How to Convert CSV to PDF – 5 Simple Solutions

CSV files (comma-separated valaues files) are common data storage and exchange formats in spreadsheet and database systems. They do well in handling raw data but do not handle formatting and are not suitable for sharing reports and official documents. That’s where PDF comes as it is a nice and elegant format that maintains original layout and design.

If you have been looking to convert CSV to PDF, you are right on track. This guide will take you through different processes to help you convert your data, starting from built-in tools like Excel and then moving onto specialized software like a professional CSV to PDF converter by SysTools that makes the conversion really easy.

Reasons to Convert CSV to PDF

CSV to PDF conversion methods to discuss, but before that, let us take a consideration for what really makes all these conversions necessary.

1. Enhanced Formatting

Many CSV files save their data in raw text alone, so they seem messy when opened in a text editor. The viewing of such files as PDFs, on the other hand, allows proper formatting to make the contents readable and present.

2. Universal Compatibility

CSV files need to be opened in spreadsheet software, Excel or Google Sheets, to view the contents correctly; however, anyone with a PDF reader can access PDFs with no special requirement.

3. Secure & Tamper-Proof

CSV files are usually so free that they just are not considered ideal for reports or invoices. PDFs have so many protection features from passwords and digital signatures to keep unauthorized changes at bay.

4. Print-ready form

With PDF, the format is maintained across all devices and printers. This makes it the best way without error to print documents.

Now that we know the reasons to convert CSV files to PDF, let us proceed and explore ways of doing so.

Steps to Convert CSV to PDF Using Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is the simplest way of converting a CSV file to a PDF file without installing extra software. It is easy and safe to do. Plus, users who already own MS Excel will have to bear no extra cost to save Excel file as PDF.

1. Open Microsoft Excel.
2. Click File, then Open, and choose a CSV file.
3. Adjust the width of the columns and height of the rows.
4. Click on File, then Save As.
5. Select PDF in the Save As Type window.
6. Click on Save to convert your CSV file to PDF.
   

The good thing about this method is that it is quick and free if you already have Excel on your computer. The downside of this method is limited control over formatting, thus inappropriate for bulk conversions.

Steps to Convert CSV to PDF Using Google Sheets

Another way to convert CSV files to PDF is through Google Sheets. This is an online method which is completely free as you only need a Gmail account to access Google Sheets.

1. Sign in with your Gmail account and open Google Sheets.
2. Go to File > Open > Upload.
3. Here, drag and drop the CSV file to open in Google Sheets.
4. Format your document as per your requirements.
5. Next, select File > Download > PDF Document(.pdf).
   
6. Choose the layout settings and select Export.

The good thing about this method is that it is free and can be used from any device with internet connectivity. The downside is that it requires a Google account and an Internet connection and does not support bulk conversion.

Steps to Convert CSV to PDF via Online Converter

An online utility can also help in converting CSV to PDF file. This method does not require any additional software and is only dependent on the internet connectivity. It has its own flaws but for users who have no privacy concerns can use online tools for CSV file conversion for free. Some of the well-known ones are Smallpdf, Zamzar and PDF Converter Online.

1. Visit any Online CSV to PDF converter website.
2. Upload your CSV file.
   
3. Modify the settings (if present) in terms of layout, font size, etc.
4. Then click on the Convert option.
5. Finally, download the PDF.

The good things about this method is that it does not require installation and is fast, yet easy to understand. The downsides are that it has file size restrictions and your file is uploaded to unknown web servers which raises concerns about security when it comes to sensitive data.

Automated Software to Convert CSV to PDF (Recommended for Bulk Conversion)

For anyone who consistently converts CSV files into PDF or requires extra formatting, SysTools Document Converter Software is a powerful application. This professional converter for CSV to PDF automates bulk conversion, contrary to manual methods, saving your time and effort.

Downloading the tool is free. It is a demo version that lets you convert limited files to PDF. Purchase the license for full version.

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Major Features Of the Software:

• Batch Conversion from CSV to PDF – Convert multiple CSV files in one go.
• Custom Formatting – Customization of Page Layout, Margins, and Font Settings.
• Secure Processing – Doesn’t upload your documents to the Internet.
• User Friendly Interface – A User-Friendly interface for both novices and professionals.
• Lock PDF File – Option to add password to the output file.

Video of the Automated Software

Working Steps of CSV to PDF Converter Software:

1. Install and run the software on your Mac or Windows OS.
2. Click Add files or Add folder to process multiple CSV files.
3. Check preview of the added files.
4. Set layout of page, margins, and set page size if needed.
5. Click Export and the software will process your CSV files into PDFs.
   

The great thing about this software is that it supports bulk conversion. It also secures data and provides high-quality formatting. The downside is that it is a paid software (but well worth it for especially frequent users).

Code to Convert CSV to PDF Using Python (For Developers)

Pandas and Report Lab could be used for turning CSV into PDF by coding in Python. This method is suitable for programmers and coders who are comfortable with the programming language and understand its basics.

Python code:

This is just an example code. Those who are familiar with coding can expand or dilute the code as per their requirements.

import pandas as pd

from fpdf import FPDF

# Read CSV data

df = pd.read_csv("data.csv")

# Create PDF object

pdf = FPDF()

pdf.set_auto_page_break(auto=True, margin=15)

pdf.add_page()

# Add data to PDF

for index, row in df.iterrows():

pdf.set_font("Arial", size=12)

pdf.cell(200, 10, txt=str(row.to_string(index=False)), ln=True, align='L')

# Save as PDF

pdf.output("output.pdf")

The good thing about this method is that it provides a user with complete control over customization. The downside is that it requires Python knowledge to get the job done.

Compare & Choose the Best Suited Method

Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
Excel	Basic users	Quick, free	No batch processing
Google Sheets	Online users	Free, easy	Requires internet
Online Tools	Occasional users	No installation	Security risks
Automated Tool	Professionals	Bulk conversion, secure	Paid software
Python	Developers	Fully customizable	Requires coding knowledge

Conclusion

From manual processes like Excel to automated software, there are different modes to convert CSV to PDF. A quick solution available to users is Excel or Google sheets. For heavy data files on a regular basis, users would be better off with a professional CSV to PDF converter.

Now that you are aware of various methods for converting CSV files to PDF format, which would you like to try? I recommend using the chosen solutions on a sample file to get a feel of the methods and see what they offer. Then go from there.