Microsoft KB Archive/51057

{| = Excel: 2.20 BIFF (Binary File Format) Information =
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Last reviewed: April 3, 1997

Article ID: Q51057 2.20 MACINTOSH kbother

SUMMARY
BIFF (binary file format) is the file format in which Microsoft Excel 2.20 documents are saved to disk. A BIFF file is a complete description of a Microsoft Excel document. BIFF files consist of a specific sequence of variable-length records. There are many different types of BIFF records. For example, one record type describes a formula contained in a cell, another describes the size and location of a window into a document, and another describes the format of a picture.

Within a BIFF file, a certain type of record is repeated as necessary to complete the Microsoft Excel document description. For example, a spreadsheet row that contains 10 formulas will have 10 formula-type records in the BIFF file. Records within the BIFF file are arranged by type in a specific order.

MORE INFORMATION
This information was taken from the &quot;Macro Tips&quot; section on page 8 of the &quot;Microsoft Excel Technical Reference for the Macintosh.&quot; The &quot;Microsoft Excel Technical Reference for the Macintosh&quot; is part of the Microsoft Excel Development Kit. To obtain this kit, call Microsoft End User Sales and Services at (800) 426-9400.
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