Microsoft Excel offers an exceptional feature that allows users to convert and save Excel files as PDFs. This function provides users with an appropriate way to share & present data. However, users sometimes encounter a perplexing issue – Excel save as PDF missing problem. In this write-up, we’ll dig into the intricacies of this issue, and provide working solutions to solve save as PDF not showing in Excel, ensuring a smooth PDF-saving experience.
To Repair corrupt Excel file, we recommend this tool:
This software will prevent Excel workbook data such as BI data, financial reports & other analytical information from corruption and data loss. With this software you can rebuild corrupt Excel files and restore every single visual representation & dataset to its original, intact state in 3 easy steps:
- Try Excel File Repair Tool rated Excellent by Softpedia, Softonic & CNET.
- Select the corrupt Excel file (XLS, XLSX) & click Repair to initiate the repair process.
- Preview the repaired files and click Save File to save the files at desired location.
Why Is Excel Not Showing Save As PDF?
Before delving into the solutions, let’s extract the root causes that contribute to this issue:
- Outdated Excel Version
Using an outdated version of Excel can lead to the disappearance of the “Save as PDF” option when trying to convert or save the Excel file to PDF.
- Corrupted Office Installations
Unsuccessful installation of Microsoft Office or corrupt MS Office can cause save as PDF missing from Excel.
- Missing or Corrupted Add-ins
While Add-ins enhance Excel’s functionality, sometimes they go missing or become corrupt, and so triggering various issues in Excel such as PDF conversion.
- Security Settings Interference
Occasionally, security settings may hinder certain functions in MS Excel.
How to Fix Excel Save as PDF Missing Issue?
Let’s follow the below step-by-step methods to troubleshoot the save as PDF disappeared from Excel.
Method 1- Check & Install the Latest Version of MS Excel
If you are running an outdated version of Microsoft Excel then it is likely to encounter this problem. Installing the latest Excel update can eventually solve it. Follow the below steps to do so:
- Click Start menu >> type Excel in a search bar.
- After that, click on the “File” menu >> choose Account
- Now, click on the Update Options >> “Update Now”.

Also Read: Fix Excel Cell Contents Not Visible Issue
Method 2- Repair Installations
Another method that you can try is to repair Adobe and Office installations. To do so, follow the below steps:
How to Repair Adobe Acrobat Installation?
- Close previously opened Adobe or MS Office applications.
- In the start menu, search box type “Adobe Acrobat”.
- From the list open the Adobe Acrobat DC.
- Choose the “Help” tab which is present on the top section of the window.
- After that choose the “Repair Installation” option.

How to Repair MS Office Installation?
Reinstalling Microsoft Office ensures a clean installation, potentially solving any corrupted files or settings. To know the complete steps for the Office Installation process, Click Here.
Method 3- Export As PDF to Fix Excel Save As PDF Missing
When the save as PDF not showing in Excel 2007 or any other version, in that case, you can try exporting your Excel file as PDF format.
Here are the steps to export the Excel files as a PDF.
- Make a tap over the File tab from the Excel ribbon.
- Now hit the Export.
- Choose the Create PDF/XPS Document.
- Hit the Create PDF/XPS

- After that open the Publish as PDF or XPS menu, this is similar to Save As menu. Choose the location to publish and access advanced PDF Options.
Method 4- Disable Add-ins
Disabling the Excel add-ins helped many users in solving save as PDF problems. So, let’s try it:
- Launch Excel document (that you want to convert to PDF).
- Go to the File tab >> Options >> Add-ins.
- After this, select >> Manage >> Excel add-ins >> click on Go.
- Finally, uncheck all the boxes there and enable Acrobat PDFMaker COM Add-in >> click OK.
Method 5- Publish As PDF Quick Access Toolbar Command
Try publishing the PDF command in the Quick Access Toolbar to solve the problem.
- Make a right-click anywhere on the Quick Access toolbar and after that from the menu choose Customize Quick Access Toolbar.

- It will open the window of Excel Options. From the right side, pane choose the Quick Access Toolbar
- Now from “choose command from” section select All Commands.
- Scroll down on this page and then choose Publish as PDF or XPS.
- Hit the Add button for adding up the command for adding up command in the Quick Access Toolbar commands selection.

- Hit the Ok.
After doing this, you will be able to use this command for publishing Excel file as PDF documents from the Quick Access Toolbar.
Method 6- Adjusting the Security Settings
Last but not least, review your security settings & make changes if necessary. From time to time, overly stringent settings can obstruct certain features.
How to Enable Save as PDF in Excel?
To enable save as PDF in Excel, follow the below instructions carefully:
- Go to Insert tab from the Excel ribbon. Then, choose Object icon from text group.

- On the opened dialog box of objects go to the ‘Create New’. From the drop-down list choose the ‘Adobe Acrobat Document’.
Note: adobe object will appear in the list only when the Adobe Reader is already installed on your PC.
- Choose the ‘Display as icon’ option.
- Select the OK button.
- Select the PDF file that you desire to embed and then click on the Open button.
After performing these steps you can easily embed PDF files in the worksheet.
Once the PDF file is inserted into your Excel worksheet, you will see that it will automatically get opened. So, you can close it and then perform your work.
How Do I Save Entire Excel Workbook As A PDF?
To save your entire Excel workbook as a PDF, follow the below instructions carefully:
- Open the Excel file that you want to save in PDF format.
- Go to the File> Save as option.
- Now in the opened dialog box of Save As, select “PDF” item from the appearing list of Save as type.

- Tap to the Options…button which is present in the bottom section of Save As dialog box.
- Under the dialog box of Options, choose the Entire or Selection workbook option as per your need.
- Click OK button to close the dialog box.
After this, you will see that your entire workbook is saved as a PDF file.
Related FAQs:
Why Can't I Save An Excel File As A PDF?
It might be possible that there are missing add-ins or issues in the security settings of your Excel that contribute to can’t save an Excel file to a PDF.
Is Online PDF Conversion Tool Safe To Use?
While many online PDF conversion tools are safe, but it is recommended to always choose trustworthy tools to avoid prospective security risks.
How Do I Convert Excel to PDF Without Printer?
To convert Excel file to PDF, follow the below steps:
- Open the Excel file that you want to save in PDF format
- Go to File tab >> click on Save as option.
- Under Save As dialog box, choose ‘PDF’ option from the list of Save as type.
- Then, click on Save. The file will be successfully converted and saved to the preferred location.
Is There A Quick Way to Save An Excel File As A PDF Without Using ‘Save As PDF’ Feature?
Yes, you can save an Excel document as a .pdf format without using ‘Save as PDF’ feature by using the ‘Print’ option.
What Precautionary Measures Can I Take to Avoid This Problem In the Future?
To avoid this Excel issue in the future, you should regularly update Excel your software version and check for corrupt Add-ins.
To Pack Up
In wrapping up our exclusive guide of Excel save as PDF missing issue, it is essential to review the common causes and resolutions discussed. All you need to do is apply the given methods one by one to solve saving as Adobe PDF not showing in Excel, and ensure sharing data in PDF format seamlessly.
But for any other corruption or Excel file damage, you can use the most suitable option, like MS Excel Repair Tool. This is a professionally designed program that can easily repair .xls and .xlsx files and recover their data like cell comments, charts, and other data and worksheet properties.


