The Benefits of Converting Excel Spreadsheets to PDF Files on Windows
Download xls to pdf converter software for windows
If you work with Microsoft Excel files, you may have encountered situations where you need to convert them to PDF format. For example, you may want to share your spreadsheet with someone who does not have Excel installed, or you may want to protect your data from being edited or copied. In this article, we will explain why converting Excel files to PDF format is useful, how to do it using different methods, and how to choose the best Excel to PDF converter software for windows.
Download xls to pdf converter software for windows
Why convert Excel files to PDF format?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format, and it is a file format that preserves the layout and appearance of any document, regardless of the software, operating system, or device used to view it. PDF files are widely used for sharing and printing documents, as they ensure that the content is displayed exactly as intended by the author.
Benefits of PDF files
Some of the benefits of converting Excel files to PDF format are:
Compatibility: PDF files can be opened by any device or platform that supports PDF viewing, such as web browsers, smartphones, tablets, e-readers, etc. You do not need to worry about whether your recipient has Excel installed or not.
Security: PDF files can be encrypted and password-protected, preventing unauthorized access, copying, editing, or printing. You can also add digital signatures or watermarks to your PDF files to verify their authenticity and ownership.
Quality: PDF files retain the original formatting, fonts, images, charts, and graphs of your Excel files, ensuring that they look professional and consistent. You can also compress your PDF files to reduce their file size without compromising their quality.
Accessibility: PDF files can be made accessible for people with disabilities, such as vision impairment or dyslexia. You can add tags, bookmarks, headings, alt text, and other features that make your PDF files easier to navigate and read by screen readers or other assistive technologies.
Challenges of Excel files
Some of the challenges of working with Excel files are:
Formatting issues: Excel files may not display correctly on different devices or platforms, depending on the version of Excel used, the screen resolution, the printer settings, etc. You may lose some formatting elements, such as fonts, colors, borders, alignment, etc., or encounter errors or warnings when opening or printing your Excel files.
Data protection: Excel files are easy to edit or modify by anyone who has access to them. You may not want your data to be changed or copied by others without your permission or knowledge. You may also want to prevent your data from being corrupted or lost due to viruses, malware, or human errors.
Data analysis: Excel files are designed for data entry and calculation, not for data presentation or visualization. You may need to create charts, graphs, tables, or other elements to make your data more understandable and appealing. However, these elements may not fit well in your Excel file or may require additional steps or tools to create.
How to convert Excel files to PDF format?
There are different methods to convert Excel files to PDF format, depending on your preferences, needs, and resources. Here are some of the most common ones:
Using Microsoft Excel
If you have Microsoft Excel installed on your Windows computer, you can use it to convert your Excel files to PDF format easily and quickly. Here are the steps to follow:
Open your Excel file in Microsoft Excel.
Click on the File tab and select Save As.
Choose a location to save your PDF file and enter a file name.
In the Save as type drop-down menu, select PDF.
If you want to adjust the quality, size, or layout of your PDF file, click on the Options button and make the changes you want.
Click on the Save button and wait for the conversion to finish.
You can also use the Export option in the File tab to convert your Excel file to PDF format. The steps are similar, except that you need to select Create PDF/XPS Document instead of Save As.
Using online tools
If you do not have Microsoft Excel installed on your Windows computer, or if you want to convert your Excel files to PDF format without downloading or installing any software, you can use online tools that are available for free on the internet. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Adobe Acrobat online
Adobe Acrobat online is a web-based service that allows you to convert, edit, sign, and share PDF files online. You can use it to convert your Excel files to PDF format in a few simple steps:
Click on the Select a file button and choose your Excel file from your computer or cloud storage.
Wait for the upload and conversion to complete.
Download your PDF file or save it to your cloud storage.
If you want to edit, sign, or share your PDF file, you can use the other tools available on the website.
Note that you need to create a free account or sign in with your existing Adobe ID to use this service. You can also get a free trial or a paid subscription to access more features and functions.
Smallpdf
Smallpdf is another web-based service that allows you to convert, compress, merge, split, edit, and sign PDF files online. You can use it to convert your Excel files to PDF format in a few simple steps:
Drag and drop your Excel file into the upload box or click on the Choose Files button and select your Excel file from your computer or cloud storage.
Wait for the upload and conversion to complete.
