This page explains about the file formats we use for the downloads on our website and your options for viewing and using them.
Adobe PDF (.pdf files)
Most of the downloads on our website are in the Adobe PDF format. This format is very widely used and ensures our documents look the same whatever type of PC or device you use to look at them. PDF documents have the '.pdf' extension after the file name.
Opening PDF Files
PDF documents can be opened in Adobe's free Acrobat Reader software. If it's not already installed on your machine you can get the latest version on the Adobe website:
Microsoft Excel (.xls files)
Sometimes we have to make our downloads available in Microsoft Excel format. This is usually when the original file is too large or complicated to convert to the more widely used Adobe PDF format. Our Excel files have the extension '.xls' after the file name.
Opening And Viewing Microsoft Excel Files
There are a few ways to open and view Microsoft Excel files:
Using Microsoft Excel
You can download and open Microsoft Excel files directly in Microsoft Excel if it is installed on the computer or device you are using. Our Excel files are compatible with all recent versions of Microsoft Excel.
Using Microsoft Excel Viewer
Microsoft offer a free Excel Viewer. This software lets you open, view and print, but not change Microsoft Excel files.The software is free but it will need to be installed on your computer before you can open and view Excel files.
Online
Google Docs is an online service that lets you view, edit and create spreadsheets and other documents in various formats - including Microsoft Excel. Registration is required but the service is free and because everything can be done through your normal web browser there is nothing to install on your computer.
