Excel files can be complicated to read, especially if with a lot of data. Sometimes, one wrong move can affect the whole file with the formulas and numbers encoded. When sharing Excel files for reading purposes only, people would often opt to send and receive them as PDF files. It is easier to read and scan through, and the data in it retains. People are assured that whatever is in the sheet will not change.
Why should you convert Excel to PDF?
Portable Document Format (PDF) is a “read-only” document, which means that people can only view the file and can’t make any modifications. And since PDF files are accessible by almost any device and browser, it is very convenient and easy to upload, download, share, and print them. With a password-protector, you can secure by only limiting the people who can open it. Today, PDF is the most common file format for file sharing, and with all the sheets and data in an Excel file, if there is no need for alterations, it is always a better choice to convert your files from Excel to PDF online.
Where can I convert Excel Files to PDF?
The most convenient place to convert your Excel files to PDF is on the web. As long as you are connected to the internet, you can convert your files online in the simplest and fastest way possible. There is a wide selection of PDF-related sites that offer services like conversion, repair, optimization, file organization, file viewing and editing, e-signing, and security. Most of these sites cater to Excel files as well. The reason why it is the easiest option because you just have to upload the Excel file to the server, and it will be done in no time.
You can try to visit sites like PDF Bear, ilovePDF, Sejda, GogoPDF, PDF2Go, SodaPDF, SmallPDF, etc. Their basic tools are free to use, but you can also avail yourself more of their features by signing up for a premium membership. Prices would usually go around from $5 to $10 a month. They also offer a free trial period if you want to test it out.
With just a few clicks, your Excel file will be converted to PDF and ready for download!
Steps to Convert Excel Files to PDF Online
1. Upload your Excel file
First, upload your Excel file to the server’s toolbox by clicking the Browse Files or Select Files button. A window to your computer or mobile device’s storage will appear. Select the Excel file you wish to convert, then click Open. For ease, you can also just simply drag and drop the file to the uploading space. If your file is in online storage sites like Google Drive or Dropbox, you do not have to download them to your device to upload them. Another option is to click Select from Dropbox or Select from Google Drive, and you will be redirected to another window so you can sign in to your online storage account. From that, you can select and upload your Excel file without having to download it first.
2. Wait for the conversion to complete
Once your file is uploaded, the server will automatically start analyzing and converting your Excel file. Depending on the speed of your internet connection and the size of the file, it will take a minute or less for the conversion to be finished. So the next step is to just wait. Still, compared to other options for conversion, this is the quickest and most efficient!
3. Download or share the converted Excel file
You will be sent to another page when your now-PDF Excel file is up and ready to be downloaded and saved! To save the file to your device, click the Download button or the Save to Device button. You can also directly save it to your online storage sites by clicking the Save to Dropbox or Save to Google Drive button. What is so convenient about these online PDF tool sites is that they generate a shareable link that you can send directly to people for them to download the file. This works so well if you need to send the file to several people. Also, you can send the PDF file with a personalized message to a specific recipient via email with you as the sender.
Now you do not have to go through all the hassle in converting and even sending your files! File sharing made easier with online PDF tools!
Other Options
Feel free to explore other available options to convert your Excel file to PDF. Another easy method is to open your file with Microsoft Excel or WPS or other spreadsheet software, and export the file as PDF by going to the Files menu tab, click Export and then Create PDF/XPS Document. Choose your desired file location where you want your file to be saved and click Publish.
There is also professional PDF tools software that you can find and install on your computer. However, these are usually not free. The good thing with this is you can use it offline with your desktop computer, and it comes with a lot of PDF-related tools.
Last on the list is opening your Excel file through Google Sheets. If your file is stored in your Google Drive, this will be another easy method for you. When the Excel file is ready, proceed to the File menu, then go to Download and choose PDF. Your file will automatically be saved to your device, depending on your browser’s download settings.
Takeaway
For sure, some of your Excel files might contain some private numbers and data that only limited people should see. Although PDF files can be accessed by almost anyone easily, an extra layer of protection can be added for files that must be private. When it comes to PDF files, you can save and lock them with a password so important data can be kept secure. Most of the online sites mentioned offer security services as well and their tools will assist you in putting a password on your PDF files.
Now, wherever you are and whatever device you are using, you can conveniently go through a spreadsheet through PDF without having to worry about the hassle of opening an Excel file!