NOTE: You can find several simple batch (*.bat) files for quick and easy usage by going to Start\All Programs\Convert XLS\Example Batch Files. These will work without modification provided you installed in the default folder. Email us at support@softinterface.com if you have any questions or need additional examples. We will get you up and running fast!
Don't like reading documentation? Get started quickly by looking at the many examples provided. If you are not familiar with the command line then please continue reading.
'Convert XLS' can be run without a user interface with command line arguments. You can initiate command line execution by going to the operating system's command prompt or from batch files (files with *.BAT extension). A batch file can be created in a simple editor like Notepad.EXE. Once saved, simply double click the bat file within the Windows Explorer to execute it.
There are two approaches to using the command line:
Specify one or more conversion tasks in a conversion job
Specify a single conversion task in detail
A 'Conversion Job' is easily built using the 'Convert XLS' graphical user interface. All the details of the job are saved in a single conversion job file (e.g. 'c:\myjobs\Do-Multi-Step-Conversion.SII). Specifying a conversion job file with the command line is very easy, simply specify where to find it using the /J switch. You can have hundreds or thousands of tasks specified in the conversion job file, all of which will get executed in one fell swoop. For example:
ConvertXLS.EXE /J"D:\My Conversion Job Files\AccountingBatch.SII"
Specifying a single conversion task requires a bit more effort, but does not require the prior creation of a 'Conversion Job' file. This documentation has an enormous amount of detailed examples that are well organized. Therefore specifying a conversion task from the command line should be as easy as finding your specific case in this help file and modifying it for your specific needs. Please see the complete list of examples.
Each approach to the command line is discussed in the documentation that follows.
Important: If you see the following error or have any other issues:
"'ConvertXLS is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."
Then please read Helpful Hints For Creating a Command Line for further assistance.
See also:
Helpful Hints for Creating a Command Line
Specifying a 'Conversion Job' File (Easiest way to do command line)
Specifying a 'Conversion Task'
Specifying a 'Special Processing' Task
Special Process File Type Constants
Excel Conversion File Type Constants