XLS to PDF

Convert old Excel 97-2003 .xls spreadsheets to PDF without Excel installed. Each sheet becomes a table, converted in your browser.

Reviewed by Dany, RightSums team · Updated

Runs in your browser. Your files are not uploaded.

pdf-convert-to · PDF tool · UK & US

Old .xls files from accounting systems, archives and legacy software can be awkward to open today. This tool reads the binary Excel 97-2003 format in your browser and turns each workbook into a PDF, so you do not need Excel or LibreOffice installed. If a file has several sheets, choose which ones to include, with hidden sheets left out by default. Each sheet becomes a table under its name, laid out on sideways pages unless you change it. Fit to page width shrinks the text so every column fits, or you can split wide sheets across pages. The PDF shows the values saved in each cell, without colours, borders, merged cells or charts. Each sheet is capped at 20,000 rows, and encrypted workbooks cannot be opened.

Accepted inputs

  • Excel 97-2003 (.xls)

Outputs

  • PDF

How to use the XLS to PDF

  1. Add one or more .xls files from your device.
  2. Choose which sheets to include if a workbook has more than one.
  3. Set the page size, orientation, margins, page numbers and column fitting.
  4. Click Convert to PDF and download each PDF.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between XLS and XLSX?

XLS is the older binary format used by Excel 97 to 2003. XLSX, introduced in 2007, is a ZIP package of XML files. Both are converted to PDF the same way here, and this page accepts .xls files only; use XLSX to PDF for newer workbooks.

Do I need Microsoft Excel installed?

No. The file is read directly in your browser by a spreadsheet library, so it works on any computer, including Chromebooks and Macs without Office.

Can it open password-protected XLS files?

No. Encrypted workbooks cannot be read here, and the tool will say the file is password protected. Remove the password in Excel or LibreOffice first, or ask the sender for an unprotected copy.

Are formulas kept in the PDF?

No. The PDF shows each cell's value as it was last calculated and saved in the file, formatted as text. Formulas are not included, and if a workbook was never recalculated before saving, the old value is what appears.

Is my XLS file uploaded?

No. The workbook is parsed and converted in your browser and never sent to a server, which suits old financial records and archived reports. The only thing downloaded from our site is the font used to typeset the PDF.

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