How do PDF and XLScompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
Portable Document Format
PDF is the universal standard for sharing documents. It preserves formatting, fonts, and layout across all devices and operating systems. From contracts to resumes, PDF is the format the world relies on.
Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet (Legacy)
XLS is the legacy binary format used by Microsoft Excel before 2007. While superseded by XLSX, many existing spreadsheets and enterprise systems still use this format.
| Specification | XLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Document Format | Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet (Legacy) |
| Extension | .xls | |
| MIME type | application/pdf | application/vnd.ms-excel |
| Category | Document | Document |
| Developer | Adobe Systems | Microsoft |
| Year introduced | 1993 | 1987 |
PDF and XLS serve different purposes. PDF is ideal for business documents and contracts, while XLS excels at legacy spreadsheet compatibility.
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