How to Convert a Word File to PDF

There are many reasons why you’d want to convert your Word file to a PDF. Despite being the most popular word processor around, Microsoft Word isn’t always the most reliable.

For example, with most users shifting to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, it’s important to keep up. PDF files are easier to access and are free, whereas Word files often require prepaid apps that don’t support some features if Microsoft does not make them.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the various ways you can convert your Word file to a PDF successfully.

How to Convert a Word File to PDF using an Online Tool

TinyWow is the ultimate free tool you can use online that offers a wide range of features—converting different types of files from PDF, Docx, and many more.

Here’s a quick guide on converting Word File to PDF:

1. Open one of your favorite browser and visit TinyWow.
   
2. Choose the “Word to PDF” option.
   
3. On the Word to the PDF page, click the Upload for PC or Mobile button.
   
4. Look for your Doc file and press Open.
   
5. Then press Download to save it on your computer or phone.
   
6. After that you can now download your PDF file without the password. Located in your Download’s Folder.

Easy as that, and you are ready to go.

How to Convert Word to PDF on a Mac

It’s 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 into a PDF, as the latter is more widely accepted across various systems.

The great thing about Macs is that there are multiple ways of converting Word documents to PDF files. You can use built-in options, free software, online platforms, or converter tools. Let’s take a closer look at some of these options, and you can choose which suits you best.

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

Using Preview

Preview is a part of Mac’s free native 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” and then “Preview” from the context menu.
   
2. Your document should now be seen on Preview.
3. Click on “File” and then “Export as PDF.”
   
4. Choose the destination of your file, and the PDF will be saved.
   

While this process is pretty simple, it does come with some setbacks. For instance, Preview only lets you load files one by one rather than in bulk. However, the method works great if you seek a quick way to convert one or two files.

Microsoft Word for Mac

Most Macs don’t come with Microsoft Word pre-installed. Instead, they use Pages. However, if you have downloaded Microsoft Word onto your Mac, you can convert your file into a PDF using the same software. Simply follow these steps:

1. Open the Word file you wish to convert using Microsoft Word.
2. Click on “File” and then “Save As.”
   
3. From the dialogue box that appears, select “PDF” from the options.
   
4. Hit “Save,” and your document will be ready to use in the form of a PDF.
   

How to Convert Word to PDF on a Windows 10 PC

Converting your Word document to a PDF file is a guaranteed way of successfully sharing your work across various operating systems without issues.

There are many available options for converting a Word file into PDF using Windows 10, including free-to-use converter tools. This includes:

Use AdobePDFMaker for Windows

Once you download AdobePDFMaker, you will see some extra options appear within your Word document file. Here’s how to use this software to convert work into a 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, and click “Save.”
   

How to Convert Word to PDF on a Chromebook

You can convert your files to a PDF format 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 into PDF files by following these steps:

1. Start by installing the Word to PDF software for Chrome.
2. Upload your Word file onto 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 into PDFs. All you need to do is run the installment and then adjust your settings. Once this is done, your PDF file will be generated immediately.

Use Lumin PDF

Lumin can be installed onto 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 uploading it once it is open 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 an iPhone

If you’re looking to send a Word file through your iPhone to others, you may want to consider converting it into a PDF file first. This way, you don’t have to worry about formatting issues, among others.

Apple considered this when designing the iPhone and pre-installed a PDF conversion app. To convert your Word document into a PDF using your iPhone, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Find the Word document you wish to convert in “Files” or other file manager apps you may have on your iPhone.
   
2. Select your file, then tap “Action” in the bottom left corner.
   
3. Choose the “Convert to PDF” option, and the Word document will be converted instantaneously.
   

How to Convert Word to PDF on an Android

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

Microsoft Word App for Android

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

WPS Office for Android

With over one billion users worldwide, WPS office is by far one of the most popular conversion apps available, having even won the Google Play Best App Award back in 2015. The app is simple to use and converts your work within seconds. All you need to do is:

1. Upload your Word file onto WPS.
   
2. Choose the WPS file you wish to convert and select “PDF” as your format.
   
3. Tap “Convert.”
   

How to Convert Word to PDF Without Losing Formatting

One of the biggest issues faced with converting Word files to PDF is the loss of formatting. You may have used extra page breaks, varying uses of margins, etc. These features can all potentially be re-formatted when converting a file.

Whatever the issue, it can now be solved by heading over to “Page Setup,” located within Microsoft Word, where you can create a custom paper size. Make 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 regular occurrence in this day and age. Considering Apple decided to include the feature as a default on its iPhones shows us how important it is.

Microsoft Word is just one of many word processing programs available for people to 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 to most software around the globe, only reinforcing the idea that having access to the proper conversion tools is a must.

Have you had to convert any files into a PDF format? If so, which software did you use? Would you change anything about your experience? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.