Each free sample document, letter or file on this site may be in a different common file format including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or Adobe PDF. We try to include PDF File for any document that can be used simply by printing it, such as a calendar. Below you will find a description of the various file types and how to best utilize them in Microsoft Windows.

Microsoft Word document – xyz.doc.

A word processor file will have the most detailed formatting, cleaner look, full editing capability and utilize various Microsoft Word Utilities. It can be opened and edited with Microsoft Word or WordPad.

Printing Microsoft Word documents – Generally the files should not need editing to print. However, you can go to File>Page Options if you want to change the margins, paper layout and other print formatting options.

Microsoft Excel file – xyz.xls. A spreadsheet file that utilized various Excel utilities to perform common spreadsheet functions such as sorting and mathematical calculations. In order to maintain full functionality, this file needs to be opened using Microsoft Excel.

Printing Microsoft Excel spreadsheets – Generally the files should not need editing to print. However, you can go File>Page Options if you want to change the margins, paper layout or other print formatting options. You may also need to select all the cells in the table and go to File>Set Print Area.

Portable Document File – xyz.pdf. A proprietary file of Adobe Systems, .pdf files have the advantage of looking exactly the same, independent of the software used to open the file. They are similar to a graphic file with increased capabilities. This file type usually gives you the most consistent printable version of the document. They generally cannot be edited without using specialized software that is capable of editing the .pdf file.

Printing Adobe PDF files – Generally Adobe PDF files should not need editing, but you may have to go to File>Print and make adjustments to Page Handling and Page Scaling to ensure the document will fit on the size of paper loaded in your printer.

File Types and Read Only – If you do not have the software necessary to view various file types, you can download free readers below, which will not allow you to edit the file, but will allow you to view and print the file.