How to Convert Google Sheets to PDF

March 2024 · 6 minute read

If you work with Google Sheets to create spreadsheets, you can use the built-in share feature to share files with others. PDFs are a handy way to share documents in a versatile file format that works with almost any device and screen size.

You can use the built-in options in Google Sheets to convert and share spreadsheets as PDFs. But there are other ways to do it too. Here, we show you the many ways to convert Google Sheets to PDF without disclosing the formulas and fear of modifications.

1. Download Google Sheet as a PDF File

An easy way to convert Google Sheets to PDF is to download the spreadsheet file as a PDF. Google Sheets lets you download documents in multiple formats, including PDF. Here’s how to do it:

  • Open the Google Sheet file you want to convert.
  • Next, click File in the top-left corner and select Download > PDF (.pdf).
  • In the preview window, you can configure the export settings. You can choose to export the current sheet, workbook, or selected cells.
  • Expand the Formatting section to select whether to show grid lines and notes. In addition, you can also customize page numbering, title to display, sheet name, and time.
  • If you want to export a workbook or specific cells, you need to make an appropriate selection before selecting the download option.
  • When you are ready, click Export. A PDF file containing your spreadsheet will be downloaded to your local drive.

    • 2. Convert Google Sheets to PDF Using Email as an Attachment

    If you need to email the spreadsheet as an attachment, you can directly do so from the Google Sheets' interface. The Email as an attachment function lets you export and send the spreadsheet document as PDF directly to your contacts.

    The only requirement is you must have a Gmail account for this to work. So, Login into your Gmail account on the same browser and then follow these steps to export Google Sheets as a PDF document using email.

  • Open the Google Sheet file you want to export.
  • Next, click File and select Email > Email this file.
  • In the Email this file dialog, select Send yourself a copy if you want to receive a copy of the sent email and attachments.
  • Next, type the recipient’s email address. If you want to send it to yourself, type your email address. Fill in the subject and other fields.
  • Click the File type drop-down and select PDF.
  • Click Send. Google Sheets will convert the spreadsheet to PDF and send it to the recipient’s email address and yours if you have opted to receive a copy.

    • The conventional Ctrl + P shortcut for Windows (Command + P for Mac) for printing works with Google Sheets as well. You can use the print function to save the spreadsheet as a PDF document. Here’s how to do it:

  • Open the Google Sheets spreadsheet you want to export.
  • Next, press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Command + P (Mac) to access the Print menu. It consists of similar formatting and printing options as the export option. Make the necessary changes and click Next.
  • In the Print dialog, click the Printer drop-down and select PDF.
  • Next, select the pages you want to download. Select All or specify the number of pages you want to export. Click More settings to configure pages per sheet, margins, and background graphics options.
  • Click Save to continue.
  • Enter a name for the PDF file, select the download location, and click Save. It will save the PDF file to your default download location.

    • 4. Embed to a Website as a PDF File

    Google Sheets lets you share spreadsheets by publishing them on your website. It is an easy way to embed spreadsheets without uploading the document to your server. The generated code will display an iframe consisting of the document as a PDF file.

  • Open the Google Sheet you want to embed as a PDF on your website.
  • Click File to open the menu.
  • Go to Share and select Publish to web.
  • In the Link tab, click the Entire Document drop-down and select the content you want to show.
  • Next, click the Web page drop-down Embed column and select PDF document (.pdf).
  • Click the Publish button to finish, and click OK when the docs.google.com dialog appears.
  • Once published, Google Sheets will create a shareable link and an embed code. You can use it on your website to embed the selected spreadsheet as a PDF file.
  • To get the code, open the Embed tab and copy the iframe code. Paste the code in an HTML editor to show the spreadsheet as a PDF document on your website. Any changes made to the document will be automatically republished and reflected on your blog.

    • To stop publishing, open the spreadsheet, click File, and select Share. Next, open the Link tab and expand Published contentand settings. Click Stop publishing to stop displaying the content of the spreadsheet on your website or anywhere the iframe code is used.

    Convert Google Sheets Spreadsheet to PDF Using Online Converters

    You can use online file converters to convert your spreadsheet in Excel and OpenDocs format to PDF. Useful if you already have spreadsheet files saved to your local drive and want to convert them to a PDF document. Here are a few popular online Google Sheets to PDF converters you can use.

    1. Excel to PDF by iLovePDF

    iLovePDF features an Excel to PDF converter to convert your spreadsheets in different formats to PDF files. It supports both OpenDocs and Excel file formats and can quickly convert files to PDF files. After conversion, you can download the PDF file to your local drive or continue to edit or split PDF from its interface.

    2. SmallPDF Excel to PDF

    SmallPDF offers an online Excel to PDF converter tool. Unlike iLovePDF, SmallPDF’s online converter is only compatible with Excel (.XSL or .XLSX) formats. To convert a spreadsheet, drag and drop the file onto the converter, and it will automatically start the conversion. Once done, you can download the PDF to your local drive.

    The Best Ways to Convert Google Sheets to PDF

    Google Sheets offers a few built-in options to export spreadsheets as a PDF file and other popular formats. You can convert and save PDF to your local drive, send it via email or publish it to your website without using a third-party tool.

    Alternatively, if you already have a couple of Google Sheets downloaded in Excel or OpenDocs format, you can also use third-party online converters to convert spreadsheets to PDF files. And since you're already using Google Sheets, why not consider some more practical use cases.

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