Let me be real for a second; some days, my spreadsheet game is on fire, & other days, everything looks like a hot mess. If you have ever tried to share an Excel file, only to have the formatting blow up on someone else’s screen, then you know what I mean.
Last week was peak chaos. A client of mine was awaiting a clean report, but they only take PDF files. The charts continued to move erratically, almost as if they had a life of their own, which made matters much more difficult because the data was stored in Excel.
Basically, what I needed was a quick and sure method of boldly converting PNG to PDF – scratch that – the thing I needed was to convert Excel into PDF without the formatting turning into scrambled eggs.
That’s when I decided to run a full test comparing the best tools to handle Xls in Pdf conversions. And yeah, my main tool here is iLovePDF2, but I didn’t just stop there. I ran a whole lineup against each other to see which one truly reigns supreme.
So, buckle up – let’s see how I solved this problem with real testing, real tools, and real talk.
What’s My Test Criteria?
Before I start hyping up any tool, let me tell you exactly how I tested everything.
I used:
- 3 Excel files
- 10–15 MB each
- Containing formulas, charts, conditional formatting, and images
- And I tested them across 5 different tools
Here’s what I evaluated:
Speed
How fast can it process a large Excel file?
Ease of Use
If it looks like I need a NASA-level certification to use it, I’m out.
Formatting Accuracy
This is a big one.
Did the conversion keep the charts looking like charts instead of clip-art from 1998?
Features
Batch conversion? Cloud access? Drag-and-drop?
Pricing
Free? Freemium? Expensive enough to break my coffee budget?
Limitations
Watermarks? File size caps? Annoying ads?
This test setup sets the foundation for everything you’re about to read.
Now, let’s roll into the tool reviews.
Tools I Pick For Evaluation
Below are the tools I tested to Excel Convert in Pdf cleanly, ensuring every spreadsheet, chart, and formula stayed intact while making the process fast, simple, and hassle-free.
1. iLovePDF2.com
iLovePDF2 is undoubtedly my top choice. It’s a reliable, simple application that seems like an old friend, always ready to help you with your daily tasks. It is simplified for ease & speed, providing users with quick &easy solutions without the need to browse a large number of menus and options.
My Conversion Experience
I uploaded my Excel file, hit the button to create Xls in pdf format, and that sucker exported perfectly – charts, colors, columns, margins – everything.
Main Features
- Super simple drag-and-drop interface
- Batch conversion (thank you!)
- Cloud integration
- Mobile app + browser version
- High-accuracy formatting
Pros
- Fast as heck
- Keeps formatting crisp
- Clean UI
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Internet required
- Free plan has some limits
Pricing
Totally free with premium features
Verdict
If you want something fast, easy, & accurate, i Love PDF 2 is your new best friend.
2. Adobe Acrobat
My Conversion Experience
I had hoped for a clean PDF by exporting my spreadsheet through Acrobat. Instead, it struggled with the file and lagged halfway through the process. When it finally opened in PDF, a couple of graphs were distorted and misaligned.
Main Features
- Enterprise-grade accuracy
- Custom export settings
- Works offline
- Built-in editor
Pros
- Top-tier accuracy
- No internet needed
- Professional output
Cons
- Expensive
- Learning curve
- Slow on older computers
Pricing
Subscription-based, kinda pricey.
Verdict
If you’re working in a corporate setup & need paid precision, Adobe Acrobat is your tool.
3. Foxit PDF Editor
My Conversion Experience
I had used Foxit to convert my Excel sheet, thinking the quick export would still keep things accurate. It finished instantly, but already the preview showed inconsistencies. This gave a PDF with distorted charts and some text running over margins.
Main Features
- Offline conversion
- Lightweight
- Great editing tools
Pros
- Very fast
- Accurate formatting
- Cheaper than Adobe
Cons
- Interface looks a bit busy
- Some features locked behind higher tiers
Pricing
Paid, but solid value.
Verdict
Good for power users but only if you can adjust in low quality without Adobe’s price tag.
4. SodaPDF
My Conversion Experience
I have uploaded my file, selected “export as Online Excel to PDF,” and it finished in about four seconds. It was really fast, but the preview threw me off immediately. The final PDF had shifted columns and a few charts that didn’t render correctly.
