Preserve your document's content and formatting by converting it to PDF.

PDF is often the preferred final format of documents created in Microsoft Word.

PDFs are great because they preserve the layout and content of documents. This makes PDFs the preferred format for emailing, storing, and sharing with others.

It's also why PDF is the final format for any documents we create in Microsoft Word.

But, how exactly do you convert Word to PDF?

If you're not used to it, converting Word to PDF can seem more complicated than it really is.

Fortunately, it's probably easier than you think.

We've created this step-by-step guide for just this purpose.

Use our Table of Contents to jump to the section you need, or continue reading to get started.

What to Know Before You Start

• If you have your document open in Word, you can save it directly as a PDF: File > Export > Create PDF/XPS > Publish.
• To convert Word to PDF for free, use an online Word to PDF converter.
• If you want to convert multiple Word files to PDF (at the same time), you'll need a PDF editor with batch processing.

Why Convert Word to PDF?

There are many great reasons to convert Word documents to PDF format.

Common reasons include:

1. Converting to PDF greatly reduces the size of the file.
2. Preserve the content, layout, formatting, fonts, and images within the document.
3. Prevent unwanted edits or changes to the document.
4. PDFs can be secured with passwords, encryption, or digital certificates.
5. PDFs can be opened and viewed on almost any device
6. Make them easier to email and share with others.

How to Convert Word to PDF for Free

The best way to convert Word to PDF for free is with an online Word to PDF Converter, like ours. It's 100% free, fast, and safe. No sign-up required!

1. Visit PDF Pro's Word to PDF Converter.
2. Upload the Word document. (Your file will automatically convert once uploaded).
3. Download your new PDF.

That's it!

You now have a PDF that's ready to be shared, secured, or stored.

How to Convert Word to PDF on Microsoft Word

This is probably the most straight-forward method on this list.

If you have your document open in Microsoft Word, you can save it as a PDF, directly in Word.

1. With your document open in Microsoft Word, press the File menu.
2. Press Export > Create PDF/XPS.
3. Name and choose a location to save your new PDF.
4. Press Publish.

How to Convert Word to PDF on Windows (10 or 11)

The most reliable way to convert Word to PDF is by using a PDF editor.

A good PDF editor works without Wi-Fi or Microsoft Word. And can instantly convert Word documents to-and-from PDF format.

PDF Editor (PDF Pro)

PDF Pro is our all-in-one PDF editor, converter, security tool, and more. It can instantly convert Word to PDF, or vice versa, in just a few clicks. Try PDF Pro for free today

1. In PDF Pro, press the Create tab > Create from file.
2. Press Add files or (+).
3. Find and Open the Word file that you want to convert to PDF.
4. Press Create.

That's it!

How to Convert Word to PDF on Mac

Mac users can use Preview to convert Word files to PDF, for free. They can also use a dedicated PDF editor, for the most reliable results.

Preview

1. Open the Word file in Preview (right-click > Open with > Preview).
2. Press File > Export as PDF...
3. Name and select a place to save your new PDF.
4. Save.

PDF expert

PDF Expert is a third-party PDF editor designed specifically for Mac. It can easily convert Word to PDF.

1. Launch PDF Expert.
2. Press File.
3. Select New > From File...
4. Find and select the file that you want to convert to PDF.
5. That's it!

How to Convert Word to PDF on Google Drive (Free)

If you don't have access to Microsoft Word or a PDF editor, then you can use Google Drive and Google Docs to convert Word to PDF for free.

1. Upload your Word doc to Google Drive.
2. Click + New.
3. Click File upload.
4. Find and Open your Word file.
5. Once uploaded, double-click the Word file, and Open with Google Docs.
6. Press File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf).

How to Convert Word to PDF on iPhone or Android

One easy way to convert Word to PDF on iPhone or Android is by using PDF Pro's online Word to PDF Converter.

It's safe, fast, free, and works on almost any device!

1. In your browser, visit PDF Pro's Word to PDF Converter.
2. Upload your Word document. (Your file will automatically convert once it's uploaded).
3. Download the new PDF.

Batch Convert Multiple Word Docs to PDF

To convert multiple Word files to PDF at the same time, you'll need a PDF editor capable of batch processing, like PDF Pro. ##CTA: Try PDF Pro for Free Now.

1. In PDF Pro, press the Create tab.
2. Press Create from file.
3. Press Add files or (+).
4. Add all the files that you want to convert to PDF.
5. Press Create.

That's it! Your PDFs are now ready for the next steps.

Get The Most Out of Your Documents

While we usually create them in Word, PDF is often the preferred final format for documents.

That's because PDFs offer more flexibility when it comes to sharing, viewing, or securing documents, than Word.

And fortunately, converting Word to PDF is pretty easy.

You can save Word as a PDF file, directly in Microsoft Word, or use an online converter.

For the most reliable way to convert Word to PDF, you'll want to invest in a PDF editor.

We recommend PDF Pro, our all-in-one PDF editor, converter, security tool, and more.

PDF Pro makes it easy to convert files to-and-from PDF format, in just a few clicks.

Other things that make PDF Pro awesome:

• How to turn an image into PDF
• How to convert PDF to Excel
• How to convert PDF to Word
• How to save Excel as PDF
• How to save PowerPoint as PDF
• How to password protect a PDF
• Convert PDF to XML

Buy Now Try PDF Pro Free

FAQ

We've compiled the most asked questions about how to convert Word to PDF, and answered them for your benefit.

Can I convert a Word to PDF for free?

Yes! The easiest way is by using an online Word to PDF converter: visit PDF Pro's Word to PDF Converter > Upload Word file > Download PDF.

How do I save a Word document as a PDF?

With your document open in Microsoft Word: Go to File > Export > Create PDF/XPS > Publish.

How to convert Word to PDF on Mac?

One easy way is by using Preview: Open your Word file in Preview > File > Export as PDF... > Save.

How to convert Word to PDF on Mac for free?

Mac users can use Preview to convert Word documents to PDF for free: Open the Word document in Preview > File > Export as PDF... > Save.

How do I convert a Word document to PDF on my iPhone?

One easy way is by using an online Word to PDF converter. In your browser, visit PDF Pro's Word to PDF Converter > Upload your Word file > Download new PDF.

How do I convert a Microsoft Word document to PDF format?

In your browser, visit PDF Pro's Word to PDF Converter > Upload the Word document > Download new PDF.