Do You Need a Word-to-PDF Converter? Safer Built-In Options

You usually do not need a separate “Word to PDF Converter” program. Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, macOS, and Windows printing tools can create a PDF directly. Using a built-in feature also avoids installing an old or unverified converter.

Best option: save as PDF in Microsoft Word

1. Open the DOC or DOCX file in Word.
2. Select File > Save As or File > Export, depending on your Word version.
3. Choose PDF as the file type.
4. Select a destination and file name. Use the standard quality option for printing, or the minimum-size option when a smaller email attachment matters more than image detail.
5. Save the file, then open the PDF and check its pages, fonts, images, tables, and links.

For screenshots and detailed export settings, follow the guide to save DOC and DOCX files as PDF in Word.

Other ways to create a PDF

Use Print to PDF on Windows

In many Windows applications, open File > Print, choose Microsoft Print to PDF, and select Print. This creates a PDF instead of sending the document to a physical printer. Printed PDFs may not preserve bookmarks, form controls, comments, or document metadata as well as Word's export feature.

Export from LibreOffice

LibreOffice Writer can open many Word documents and export them to PDF. Check the layout carefully because fonts and complex formatting can change when a DOCX file is opened in another word processor.

Use an online converter only for non-sensitive files

An online service may be convenient on a shared or mobile device, but uploading a document gives another service access to its contents. Avoid uploading contracts, financial records, personal information, or confidential work unless the service has been approved by your organization.

Before installing conversion software

The program named in the original version of this article is old and its current publisher, update status, and download integrity could not be verified. Do not install a copy from an unofficial mirror merely to follow outdated screenshots.

• Confirm the publisher and download only from its official site.
• Check that the software still receives security and compatibility updates.
• Scan the installer with your security software before opening it.
• Choose a custom installation when available and decline unrelated bundled programs.
• Create a restore point before installing unfamiliar system software.

Which method should you use?

Use Word's own PDF export when possible; it normally preserves the document structure and hyperlinks better than printing. Use Print to PDF for applications without an export command. Consider a dedicated PDF application only when you need features such as combining files, creating forms, redaction, digital signatures, or batch processing.

If the only copy you have is already a PDF, see the available methods for converting PDF to Word. For a document that must remain visually consistent after sharing, also review the practical differences between PDF and Word formats.