Don't waste time jumping from application to application to get a PDF version of your file. Print to PDF it, instead!

Learn how to Print to PDF from any program that can print!

Print to PDF is an easy way to save a document as a PDF.

Since PDFs can be opened on almost any device, and aren't the easiest to edit, it makes them a great format for sharing documents with others.

But, how do you Print to PDF?

It's actually pretty easy.

And since you can Print to PDF from any program that has a print function, it's a useful thing to know how to do.

We'll cover in step-by-step instructions the best ways to Print to PDF on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices like iPhone and Android.

What to Know Before You Start

• You can Print to PDF from any program that has the Print function.
• On Windows: open the document > File > Print > select Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer > Print.
• On Mac: open the document > File > Print > select Save as PDF > Save.

What Does Print to PDF Mean?

"Print to PDF" is when a virtual printer is used to create a PDF of a file.

It comes in handy when you need to turn another file format into a PDF.

Why Print to PDF?

Print to PDF is an easy way to turn another file format into a PDF, or to flatten a PDF that's interactive.

Reasons to Print to PDF include:

1. Turn any printable file into a PDF.
2. Preserve content, layout, and formatting of files.
3. Store and archive documents.
4. Make files easier to email and share.
5. Add password and encryption to secure important files.
6. Flatten files to remove interactivity.

How to Print to PDF on Windows

Windows users have a built-in virtual printer that can be used to Print to PDF from any program that prints.

This includes Windows programs, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and browsers (Chrome, Edge, etc.).

In this example we'll use Microsoft Word. Try PDF Pro for free

1. Open a file in a Windows program.

2. Click File > Print or ([ctrl] + [p] on your keyboard).

3. Select Microsoft Print to PDF as the Printer.

4. Press Print.

5. Select a new name and location to save your PDF.

6. Press Save.

How to Print to PDF on Mac

Printing to PDF on macOS is easy, and works on any program that has a print function.

1. On you Mac computer, Open the file that you want to Print to PDF.
2. Press File > Print.
3. Click the PDF button in the bottom-right corner (or, click the down caret, then select Save as PDF).
4. Select a name and location for the new PDF file.
5. Press Save.

How to Print to PDF on iPhone (or Android)

Printing to PDF on mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Android devices is easy. Any app that allows printing can Print to PDF.

Depending on your device, the exact method may differ, but the steps will be similar.

1. Open the document in the app or browser of your choice.
2. Press the Share icon.
3. Tap on Print.
4. Select Save as PDF (or Save file) as the Printer output.
5. Press Save (or Print).

Print to PDF on Any Device!

Print to PDF lets you save any printable document or file as a PDF!

The best part is that the methods are similar regardless of the device that you use.

If PDFs are often the final format of your documents, then you'll want to invest in a PDF editor.

A good PDF editor lets you do more with your documents, like securing them with passwords or digital certificates.

For all things PDF, we recommend PDF Pro, our all-in-one PDF editor, converter, security tool, and more. Try PDF Pro for free

Other things PDF Pro can help you do:

• How to convert Word to PDF
• How to convert Excel to PDF
• How to scan multiple pages into one PDF
• How to rotate a PDF
• How to combine PDF files
• Add watermarks to PDF
• How to password protect a PDF

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FAQ

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

Can I print to PDF for free?

Yes! You can Print to PDF from pretty much any program with a Print function.

How do I print to PDF and save it?

Open the document in a program that can print > File > Print > select Microsoft Print to PDF or Save as PDF > Print/Save > Name and select a location to save the PDF > Print/Save.

How do I print to PDF on Windows 10?

Open a file in any Windows program > Print > Select Microsoft Print to PDF as the Printer > Print > Select a new name and location to save your PDF > Save.

How do I print to PDF on Windows 11?

Open your file in a Windows program > Print > Select Microsoft Print to PDF as your Printer > Print > Choose a new name and location to save your PDF > Save.

How do I print to PDF on Android?

Open your file in the app or browser of your choice > Tap the Share icon > Print > Select Save as PDF (or Save file) as the Printer output > Save (or Print).

How do I print to PDF on iPhone?

Open the file in the app or browser > Share icon > Print > Select Save file > Save.

Why can't I print to a PDF?

If the document you're trying to print has restrictions or other security features that prevent printing, then you may not be able to print to PDF.

How do I enable Microsoft Print to PDF in Windows?

Microsoft Print to PDF is the virtual printer that comes built-in with your Windows computer. It's enabled automatically. To use it, select it as your printer from the Print settings dialog box.