Spreadsheets and PDFs solve different problems. A PDF is for sharing a fixed view. Before converting, decide whether you need a quick plain version or a formatted report.

What the Excel to PDF tool does

Excel to PDF reads your workbook and prints the first worksheet as a table on landscape A4 pages.

What you get:

• The values in each cell, in a grid, with the header row in bold
• Extra pages as needed when rows run on
• Fast, no-frills output

What you don't get:

• Cell colours, fonts, borders and number formatting
• Other sheets in the workbook
• Charts and images
• Text wrapping, since long cell values are shortened with two dots
• Formulas (only the calculated values appear)

It is best for simple tables such as lists, rosters and price sheets that fit across a page.

Steps

1. Open Excel to PDF and upload your workbook (up to 50 MB).
2. Convert and download the PDF.
3. Check that no important cell text is cut off.

If you have several sheets, make the one you want the first sheet, or save each as a separate workbook.

When to export from Excel instead

For anything client-facing, use Excel's own export, which respects your layout:

1. In Excel, set the print area and check Page Layout for orientation and scaling.
2. Choose "Fit all columns on one page" to stop columns splitting.
3. Use File, Save As or Export, PDF and pick what to include.

This keeps formatting, charts and wrapped text intact.

Prepare your sheet first

• Put the header row at the top.
• Keep the table to one sheet with no blank rows.
• Keep column contents short. Shorten labels that would be cut.
• Remember that columns get equal widths, so a very wide table may look cramped.

After converting

• Add page numbers with Add Page Numbers.
• Merge with other reports using Merge PDF.
• Protect confidential figures with Protect PDF.
• Going the other way? Read how to convert PDF tables to Excel.

Example: a class roster

A roster with a name, class and contact number per row suits the tool well. Put the header row first, keep names and numbers short, convert, and check the last column to make sure nothing was shortened. Add page numbers and it is ready to print.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it convert all my sheets?

Only the first worksheet.

Will my colours and fonts appear?

No. The output is a plain black-on-white table.

Why are some cells shortened?

Columns have equal width, so long values are cut with two dots. Shorten the text or export from Excel.

Are formulas included?

The PDF shows the calculated values, not the formulas.