How to convert Word file to PDF

There are many reasons why you would want to convert your Word file to PDF. Although it is the most popular word processor, Microsoft Word is not always the most reliable.

For example, with most users moving to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, it's important to keep up. PDF files are easier to access and free, while Word files often require prepaid apps that don't support certain features if Microsoft doesn't create them.

In this article, we will explore the different ways to successfully convert your Word file to PDF.

How to Convert Word to PDF on a Mac

It is well known that Word and PDF are two of the most widely used document formats in the digital world. That being said, it's not uncommon to have to convert your Word file to PDF, as the latter is more widely accepted on various systems.

The advantage of Macs is that there are several ways to convert Word documents to PDF files. You can use built-in options, freeware, online platforms or conversion tools. Let's take a closer look at some of these options and you can choose the one that suits you best.

Here are some built-in apps, as well as downloadable ones, you can check out to speed up the conversion process:

Using Preview

Preview is one of the free native Mac options when it comes to converting files to PDF (as well as other files). Here's how:

1. Open your Word document and select "Open with" then "Preview" from the context menu.
   
2. Your document should now be visible on Preview.
3. Click on "File" and then on "Export to PDF".
   
4. Choose the destination of your file and the PDF will be saved.
   

Although this process is quite simple, it does have some setbacks. For example, Preview only lets you load files one at a time rather than in bulk. However, the method works great if you're looking for a quick way to convert one or two files.

Microsoft Word for Mac

Most Macs don't come with Microsoft Word preinstalled. Instead, they use pages. However, if you have downloaded Microsoft Word on your Mac, you can convert your file to PDF using the same software. Just follow these steps:

1. Open the Word file you want to convert using Microsoft Word.
2. Click on “File” then on “Save as”.
   
3. In the dialog box that appears, select "PDF" from the options.
   
4. Press "Save" and your document will be ready to use as a PDF.
   

How to Convert Word to PDF on Windows 10 PC

Converting your Word document to PDF file is a guaranteed way to successfully share your work across different operating systems without hassle.

There are many options available to convert a Word file to PDF using Windows 10, including free conversion tools. This includes:

Use AdobePDFMaker for Windows

Once you download AdobePDFMaker, you will see additional options appear in your Word document file. Here's how to use this software to convert work to PDF:

1. Open your Microsoft Word document.
   
2. Click the "Convert to Adobe PDF" button located on the Acrobat ribbon.
   
3. Enter a file name and location for your PDF, then click "Save."
   

How to Convert Word to PDF on a Chromebook

You can convert your files to PDF on your Chromebook using various software. Here are some options:

Use Word to PDF for Google Chrome

This free-to-install software allows users to convert their documents to PDF files by following these steps:

1. Start by installing the Word to PDF software for Chrome.
2. Upload your Word file to the software.
3. Download the PDF output file.
4. Save your work.

Use 7- PDF Maker

Once you download this software, it's easy as pie to start converting your Word files to PDF. All you have to do is run the installment and then adjust your settings. Once done, your PDF file will be generated immediately.

Using Lumin PDF

Lumin can be installed on your Chromebook from the Chrome Web Store. Once installed, it adds an icon to your app launcher, making it easy to access. You can convert your Word file simply by downloading it once it is opened in your web browser. With Lumin, you can also share your PDF files directly from the software and in real time.

How to Convert Word to PDF on iPhone

If you want to send a Word file through your iPhone to other people, you can consider converting it to a PDF file first. This way, you don't have to worry about formatting issues, among other things.

Apple took this into account when designing the iPhone and preinstalled a PDF converter application. To convert your Word document to PDF using your iPhone, here's what you need to do:

1. Find the Word document you want to convert in "Files" or other file management apps you might have on your iPhone.
   
2. Select your file, then tap "Action" in the lower left corner.
   
3. Choose the "Convert to PDF" option and the Word document will be converted instantly.
   

How to Convert Word to PDF on Android

Unlike iPhones, Android does not offer a pre-installed option to convert files to PDF format. For this reason, you will need to research the right apps to use to perform the conversion. Here are some examples:

Microsoft Word app for Android

The Android version of Microsoft Word application allows users to create, edit and convert files from Word to PDF formats. This free app is a quick and easy way to make sure your documents are converted.

WPS Office for Android

With over a billion users worldwide, WPS Office is by far one of the most popular converter apps available, even winning Google Play's Best App award in 2015. The app is simple to use. use and converts your work in seconds. All you have to do is:

1. Upload your Word file to WPS.
   
2. Choose the WPS file you want to convert and select "PDF" as the format.
   
3. Press "Convert".

How to Convert Word to PDF Without Losing Formatting

One of the biggest problems encountered when converting Word files to PDF is the loss of formatting. You may have used extra page breaks, different uses of margins, etc. These features can all be reformatted when converting a file.

Whatever the problem, it can now be solved by going to “Page Setup” located in Microsoft Word, where you can create a custom paper size. Be sure to apply this technique to each page of the document individually. The converted PDF file should then adhere to the formatting of your original document without issue.

To convert or not to convert: that is the question

Converting our Word files to PDF is a common practice these days. Considering that Apple decided to include the feature by default on its iPhones shows us how important it is.

Microsoft Word is just one of many word processing programs that users can install. This means that not everyone will have access to its settings or view documents created using it. In contrast, PDF is a universal file extension, available for most software around the world, only reinforcing the idea that having access to the proper conversion tools is a must.

Have you had to convert files to PDF format? If so, what software did you use? Would you change anything in your experience? Let us know by leaving a comment below.