How do I convert a Word document to a PDF?
How can I convert a Word document to a PDF?
To convert a Word document into Word 2010 To convert a file into a PDF, you need to follow these 5 steps. Here’s how:
- Open the document you want in Microsoft Word.
- Click on „File“ in the top-left corner and select „Save As“.
- In the dialogue box that opens, specify where the document should be saved.
- Under „File type“, select „PDF“ and click „Save“.
- The Word document is converted to a PDF and saved to the selected location.
Convert a Word document in Word 2013, Word 2016 and Word 365
To convert a Word document into Word 2013 and Word 2016, 365 There is a five-step method for converting a file to PDF. Here’s how it works:
- Click on „Publish“ to create the PDF file.
- Open the document you want in Word
- Click on „File“ in the top-left corner and then select „Export“.
- Click on the „Create PDF/XPS document“ button.
- A window will open where you can specify the file name and save location. Make sure that „PDF“ is selected as the file type.
Why should I convert my Word file to a PDF?
The PDF provides an accurate preview of what will be printed
Most people write their bachelor’s or master’s thesis using the word processing programme WORD. It is advisable to convert this Word file into a PDF, as this ensures the best possible print result. Explanation: The Word format is an „open“ format, which roughly means that it can look different on every computer depending on the version of Word and the print margins set. This is exactly what happens during the printing process, and the printer produces a different result than intended, with misaligned paragraphs, headings at the bottom of a page, etc.
It can also happen that someone doesn’t have the right font installed on their computer, so Word simply picks a different one, which distorts the result. The solution is: „PDF“. PDF is a „closed“ format. When someone opens a PDF file, they cannot make any changes to it and it looks exactly the same on every computer. What the viewer sees is exactly what the printer produces. Misaligned lines or images are impossible. Furthermore, a PDF is virus-free. You can find instructions on how to convert a Word file into a PDF file further up on this page.
Can I also convert my Word document to a PDF online or using a printer driver?
Yes, there are printer drivers and online tools for converting Word documents to PDF
The latest versions of Word (see instructions above) allow you to save a Word document as a PDF.
However, there are other ways to convert a Word document into a PDF document. For example, using a PDF printer driver. When you buy a new printer, you usually receive a CD containing a „driver“ or download it from the internet. This is a programme that helps the computer recognise the printer. If you buy ANOTHER printer, you’ll need to install a driver again. The same applies to the PDF printer driver. Simply download it from the internet and install it. Then open the Word document and pretend you want to print it (don’t use the shortcut with the printer icon, but go via „File“, „Print…“). Instead of the „normal“ printer, simply select the PDF printer. The programme will ask where the converted PDF file should be saved. Just choose a folder (e.g. Desktop), and you’re done.
You can find printer drivers like these all over the internet. However, as things are constantly changing – with some providers disappearing and others appearing – we’ve simply provided a link for you to Link to the relevant Google search (Even if a direct download link becomes obsolete). Advantage: The file is created and saved on your own computer. Disadvantage: You must first install a printer driver.
However, a Word file can also be converted to a PDF using an online tool. Simply upload the Word file, enter your email address and submit, or download the converted document. The PDF document will arrive in your inbox within a few minutes. A link to Google Search is here. Advantage: There is no need to install a printer driver. Disadvantage: The Word document, which may contain confidential information, is stored on some external server.
Which programmes can I use to open PDF files?
Using Adobe PDF Reader or Foxit Reader
To open a PDF, we recommend the Adobe Reader (available to download for free). An alternative to this programme is called „Foxit“ Reader (also available free of charge). With both programmes, you can open and read PDF documents, but not edit them.
By the way: a thesis often consists of a cover page, table of contents, main text, etc. Many authors choose to format these documents separately and save them as PDF files. Of course, at some point they will need to be printed as a single file. There is an online tool for this: „PDF Merge“.
Do you have any questions?
We advise you personally.
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