Files with the XLA extension are known as Microsoft Excel Add-Ins. Microsoft Excel is compatible with multiple operating systems and currently one of the top applications for creating and editing spreadsheets.

Excel stores data in worksheets. Each worksheet has a grid of cells arranged in columns and rows. Cells can contain text and numbers of various fonts, colors and sizes. Excel files may also include charts, pivot tables, graphs, mathematical functions, VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) projects and macros.

Add-Ins are used to provide additional functionality (i.e. macros) to Excel spreadsheets. They’re only supported in version 2007 or later. Some Add-Ins are available as soon as the program is installed, for example the Solver Add-In and the Analysis ToolPak.

How to open XLA files

Add-Ins have to be installed on the computer before they can be used. After the installation process is completed, the Add-Ins need to be loaded into Excel. This is done by accessing Microsoft Office Button – Excel Options – Add-Ins – Excel Add-Ins.

If an Add-In is not available automatically, it can be added manually to the Add-Ins list by browsing to the location of the XLA file and selecting it.