Short answer: in Word, go to File → Save As → PDF. Without Word, open the document in Google Docs and choose File → Download → PDF document. If you're on a shared computer and don't want to install or sign in to anything, use an online Word to PDF converter.
PDF is the format employers, schools and offices ask for, because it looks the same on every device and can't be changed by accident. Converting a Word document to PDF is free and there are several ways to do it. Here's each one step by step, and which one to choose depending on what the file is for.
Which method to use
| Method | Fidelity | Selectable text | You need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word: Save as PDF | Exact | Yes | Word |
| Google Docs: Download as PDF | Very high | Yes | A Google account |
| LibreOffice: Export as PDF | High | Yes | To install it (free) |
| Word app on your phone | Exact | Yes | The app |
| Online converter in the browser | Good for simple documents | Depends | Nothing |
1. In Microsoft Word
- Open the document in Word.
- Go to File → Save As (or Save a Copy in Microsoft 365).
- Under Save as type, choose PDF (*.pdf) and click Save.
File → Export → Create PDF/XPS Document works too. Under Options you can pick which pages to export and create bookmarks from your headings, which helps with long documents. In Word for Mac, use File → Save As and choose PDF under File Format.
2. With Google Docs (no Word needed)
- Upload the .docx to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs.
- Go to File → Download → PDF document (.pdf).
It's free and very faithful. Check that no unusual font has changed: Google swaps fonts it doesn't have for similar ones.
3. With LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a free office suite that opens .doc and .docx files. Open the document and go to File → Export as PDF. It's a good choice if you convert documents often and don't have Microsoft Office.
4. On your phone
With the Word app for Android or iPhone (free for basic editing): open the document, tap the three-dot menu or the share icon and choose "Share as PDF" or "Export → PDF". You can also open it in the Google Docs app and use Share & export → Save as → PDF.
5. Online, without installing or signing in
On a work or library computer, or if you'd rather not upload the document to any account, an online converter is the quickest option:
- Open the Word to PDF converter.
- Drop in your .docx file.
- Click convert and download the PDF.
Our converter runs in your browser: the document isn't uploaded to any server. It keeps text, headings, bold, lists and simple tables. Because it doesn't use Office, complex layouts (columns, text boxes, special fonts) may shift, and each page is rendered as an image. That's fine for a document someone just needs to read or print; for a CV or an official document, use options 1 to 3.
Convert your .docx to PDF in your browser, free and without uploading it anywhere.
Convert Word to PDF →If it's for a CV
Many employers screen CVs with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that read the text inside the PDF. If the PDF is an image, the software can't find your experience or keywords. For your CV, always use Save as PDF from Word or Google Docs, check that you can select the text in the PDF, and name it after yourself: CV-First-Last.pdf.
Common problems
- Fonts change: this happens when the converter doesn't have the font installed. In Word, turn on File → Options → Save → "Embed fonts in the file", or stick to common fonts.
- Blank pages appear: usually a page break or an empty paragraph at the end. Turn on formatting marks (¶) in Word and delete it.
- The PDF is too big: almost always because of images. Shrink it with the PDF compressor.
- You need to send several documents together: convert them and then merge them into one PDF.
- You need the opposite: to edit a PDF in Word, see how to convert PDF to Word.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a Word document to PDF?
In Word, go to File → Save As and choose PDF as the file type (or File → Export → Create PDF/XPS). Without Word, you can use Google Docs (File → Download → PDF), LibreOffice (File → Export as PDF) or an online converter in your browser.
How do I convert Word to PDF without Microsoft Word?
Upload the .docx to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs, or install LibreOffice, which is free. For a quick PDF of a simple document, an online converter that runs in your browser works without installing anything.
How do I convert Word to PDF on my phone?
With the Word app for Android or iPhone: open the document, tap the three-dot menu or the share icon and choose "Share as PDF" or "Export → PDF". You can also open it in Google Docs and download it as a PDF.
Will the formatting change when I convert Word to PDF?
Not if you use Word's own Save as PDF: the PDF comes out identical. Converters that don't use Office (online or third-party) may shift complex layouts such as columns, text boxes or uncommon fonts.
Should a CV PDF have selectable text?
Yes. Many employers screen CVs with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that read the text inside the PDF. If each page is an image, the software cannot read it. For your CV, use Save as PDF from Word or Google Docs.
Can I convert old .doc files?
Word, Google Docs and LibreOffice open .doc files and save them as PDF. Many online converters only accept .docx: in that case, open the .doc and save it as .docx first.