Save a spreadsheet in another format

You can save—or export—a Numbers spreadsheet as a ZIP or PDF file, or in Microsoft Excel, CSV, or Numbers ’09 formats. Exporting to another format is useful when you’re sending the spreadsheet to others who may use different software from you.

When you export, Numbers creates a copy of your spreadsheet in the specified file type. Any changes made to the exported version don’t affect the original.

Export a ZIP file

You can export your spreadsheet in ZIP file format, which makes it easier to share your spreadsheet through various web services. Creating a ZIP file decreases the size of the file and eliminates some compatibility issues.

Choose File > Export To > ZIP Archive (from the File menu at the top of your computer screen).
Choose a location to save your spreadsheet, then click Export.

Export in PDF, Excel, CSV, or Numbers ’09 file formats

Choose File > Export To > [file format] (from the File menu at the top of your computer screen).
Specify settings, which differ depending on file type:
- Image quality: For PDFs, the higher the image quality, the larger the file size of the exported copy.
- Password protection: For PDF, Excel, and Numbers ’09 file formats, to protect the file with a password, select the checkbox, then enter the requested information.
Click Next, type a name, then enter one or more tags (optional).
Choose where to save the spreadsheet from the Where pop-up menu, then click Export.

If you want to send a copy of a spreadsheet in a different format, you can do so when you send it. See Send a copy of a spreadsheet for more information.