How to Save a Word Document as a PDF
Exporting from Word usually preserves the document's page layout better than printing to an unknown PDF driver. Review the exported file before sending it.
What to do
- Save the editable document first using File > Save As or Save a Copy.
- Choose PDF as the file type, then open Options if you need to publish selected pages or include document structure tags.
- Select the standard or print-quality option that matches how the PDF will be used, then save the file.
- Open the PDF and check page breaks, fonts, images, links, and page numbers. Use a PDF utility if you need to merge or compress the result.
Checks and limitations
- A PDF export can still contain comments or tracked changes if those are included in the chosen publishing settings.
- Keep the original .docx file if you expect to make edits later.