XLS
Spreadsheet
Legacy Microsoft Excel format
Advantages
- Wide compatibility
- Rich features
- Familiar format
Disadvantages
- Proprietary
- Larger than XLSX
- Row limits
Best for
- Older Excel versions
- Legacy systems
XLS vs PDF
Compare XLS and PDF formats to find the best option for your needs.
PDF
Document
Portable Document Format - universal document format
Advantages
- Universal compatibility
- Preserves formatting
- Small file size
- Secure with passwords
Disadvantages
- Difficult to edit
- Not ideal for images
- Limited interactivity
Best for
- Documents sharing
- Printing
- Forms
- Official documents
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | XLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Spreadsheet | Document |
| File size | Large | Medium |
| Compatibility | Excellent | Opens everywhere |
| Quality | Good | Excellent |
Questions and answers
What is the difference between XLS and PDF?
XLS: Legacy Microsoft Excel format. PDF: Portable Document Format - universal document format.
Which format should I choose: XLS or PDF?
It depends on the job. XLS is the better pick for: Older Excel versions and Legacy systems. PDF is the better pick for: Documents sharing, Printing, and Forms.
Can I convert XLS to PDF?
Yes. Open the XLS to PDF converter, drop the file and download the result.
Is XLS better than PDF?
Not in general. XLS is stronger at: Older Excel versions and Legacy systems. PDF is stronger at: Documents sharing, Printing, and Forms.