When it comes to managing data and creating professional-looking spreadsheets, Microsoft Excel is the go-to program for many users. However, sometimes you may need to convert Excel files into other formats, such as PDF or JPG. In this article, we will cover different ways to convert Excel files into PDF or JPG, as well as how to convert date format in Excel and how to convert PDF files into Word and Excel.
Converting Excel to PDF
One common scenario is when you need to share a spreadsheet with someone who doesn’t have Microsoft Excel installed on their computer. In this case, it’s practical to convert the Excel file into PDF format, which is more universally readable. Here are a few ways to do this.
Using Excel’s built-in PDF converter
If you have Excel 2010 or a newer version, you have a built-in option to save your workbook as a PDF file. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the workbook you want to save as PDF
- Click on the File tab
- Select Export from the list on the left
- Choose Create PDF/XPS Document
- Click on the Publish button
Using third-party software
If you don’t have the latest version of Excel or you’re looking for more advanced features, you can use third-party software to convert Excel files to PDF. There are various options available online, such as Adobe Acrobat or SmallPDF. Here is how to convert an Excel file to PDF using SmallPDF:
- Go to the SmallPDF website (https://smallpdf.com/)
- Drag and drop your Excel file into the box or click on Choose File to browse for it
- Wait for the file to upload, then click on Convert to PDF
- Download the converted PDF file
Converting Excel to JPG
Sometimes you may need to convert an Excel sheet or a specific chart into an image format, such as JPEG. This can be useful if you want to share data or visualizations on social media or embed them into a website. Here’s how to convert Excel to JPG.
Using the built-in screenshot tool
Excel also has a built-in tool that lets you take a screenshot of a selected range or a chart and save it as an image file. Here’s how to use it:
- Select the range or chart you want to capture as an image
- Click on the Insert tab
- Click on Screenshot in the Illustrations group
- Select the image you want to capture from the Available Windows dialog box
- The screenshot will be inserted into your worksheet as an image file
Using a third-party conversion tool
If you need to convert an entire workbook or multiple sheets into JPG, you can use a third-party conversion software. There are various options available online, such as Zamzar or Convertio. Here is how to convert an Excel file to JPG using Zamzar:
- Go to the Zamzar website (https://www.zamzar.com/)
- Select Excel in the Choose Files section or drag and drop the file into the box
- Select JPG in the Choose Format section
- Enter your email address to receive the converted file
- Click on Convert to start the conversion process
Converting Date Format in Excel
Excel stores dates as serial numbers, which means you can perform calculations and create charts based on them. However, sometimes you may need to change the format of the date to make it more readable or to comply with a specific standard. Here’s how to convert date format in Excel.
Using the Format Cells dialog box
Excel has a Format Cells dialog box that lets you customize the appearance of cells, including the date format. Here’s how to use it:
- Select the cells that contain the dates you want to format
- Right-click on the selected cells and choose Format Cells from the context menu
- In the Format Cells dialog box, select Date in the Category list
- Select the desired date format in the Type list
- Click on OK to apply the format
Using the TEXT function
If you want to convert a date into a specific text format, you can use the TEXT function. Here’s an example of how to use it:
- Select the cell where you want to display the converted date
- Enter the formula =TEXT(A1,”MMMM DD, YYYY”) where A1 is the cell where the original date is stored and “MMMM DD, YYYY” is the desired date format
- Press Enter to apply the formula
Converting PDF to Word and Excel
Sometimes you may need to extract data from a PDF file and use it in a Word document or an Excel spreadsheet. This can be useful if you receive a PDF report or form that you want to edit or analyze. Here is how to convert PDF to Word and Excel.
Using Adobe Acrobat
If you have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer, you can use it to export a PDF file into Word or Excel format. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat
- Click on Export PDF in the right pane
- Select Word or Excel as the export format
- Choose the desired settings for the output file, such as page range or layout options
- Click on Export to start the conversion process
Using online conversion tools
If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat or prefer an online option, you can use third-party conversion tools such as DocHub or Investintech. Here’s how to convert a PDF file to Word using DocHub:
- Go to the DocHub website (https://dochub.com/)
- Click on Upload PDF to upload your PDF file
- Select Convert to Word from the list of available actions
- Wait for the conversion to complete
- Download the converted Word file
FAQ
1. Can I convert an Excel file to PDF using Google Drive?
Yes, you can. Here’s how to do it:
- Upload your Excel file to Google Drive
- Right-click on the file and choose Open with Google Sheets
- Click on File in the menu bar and choose Download as
- Select PDF Document (*.pdf)
- The PDF file will be downloaded to your computer
2. Is it possible to convert a PDF file to Excel?
Yes, it is possible, but the accuracy of the conversion may vary depending on the complexity of the PDF file and the conversion tool used. Some PDF files may have non-editable text or scanned images that cannot be converted into Excel. That being said, there are several online and offline tools that can convert PDF to Excel, such as Adobe Acrobat, Investintech, and SmallPDF. Here’s how to convert a PDF file to Excel using SmallPDF:
- Go to the SmallPDF website (https://smallpdf.com/)
- Drag and drop your PDF file into the box or click on Choose File to browse for it
- Wait for the file to upload, then click on PDF to Excel
- Wait for the conversion to finish
- Download the converted Excel file
Video tutorial
For a step-by-step guide on how to convert Excel files to PDF and JPG, check out this video tutorial:
In conclusion, converting Excel files to PDF or JPG can be useful when sharing data or visualizations with others. Converting date format in Excel can make your data more readable and consistent. Converting PDF files into Word or Excel can help you extract data and work with it more easily. Remember to choose the right tool for the task and to test the output before sharing it with others.