Field format when saving joined layer from xls

Question

If I perform a join of an xls file to a shapefile and then save it as another shapefile, my numeric fields from the xls are displayed with many decimal ceroes.

Here is an example: The upper table is the result of saving the joined table (which is below).

When I check the type of field in the properties window of the original (joined) shape, it is a double - real- 0 length - 0 precision. In the new saved shapefile the type of field is double - real- 23 length - 15 precision.

How can I get the numbers with no decimals automatically?

Answer 1

I could reproduce this behavior using Excel2013.

Observations:

• If a table is saved as an .xlsx (current Excel format), input integer value (31661) is kept as integer when drag & dropped into QGIS.
• If a table is saved as an .xls (older Excel 97-2013 format), input integer value (31661) becomes a double (31661.000...) when drag & dropped into QGIS. (Confirmed Pescariz's OP).
• If a table is saved as an .csv and read by Add vector layer they become text fields (31661).
• Join operation keeps the inherited field type. Saving the layer as a new Shapefile also does not affect the type.

Workaround:

(Option 1) Save it as latest Excel format (.xlsx) before reading it to QGIS.

(Option 2) Read the .xls file same as before, then use the QGIS Refactor tool to change the type to Integer before Join.

(Option 3) Save .xls as a .csv and use Add Delimited Text Layer... it will try to read number field as number (unlike the Add vector layer).