How to Convert a Microsoft Word Document to PDF Format

Transcription

1 How to Convert a Microsoft Word Document to PDF Format Sharing a file in PDF format allows people to view the document regardless of what word processor they are using. More importantly, it prevents formatting errors from cropping up due to word-processor incompatibilities, making PDFs a must for official documents like resumes and important letters. To convert a Microsoft Word document to PDF format, use one of the following methods. Edit Steps Word Open the file you wish to save.

2 2. Click the "File" button in the top left-hand corner of Word. 2

3 3. 3 Go to Save As > PDF or XPS. o If this option is not available to you, go here to download Microsoft's free PDF and XPS converter. Note that this will only work for Windows; if you have a Mac, use the method below Type in the desired file name and adjust settings as necessary. Choose Minimum Size if you wish to reduce the size and quality.

4 5. 5 Hit Save. This will convert your document and open it in Adobe Reader (if you have it installed).

5 Word for Mac 1. 1 Open the file you wish to save Go to File > Print Click the PDF button in the lower left-hand corner, then select "Save as PDF" from the dropdown menu. Newer

6 versions of Microsoft Word have this option; if it does not appear on your version, try one of the methods below Choose a file name and title for your PDF. Adjust the other settings as necessary.

7 5. 5 Hit Save to create the PDF. This will convert your document. Other Versions of Word 1. 1 Open the file you wish to save Go to File > Print Click the dropdown list of installed printers and select PDF. Newer versions of Microsoft Word have this option; if it does not appear on your version, try one of the methods below Click OK. This will convert your document and open it in Adobe Reader (if you have it installed). PDF Conversion Website 1. 1

8 Go to a free PDF conversion website. Examples include Print In PDF, Free PDF Convert, PDF Online, and Doc Pub. o Do not use a site that asks you to pay, install unnecessary software, or anything else you re uncomfortable with. There are many free, easy-to-use PDF conversion sites online and you shouldn t have to settle Click Browse to locate the desired Word file(s) Provide your address if necessary. Some sites will the file directly to your inbox. If you don t want to provide your address, note that Print in PDF does not require your address Click Convert and wait for it to process Check your file. Check the website for your converted file; otherwise, look for the file in your inbox. 6. 6

9 Click on your PDF file(s) to open and/or download them. Save if necessary. Google Docs and Spreadsheets 1. 1 Sign up for Gmail if you haven't already Go to the Google Docs homepage Click the upload button in the upper left-hand corner and select Files.

10 4. 4 Select the file you would like to convert and click Open Confirm your upload settings, if applicable, and click Start Upload. Depending on your Google Doc settings, you may be required to confirm settings before you begin your upload. Check the applicable boxes before starting the upload. 6. 6

11 Click on the document to open it via Google. Make adjustments to the document as necessary; some formatting may be lost during the conversion to a Google doc Go to File > Download As > PDF from the menu that appears Save the PDF file when prompted.

12 Using Open Office 1. 1 Download OpenOffice. This is a free, open-source word processor that is fully compatible with Word Double click on the downloaded file to install OpenOffice on your computer.

13 3. 3 Open the Word document you want to convert in Open Office.

14 4. 4 From the main menu, select File > Export as PDF. There is also an export to PDF button right on the main taskbar Choose a file name for your PDF. Make sure that everything else is how you want it Click Okay or Save to convert. This will convert your document and open it in Adobe Reader (if you have it installed).

15 Use a Utility like PDF995 (Windows Only) 1. 1 Download the free version of PDF995 s PDF converter. There are 2 little files to download and install: a printer driver and a converter. o Note that the free version will display a sponsor page in your browser every time you run the program Save the files to your computer. It will probably download in c:/downloads unless you have a different favorite location for your downloads Double click on each zip file to uncompress and install it.

16 4. 4 Use Word to open the file you wish to save Go to Click File > Print Click the dropdown list of installed printers and select PDF995 as the printer Hit Print to convert the file. Note that this doesn t actually print the file but actually prompts PDF995 to save it as a PDF Choose a location to save to and hit Save. Edit Video Edit Tips

17 If you want to make additional adjustments to the converted PDF, go back to Word, update the document, and re-save as a PDF. Using the On-line converter is quick and easy, but be aware that the sites often have glitches and/or are down for maintenance. Note that OpenOffice can read.docx but not write it. Always back your original files before converting them. Edit Warnings These methods will work for basic documents. Files with high levels of formatting may see a loss of some formatting. If converting sensitive documents, avoid the online converters.