel?

To import an XLB file to Excel, you can use the following steps:

1. Open Excel.
2. Click on the "File" tab.
3. In the navigation pane, click on the "Open" button.
4. In the Open dialog box, select the XLB file and click on the "Open" button.

What are the Limitations of XLB Files?

XLB files are specific to Excel and cannot be used with other software. Additionally, manual editing of these files can lead to problems. It's recommended to only customize Excel settings through the application's built-in features.

How to Troubleshoot Problems with XLB Files?

If you encounter issues with Excel's customization settings, consider deleting the existing XLB file to reset customizations. You can also try repairing or reinstalling Excel if problems persist. Remember to back up important data before making changes.

Where Can I Find More Information About XLB Files?

For detailed information and assistance with XLB files, refer to Microsoft's official documentation for Excel. Online forums and communities can also provide valuable insights and solutions to common issues related to Excel customization.

Other .XLB file type?

An XLB file can be a Module Information File in OpenOffice. An XLB file is a settings file that stores information about a component library or macro in OpenOffice.org. It is used by the OpenOffice Basic programming language to store information about macros and libraries.

Conclusion:

XLB files play a crucial role in storing Excel's customization settings, making it easy for users to personalize their Excel experience. However, manual editing and manipulation of these files are discouraged due to potential compatibility and corruption issues. Always rely on Excel's built-in features for customization and consult official resources for troubleshooting assistance.