A free alternative to Microsoft Excel: switching to GridCraft

By Julian Beaumont · Updated 31 October 2026

GridCraft is a free, open-source spreadsheet app from the ArtCraft team, designed to feel familiar to people who use Microsoft Excel software. This page sums up what you should know before switching; the guide takes you through a safe test with your own files.

Get the guide · €7

Cover of the Switch Kit guide Switching to GridCraft

Short answer

GridCraft is a free, open-source spreadsheet app with native XLSX, more than 500 functions, pivot tables and 17 chart types. It has no VBA, Power Query or data model, and older .xls files open only partly. Test your workbooks first (version 0.11, alpha).

Excel vs GridCraft at a glance

	Excel	GridCraft
Price	Microsoft 365 Personal: €99/year in Spain (US$99.99 in the US)	Free
Platforms	Windows, macOS, mobile, web	Windows, macOS, Linux
Formats	XLSX native, XLS, XLSB	XLSX native; XLS partial read; XLSB/ODS values only
Functions	Hundreds, plus Power Query	500+; no Power Query or data model
Macros	VBA	None (dropped on open)
Maturity	Industry standard	Alpha (v0.11), about 50% ready

Prices are US or Spanish list prices checked on 31 October 2026 and vary by country. Maturity figures for ArtCraft apps are the developers' own estimates.

What to know before you switch

Native XLSX plus CSV and TSV; .xls read partly and never written.
More than 500 functions (not all complete), pivot tables, 17 chart types.
No VBA (macros are dropped on open), no Power Query, no data model.
Password-protected files open but cannot be saved with a password.
No telemetry.

Facts checked on 31 October 2026. Prices and versions change; check the official sites.

Is it right for you?

A good fit if…

You keep budgets, lists and simple models.
You use Excel mainly for XLSX files.
You want a free spreadsheet on your desktop.

Better to wait if…

Your workbooks rely on VBA macros or Power Query.
You exchange complex dashboards with colleagues.

How to switch from Excel to GridCraft in five steps

Check the fitRead what is ready and what is missing, and decide whether GridCraft suits your work today.
Install from the official sourceDownload GridCraft only from the official site and verify the checksum. Keep Excel installed for now.
Run a five-file testOpen five real files from your own work, edit and export them, and note what changes.
Use both for two weeksDo new, low-risk work in GridCraft while keeping Excel for anything urgent.
Time your subscriptionIf you decide to leave, cancel at the cheapest moment and download everything first.

The guide expands each step with checklists, a test sheet and a two-week plan.

Other free options worth knowing

This guide focuses on one alternative, but it is not the only one. These well-known options may suit you better depending on your work. See the full comparison of free Office alternatives.

LibreOffice Calc

Mature free, open-source spreadsheet.

ONLYOFFICE

Free desktop editors with strong XLSX compatibility.

Excel on the web

Microsoft's free browser version with a Microsoft account.

Inside the guide

The two tools at a glance · a self-assessment (good fit or better to wait) · what feels familiar and what is still in progress · a five-file compatibility test · plug-ins, AI and workflow notes · timing your exit from your subscription without surprise fees · protecting your work before you leave · safe installation · a gentle two-week migration plan · a printable checklist.

Printable A4 PDF in English · instant download · checklists you can tick · written by Julian Beaumont, 20 years of hands-on experience with creative and digital tools.

€7PDF, VAT included

Get the guide · €7