Download your PDF file or save it to your cloud storage.
If you want to edit, compress, merge, split, or sign your PDF file, you can use the other tools available on the website.
Note that you can use this service for free up to two times per hour. You can also get a free trial or a paid subscription to access more features and functions.
Other options
Besides Adobe Acrobat online and Smallpdf, there are many other online tools that you can use to convert your Excel files to PDF format. Some of them are:
Zamzar: A web-based service that allows you to convert various types of files online.
Online2PDF: A web-based service that allows you to convert and edit various types of files online.
PDF Converter: A web-based service that allows you to convert various types of files online.
Using desktop software
If you prefer to have more control and flexibility over the conversion process, or if you need to convert large or multiple Excel files to PDF format regularly, you may want to use desktop software that you can install on your Windows computer. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Adobe Acrobat DC
Adobe Acrobat DC is a desktop software that allows you to create, edit, convert, sign, and share PDF files on your Windows computer. You can use it to convert your Excel files to PDF format in a few simple steps:
Open your Excel file in Microsoft Excel.
Click on the Acrobat tab and select Create PDF.
Choose a location to save your PDF file and enter a file name.
If you want to adjust the settings or preferences of your PDF file, click on the Preferences button and make the changes you want.
Click on the Create button and wait for the conversion to finish.
You can also use the Combine Files option in the Acrobat tab to convert multiple Excel files to PDF format at once. The steps are similar, except that you need to select all the Excel files you want to convert and click on the Add Files button before clicking on the Create button.
Note that you need to purchase a license or a subscription to use this software. You can also get a free trial to test its features and functions.
Wondershare PDFelement
Wondershare PDFelement is another desktop software that allows you to create, edit, convert, sign, and share PDF files on your Windows computer. You can use it to convert your Excel files to PDF format in a few simple steps:
Open Wondershare PDFelement on your Windows computer.
Click on the Create PDF button and select your Excel file from your computer.
Wait for the upload and conversion to complete.
If you want to edit, sign, or share your PDF file, you can use the other tools available on the software.
Click on the File tab and select Save As.
Choose a location to save your PDF file and enter a file name.
Click on the Save button and wait for the saving process to finish.
You can also use the Batch Process option in the Home tab to convert multiple Excel files to PDF format at once. The steps are similar, except that you need to click on the Add Files button and select all the Excel files you want to convert before clicking on the Create button.
Note that you need to purchase a license or a subscription to use this software. You can also get a free trial to test its features and functions.
Other options
Besides Adobe Acrobat DC and Wondershare PDFelement, there are many other desktop software that you can use to convert your Excel files to PDF format. Some of them are:
Nitro Pro: A desktop software that allows you to create, edit, convert, sign, and share PDF files on your Windows computer.
Foxit PhantomPDF: A desktop software that allows you to create, edit, convert, sign, and share PDF files on your Windows computer.
Soda PDF: A desktop software that allows you to create, edit, convert, sign, and share PDF files on your Windows computer.
How to choose the best Excel to PDF converter software for windows?
As you can see, there are many options available for converting Excel files to PDF format. However, not all of them are equally good or suitable for your needs. Therefore, you need to consider some factors before choosing the best Excel to PDF converter software for windows. Here are some of them:
Factors to consider
Speed and accuracy
You want your Excel files to be converted to PDF format as fast as possible, without compromising their quality or integrity. You do not want any errors or glitches in the conversion process or in the output file. Therefore, you need to choose a software that can handle large or complex Excel files efficiently and accurately.
Ease of use and compatibility
You want your Excel files to be converted to PDF format with minimal effort and hassle. You do not want to spend too much time or resources on learning how to use the software or troubleshooting any issues. Therefore, you need to choose a software that has a simple and intuitive interface, clear and helpful instructions, and reliable and responsive customer support.
You also want your Excel files to be compatible with any device or platform that you or your recipient may use to view or print them. You do not want to encounter any problems or errors when opening or printing your PDF files. Therefore, you need to choose a software that can create PDF files that adhere to the PDF standards and specifications, and that can be opened by any PDF viewer or printer.
Security and privacy
You want your Excel files to be protected from unauthorized access, copying, editing, or printing. You do not want your data to be exposed or compromised by hackers, malware, or other threats. Therefore, you need to choose a software that can encrypt and password-protect your PDF files, and that can add digital signatures or watermarks to verify their authenticity and ownership.
