---
title: "Choose between PDF and Excel proposals"
slug: "choose-between-pdf-and-excel-proposals"
updated: 2026-07-22T14:09:44Z
published: 2026-07-22T14:09:44Z
canonical: "docs.zilliant.com/choose-between-pdf-and-excel-proposals"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.zilliant.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Choose between PDF and Excel proposals

Zilliant CPQ generates proposals based on templates. Templates define layout, text, and which quote or agreement data to print. CPQ supports two report formats:

- **Portable Document Format (PDF)** for print‑perfect layout and dynamic images. Uses [JasperReports](https://community.jaspersoft.com/documentation/) ![](https://cdn.document360.io/24f960e8-3c1c-4c18-a2c6-83b6ae4aab84/Images/Documentation/external-link-svgrepo-com.svg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T12%3A17%3A01Z&se=2026-11-11T13%3A17%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=tljhpN%2Fjy255DJVMw2%2FOm%2FHKB8VhO92kYxQ9O4m5YAA%3D) templates (JRXML). For PDF reports, CPQ supports composition: a main proposal template can include additional reports, such as a cover page or letter, and subreports for reusable blocks like price items or item details.
- **Microsoft Excel (XLSX)** for grid‑first output and cell formulas. Uses [JXLS](https://jxls.sourceforge.net/) ![](https://cdn.document360.io/24f960e8-3c1c-4c18-a2c6-83b6ae4aab84/Images/Documentation/external-link-svgrepo-com.svg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T12%3A17%3A01Z&se=2026-11-11T13%3A17%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=tljhpN%2Fjy255DJVMw2%2FOm%2FHKB8VhO92kYxQ9O4m5YAA%3D) markup for templates.

The following table helps you choose a template type based on your needs:

| If you need… | Choose | Why |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Complex page layout, subreports, dynamic images | PDF | Best for branded, print-ready documents. |
| Spreadsheet math, ad‑hoc calculations, easy totals | Excel | Easier iteration and calculations in cells. |
| Multilingual output | PDF or Excel | Both support localization; syntax differs. |
| Importing Java classes or declaring variables | PDF | Jasper allows imports and report variables. |
| Static images only | Excel | JXLS supports static images, dynamic not supported. |