FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Before you compare
Does xlLens upload my workbooks?
No. Parsing, comparison, search, paging, and report generation run locally on your computer.
Do I need Microsoft Excel?
No. xlLens reads supported spreadsheet formats directly and does not automate an installed copy of Excel.
What is the difference between the trial and xlLens?
The trial evaluates the same features for a limited period. Purchasing removes the time limit for the licensed major release.
Is the license a subscription?
No. The license does not expire. It covers the purchased major release and its minor updates; future major upgrades are optional.
Can xlLens compare password-protected workbooks?
Not yet. The current product reports encrypted workbooks clearly instead of returning a partial comparison.
Does it merge workbooks?
Not yet. xlLens is currently a read-only comparison and reporting tool; it does not modify the source workbooks.
Which operating systems does xlLens support?
xlLens supports Windows and macOS.
What file sizes has xlLens been tested with?
Published tests cover files from 0.07 MB and 1,000 rows through 88.84 MB and 500,000 rows. Results vary with formulas, formatting, and sheet structure.
What does memory usage mean?
It is the highest process memory observed while the two generated workbooks were read and compared. It is a measurement, not a universal system requirement.
Is xlLens affiliated with the products on the comparison pages?
No. Product names identify independent comparisons. Official sources, verification dates, and xlLens limitations are shown to keep the comparison checkable.