We are evaluating Aspose as a potential component of a solution for our customers in which thumbnail images are generated automatically from office documents when uploaded to our enterprise application via a multi-step back end process.
Unfortunately, my preliminary research has shown that while Aspose Excel to PDF conversion handles simple spreadsheets quite well, the inclusion of anything I'd consider a complex document element is either ignored or represented in an unpredictable, corrupted manner.
The elements I have found to cause problems are listed below:
Office 2007
§ XLSX<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
o Smart Art
o Excel chart
o Conditional formatting
o Images
§ XLS
o Smart Art (odd artifact)
o Excel chart
o Conditional formatting
o Images
Office 2003
§ XLS
o Images
o Charts
o Shapes
In regards to the unpredictable/unsatisfactory handling of these complex elements, I'm trying to verify if this behavior is
A. A known limitation of the Aspose technology approach to PDF creation unlikely to change in the near future
or
B. A simple defect that can likely be resolved quickly and easily by the Aspose team if made aware of these issues on a specific point-by-point basis.
Any insight shared would be greatly appreciated, as this sort of known limitation/defect makes the decision of whether or not to pursue an Aspose-based solution considerably more difficult. I have noticed similar behavior with powerpoint slides and Word and have open issues with those teams.
Thanks,
Andrew