2 Best Methods on How to Convert DBF to PDF

July 31, 20232.4K views

A database file is one of the many file formats that exist. Such files are used by the database management system dBASE and can be converted easily to other formats including PDFs. Withing a DBF file, data is stored in an array having multiple records and fields. Here, we look at how to convert DBF to PDF and also consider other aspects of both the DBF and PDF files.

Files Related to PDF

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There are other files encountered with the same DBF extension as the database files. For instance, Esri's ArcInfo files also have the DBF extension. These files are used to store attributes of shape in the dBASE format. they are however not referred to as DBF files but as shapefile attribute format. Microsoft Visual FoxPro-related tables also use the extension.

Opening The DBF Files

DBF files can easily be opened by dBASE, which is the primary program that deals with files with this extension. Other database applications like Microsoft Access and Excel as well as OpenOffice Calc can also open the files. It should be noted that to open a DBF file in MS excel, one should save the document in the dBASE format. in Mac and Linux, one can use GTK PDF Editor, a free program.

Why You Need To Convert DBF File To PDF

DBF files can be challenging to work with. That is why this write-up is about how to convert DBF to PDF. the benefits of having your DBF file in PDF format include:

  • The PDF format is the most common type of file format that can be viewed by many people since most devices have at least one PDF viewer which is free
  • The PDF format also preserves the originals structure of your DBF file unlike when you convert to other file formats
  • PDFs are also the most secure document. You can protect the PDF with a password and share it with only the trusted people
  • It is easier to share and transfer a PDF document than a DBF document

Methods Of Converting DBF To PDF

As long as a program can open a DBF file, then most likely the program can convert it to PDF. another way is using online tools.

Using Microsoft Excel To Convert DBF To PDF

The save as option in the MS Excel file menu can save your DBF file into any format you want including PDF. below are the steps you can follow:

Step1:open your DBF file in excel and go to the file menu

Step2: click on ‘Save as’

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Step3: choose the appropriate location and enter the name of the document

Step4: in the ‘save as type’ section, choose PDF

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Step5: click on save to convert the DBF to PDF.

Using Online PDF Converter- Vertopal

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One of the many online PDF converters that can change your DBF into a PDF file is Vertopal. This tool can be used by following the below steps:

Step1: Visit the Vertopal website and navigate to DBF to PDF converter site

Step2: upload the DBF file from your device or simply drag and drop the document in the conversion window available

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Step3: click on the convert button once your document is uploaded and wait for the process to finish. This takes about 2 seconds.

Step4: Download your PDF

Why Use Online PDF Converters?

Using online converters is one method you should consider when converting DBF to PDF. this is because unlike offline converters:

  • Online converters are easier and easily accessible with no need to know the details of the conversion process
  • Most online converters are also free
  • They are browser-based and require no specific operating system to convert
  • They allow you to convert to other formats as well

Concerns About Online Converters

A thing to be concerned about when it comes to using online PDF converter tools is the security of your document. A few tools may not be secure enough and your document if containing sensitive information may end up with the wrong people. However, most tools take the privacy and security of your document seriously with most having to delete the document within one hour after you uploaded it.

The above methods are the best on how to convert DBF to PDF although there are others that you can try. After getting your PDF, the next step should be to download the WPS office here https://pdf.wps.com and use it to view, edit and sign the document.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.