How to Convert Word to PDF (Official Steps + Free Tool)

Quick answer: in desktop Word use File → Save As → choose PDF; in Word for the web use File → Export → Download as PDF.

Official method (desktop)

1. Open the document
2. File → Save As (or Save a Copy)
3. Pick PDF in the file-type dropdown
4. Save — text, tables and hyperlinks are preserved by default

Official method (Word for the web)

1. Open the doc → File → Export
2. Choose Create PDF/XPS document

When to use an online converter instead

• No Word installed, standard PDF needed
• Batch converting several files
• Comparing converter fidelity for layout-sensitive documents

Word to PDF converts entirely in your browser — files never upload, suitable for contracts and sensitive documents.

After converting

• Pagination: Word view and actual PDF pagination can differ — flip through
• Fonts: missing fonts get substituted; embed fonts for critical documents
• Links: broken links? See Word-to-PDF hyperlink fixes

FAQ

The PDF is too large? Embedded images are the usual culprit — compress them first or run PDF Compress. Can I convert back? Yes — see PDF to Word.