Main Features
- Online platform
- Windows desktop app
- Batch conversion
- Smooth UI
Pros
- Stupidly easy to use
- Accurate
- Clean interface
Cons
- Free plan is limited
- Requires account for some features
Pricing
Reasonably priced subscription.
Verdict
Recommended if you want an excel to PDF converter for a casual use.
5. PDF Candy
My Conversion Experience
Dropped in my file → clicked convert → exported into Free Excel to Pdf Converter mode. But, the next moment i decided to convert my more heavy office spreadsheets into PDF, and then suddenly the speed gets down.
Main Features
- Free online tools
- No sign-up needed
- Conversion + editing features
Pros
- 100% free
- Simple layout
- No watermarks
Cons
- Slower than paid tools
- Limited advanced features
Pricing
Completely free for basic conversions.
Verdict
Ideal for anyone looking for free excel to PDF conversions, including freelancers & students. But not for everyone searching for a high quality.
Comparison Table: Which Tool Wins Where?
| Tool | Speed | Accuracy | Ease of Use | Pricing | Best For |
| iLovePDF 2 | (5/5) | (4/5) | (5/5) | Cost-effective | Everyday Users, Quick Tasks |
| Adobe Acrobat | (4/5) | (5/5) | (3/5) | Expensive | Perfectionists, pricey companies |
| Foxit | (5/5) | (4/5) | (4/5) | Mid-range | Power users |
| SodaPDF | (4/5) | (4/5) | (5/5) | Mid-range | Cloud users |
| PDF Candy | (3/5) | (3/5) | (4/5) | Free | Students, small tasks |
What Really Happens When You Convert Excel Files to PDF
Let me hit you with some real talk for a minute. Most folks think converting Excel files to PDF is just some “click and boom” type of deal. But if you’ve ever had a file explode into chaos during export, then you already know things can get messy real fast.
So, in this extra deep dive, I’m breaking down what actually goes down behind the scenes – and why choosing the right tool for creating Xls in pdf documents can save your sanity.
Why Excel Files Don’t Always Play Nice
Excel is basically the wild child of office software. It does whatever it wants unless you tame it.
You’ve got:
- Formulas calculating like they’re running marathons
- Charts scaling themselves like they’re trying to escape the sheet
- Conditional formatting that loves to act brand-new
- And merged cells… don’t even get me started
Therefore, all of this information may be lost, moved, or just disregarded when you attempt to Export Excel to PDF. That is the worst-case scenario.
This is why PDF conversion tools aren’t all created equal—they need to understand Excel’s behavior, structure, and embedded objects.
What I Learned After Testing Five Tools Back-to-Back
Once I ran all these tools through the wringer, I noticed patterns – stuff that really opened my eyes.
- Speed Isn’t Everything
Some tools were crazy fast (like Foxit and iLovePDF2), while others took their sweet time.
But here’s the kicker:
The slower tools weren’t always more accurate.
In fact, iLovePDF2 nailed accuracy AND speed.
Adobe nailed perfection but was slower.
So, speed matters, but not at the cost of clean formatting.
- Online Tools Have Surprised Me
Back in the day, online tools were kinda sketchy, not gonna lie.
They’d give you blurry charts or scrambled text.
But the new generation of online excel to pdf converters?
WAY better than I expected.
iLovePDF2 and SodaPDF proved that online tools can be:
- Fast
- Accurate
- Stable
- Super easy to use
As long as you have decent WiFi, you’re good.
- Offline Tools Still Dominate for Heavy Files
When I tested huge spreadsheets – like borderline “should’ve been a database” huge – offline tools flexed their muscles.
Foxit and Adobe handled:
- Thousands of rows
- Embedded pictures
- Multi-tab files Like absolute champs.
If you work with big ol’ files all day, offline might be your best bet.
Wrapping Up
If you just want something simple, fast, and accurate to create Xls in pdf without losing your mind, iLovePDF2 is the clear winner. It’s smooth, it’s fast, and it keeps your formatting on point. Plus, it doesn’t require you to drop big bucks like Adobe.
If you’re a business heavy user who needs surgical precision, Adobe Acrobat treat you right.
And if you’re broke – or just smart enough not to overspend – PDF Candy covers the basics for free.
In any case, using these tools to export Excel to PDF like a pro is really simple.
The next time your spreadsheet goes crazy, just choose a tool that suits your style and finish it without worrying.
Try one of these tools right now if you’re prepared to transform your spreadsheet life from chaotic to champion-level.