How to convert an already-uploaded Excel file to Google's spreadsheet format?

Question

I need to convert Excel files already uploaded to Google Drive into Google's spreadsheet format. What is the best way to do that programmatically?

I've found this post (#15), but I can't figure out how to use this code. And it seems intended for Excel files not already stored on Drive. Uploading it again would be redundant.

Answer 1

Unfortunately you cannot convert a file in-place, and you'll need to re-upload it. Here's a sample showing how to use an XLSX file already in your drive:

function convert(xlsxFileId) { 
  var xlsxBlob = DriveApp.getFileById(xlsxFileId).getBlob();
  var file = {
    title: 'Converted Spreadsheet'
  };
  file = Drive.Files.insert(file, xlsxBlob, {
    convert: true
  });
}