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To save a Word document as a PDF, use File > Save As on Windows or Mac, or File > Export in Word for the web. The exact choices differ by platform; the web version also lets you include comments. Use a different filename if you want to keep the editable Word document as well as the PDF.
How do I save a Word document as a PDF?
Choose the instructions for the version of Word you are using. Desktop Word creates the PDF through its Save As controls; Word for the web uses Export. After saving, open the PDF and check its pages before sharing if layout accuracy matters.
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| Word version | Menu path | Notable choice |
|---|---|---|
| Windows desktop | File > Save As | Select PDF in the file-type selector and choose a destination. |
| Mac desktop | File > Save As | Choose PDF under File Format, then select Export. |
| Word for the web | File > Export | Download as PDF, with or without comments. |
How do I save Word as PDF on Windows?
- In desktop Word, select File > Save As.
- Choose where to save the file.
- In the file-type selector, choose PDF. Depending on the version, the control may be labelled Save as type.
- Select Save.
Microsoft’s cited Windows instructions are written for screen-reader users. The workflow is documented by Microsoft, but dialog labels and keyboard focus can vary between Word versions. If the controls differ, check which Word edition and platform you are using and follow the labels shown in your version.
How do I save Word as PDF on Mac?
- Select File > Save As, or select the Save icon.
- Enter a filename. To retain both the editable Word file and the PDF, use a name distinct from the original and check the filename and extension before saving.
- Open the File Format menu and choose PDF.
- Select Export.
Microsoft documents this procedure for Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Word 2024 for Mac, and Word 2021 for Mac. Its Mac guidance warns that using the same name can replace the document with the PDF. It also offers File > Share > Send PDF to create a PDF attachment in a new email message. A PDF is often smaller than the original document, but the size is not guaranteed.
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How do I download a Word document as a PDF online?
- In Word for the web, select File.
- Select Export.
- Choose Download as PDF to leave comments out, or Download as PDF with comments to include them.
- Confirm by selecting Download.
- Find the PDF in your designated download location.
Microsoft describes the web export as preserving formatting, but a particular document’s result can depend on its fonts and layout. Inspect the downloaded PDF before sending it if the appearance matters.
What should I check before sharing the PDF?
- Keep the editable source: Save the PDF under a different name and verify the selected filename and extension in the Save As dialog.
- Check comments: In Word for the web, choose the option that matches whether comments should appear in the PDF.
- Inspect layout: Open the exported PDF and check page breaks, fonts, and other formatting that matters to the recipient.
- Consider accessibility: Microsoft Support says tagged PDFs help screen readers and other assistive technologies determine logical reading order and navigate a file. Microsoft’s cited Mac page says tagging can be applied automatically when saving as PDF; do not assume identical settings across platforms.
Saving a Word file as PDF is different from editing a PDF
Exporting a Word document creates a PDF version; it does not edit an existing PDF. Microsoft’s guidance on converting PDFs to Word says conversion works best for PDFs that are mostly text, and the converted document may not match the original page for page. Line and page breaks can shift during that separate conversion process.
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