You also want your Excel files to be handled with care and discretion. You do not want your data to be stored, shared, or used by anyone without your consent or knowledge. Therefore, you need to choose a software that respects your privacy and confidentiality, and that follows the best practices and policies for data protection and security.
Features and functionality
You want your Excel files to be converted to PDF format with the best possible quality and appearance. You do not want to lose any formatting, fonts, images, charts, graphs, or other elements of your Excel files. Therefore, you need to choose a software that can retain the original layout and design of your Excel files, and that can also enhance them with additional features and functionality.
Some of the features and functionality that you may look for in a software are:
Compression: The ability to reduce the file size of your PDF files without compromising their quality.
Customization: The ability to adjust the settings or preferences of your PDF files according to your needs or preferences.
Editing: The ability to modify or improve the content or appearance of your PDF files after the conversion.
Merging: The ability to combine multiple Excel files or other types of files into one PDF file.
Splitting: The ability to separate one PDF file into multiple PDF files.
OCR: The ability to recognize and extract text from scanned or image-based PDF files.
Annotation: The ability to add comments, notes, highlights, stamps, or other marks to your PDF files.
Signing: The ability to add electronic signatures or initials to your PDF files.
Sharing: The ability to send or upload your PDF files to others via email, cloud storage, social media, etc.
Comparison table of the best Excel to PDF converter software for windows
To help you choose the best Excel to PDF converter software for windows, we have created a comparison table that summarizes the main features and functions of some of the most popular ones. You can use this table as a reference or a guide when making your decision.
Name
Speed and accuracy
Ease of use and compatibility
Security and privacy
Features and functionality
Price
Adobe Acrobat DC
High
High
High
High
$14.99/month or $179.88/year
Wondershare PDFelement
High
High
High
High
$69/year or $129/lifetime
Nitro Pro
High
HighHighHigh
$159/lifetime
Foxit PhantomPDF
HighHigh
High
High
$139/year or $179/lifetime
Soda PDF
High
HighHigh
High
$48/year or $120/lifetime
Adobe Acrobat online
High
HighHigh
Medium
$9.99/month or $119.88/year
Smallpdf
Medium
HighMedium
Medium
$9/month or $108/year
Zamzar
Medium
MediumLow
Low
$9/month or $108/year
Online2PDF
MediumMediumLowLowFree (with limitations)
PDF ConverterMediumMediumLowLow$6/month or $72/year (with limitations)
Conclusion
In conclusion, converting Excel files to PDF format is a useful and convenient way to share and protect your data. You can use different methods to do it, such as using Microsoft Excel, using online tools, or using desktop software. However, not all of them are equally good or suitable for your needs. Therefore, you need to consider some factors before choosing the best Excel to PDF converter software for windows, such as speed and accuracy, ease of use and compatibility, security and privacy, and features and functionality. You can also use the comparison table that we have provided to help you make your decision.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about converting Excel files to PDF format:
Q: Can I convert Excel files to PDF format on Mac?
A: Yes, you can. You can use Microsoft Excel for Mac, Adobe Acrobat DC for Mac, Wondershare PDFelement for Mac, or other software that are compatible with Mac. You can also use online tools that work on any browser or device.
Q: Can I convert Excel files to PDF format on mobile?
A: Yes, you can. You can use mobile apps that are available for Android or iOS devices, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Wondershare PDFelement, Smallpdf, etc. You can also use online tools that work on any browser or device.
Q: Can I convert Excel files to PDF format for free?
A: Yes, you can. You can use Microsoft Excel if you have it installed on your computer, or you can use online tools that offer free services with some limitations. However, if you want to have more features and functions, or if you need to convert large or multiple Excel files to PDF format regularly, you may want to use paid software or services.
Q: Can I edit my PDF files after converting them from Excel files?
A: Yes, you can. You can use software or online tools that allow you to edit your PDF files after the conversion. You can modify or improve the content or appearance of your PDF files, such as adding comments, notes, highlights, stamps, signatures, etc.
Q: Can I convert my PDF files back to Excel files?
A: Yes, you can. You can use software or online tools that allow you to convert your PDF files back to Excel files. However, note that the conversion may not be perfect or accurate, depending on the quality and complexity of your PDF files. dcd2dc6462