To save a Word document as a PDF, use Word’s built-in export or save option for your device: choose PDF as the output format, save or download it, then open the PDF and check it before sharing. The menu names can vary by Word version; the routes below follow Microsoft Support’s guidance accessed October 7, 2026.
Save a Word document as a PDF in Windows desktop Word
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For a document you have already saved, select File > Save a Copy. For a document that has not been saved yet, select File > Save As or Save a Copy.
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Select Browse to choose where to save the file.
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In the file type list, choose PDF, then select Save.
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To adjust export settings, open More Options > Options before saving. Depending on your Word version, you can set a page range, choose whether to include tracked changes or markup, create bookmarks from headings or Word bookmarks, include document properties, enable document structure tags for accessibility, make a PDF/A archival copy, handle fonts that cannot be embedded, or encrypt the PDF with a password. Office’s broader export instructions also describe standard and minimum-size output choices; use the options shown in your installed version. Microsoft’s Office desktop PDF and XPS instructions.
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Export a PDF in Word for the web
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Open the document and select File > Export.
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Choose Download as PDF to leave comments out, or Download as PDF with comments to include them.
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Confirm Download, then look for the PDF in your browser’s designated download location.
See Microsoft’s Word for the web export instructions.
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Save a PDF in Word for Mac
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Select File > Save As.
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Enter a name and choose PDF in the File Format box.
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Select Export.
Microsoft advises using a different name for the PDF than for the Word document, so the editable source remains available. If the option is offered, tagged PDFs can help assistive technologies interpret the document: “Tagged PDF files make it easier for screen readers and other assistive technologies to determine a logical reading order and navigation for the file.” Microsoft’s Mac PDF instructions.
Save a Word document as a PDF on a phone or tablet
Android
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Open the document and tap the three-dot or file menu.
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Tap Print, then tap Select a printer > Save as PDF.
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Tap the PDF icon, choose a location, optionally enter a new file name, and save.
iPhone or iPad
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Open the file and tap the three-dot menu.
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Choose Export > PDF.
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Choose where to save the PDF.
Mobile menu labels can vary by device and app version. Microsoft’s instructions cover both mobile routes: save a PDF on a mobile device.
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Choose the right PDF settings for comments, accessibility, and security
Decide whether comments and tracked changes belong in the copy
In Word for the web, choose the download option with comments only when the recipient should see them. On desktop, make an intentional markup choice in the export options. Comments and tracked changes are separate review features, so inspect the exported PDF to confirm what appears.
Enable accessibility tags when available
If readers may use screen readers or other assistive technology, enable Document structure tags for accessibility where Word offers that setting. Tags can help convey reading order and navigation; they do not replace checking that the document itself is structured clearly.
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A PDF is useful for preserving layout when sharing or printing, but PDF format alone does not guarantee that recipients cannot edit its contents. Windows desktop export offers password encryption to restrict who can open a file. Treat that as an access restriction, not a guarantee that an authorized recipient cannot edit or copy its contents.
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Choose between sending a PDF and sharing a live Word document
Send a PDF when someone needs a fixed-format copy for reading, printing, or distribution. If collaborators need to work on the live document, share it through the cloud and set viewing or editing permissions instead. A shared document remains a collaboration workflow; exporting a PDF creates a separate copy. See Microsoft’s document-sharing guidance.
Check the exported PDF before you send it
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Confirm page breaks and layout, especially around tables, images, and page endings.
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Check that fonts display as expected and text is not clipped or shifted.
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Review comments, tracked changes, and other markup to ensure only intended material appears.
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Test important links and inspect the document for sensitive information you did not mean to share.
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Keep the editable
.docxfile if you may need to revise the document later.Quick Recap
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