Any type of file that can be printed can be converted into a pdf file, this includes all Microsoft Office documents, text and image files.
So if you have a document that you have created from scratch or an existing one that you wish to convert into a pdf then there are plenty of ways that you can do exactly that. In this article we will go through a few of the most popular methods so you have a number of options at your disposal.
Using Preview on Mac
Know which files you can turn into PDFs with Preview. While it isn’t an exhaustive list, common file formats that can be converted into PDFs include the following:
TIFF files
Photos (.jpg, .png, .bmp, and so on)https://b892bccaf27c58fc2cdb5001aba2822b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Select the file. Go to the location of the file you want to convert, then click once the file to select it.
If you want to select multiple photos, click each photo you want to use while holding down ⌘ Command.
Click File. It’s in the upper-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Select Open With. This is in the File menu. A pop-out menu will appear.
Click Preview. You’ll find it in the pop-out menu. Doing so prompts your file to open in Preview.
Click File again. The drop-down menu will reappear.
Click Export as PDF…. This is in the drop-down menu. A pop-up window will display.
Enter a name. In the “Name” text box, type in the name you want to use for your PDF file.
Select a save location. Click the “Where” box, then click the folder in which you want to save your PDF in the resulting drop-down menu.
Click Save. It’s at the bottom of the window. Doing so will convert your document into a PDF and then store it in your selected save location.
Using the File Menu on Mac
1Know which files you can convert into PDFs with the File menu. The File menu can be used to convert the following documents into PDFs:
Text files (.txt)
Microsoft Office documents (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx, and so on)
Apple documents (e.g., Numbers, Pages, and so on)
Open your document. Double-click the document you want to convert to open it in its program.
Click Print. It’s in the File drop-down menu. Doing so opens the Print window.
Don’t be alarmed if you don’t have a printer attached to your computer—you’re not actually going to print anything.
Click the “PDF” menu. This is in the lower-left side of the window. Clicking it prompts a drop-down menu.
Click Save as PDF. It’s in the drop-down menu.
Enter a name. In the “Name” text box, type in the name you want to use for your PDF file.
Select a save location. Click the “Where” box, then click the folder in which you want to save your PDF in the resulting drop-down menu.
Click Save. It’s a blue button at the bottom of the window. Doing so will convert your document into a PDF and then store it in your selected save location.
Using Preview
Preview is a part of Mac’s free native options when it comes to converting files to PDF (as well as other files). Here’s how:
- Open your Word document and select “Open With” and then “Preview” from the context menu.
- Your document should now be seen on Preview.
- Click on “File” and then “Export as PDF.”
- Choose the destination of your file, and the PDF will be saved.
While this process is pretty simple, it does come with some setbacks. For instance, Preview only lets you load files one by one rather than in bulk. However, the method works great if you seek a quick way to convert one or two files.
Microsoft Word for Mac
Most Macs don’t come with Microsoft Word pre-installed. Instead, they use Pages. However, if you have downloaded Microsoft Word onto your Mac, you can convert your file into a PDF using the same software. Simply follow these steps:
- Open the Word file you wish to convert using Microsoft Word.
- Click on “File” and then “Save As.”
- From the dialogue box that appears, select “PDF” from the options.
- Hit “Save,” and your document will be ready to use in the form of a PDF.
How to Convert Word to PDF on a Windows 10 PC
Converting your Word document to a PDF file is a guaranteed way of successfully sharing your work across various operating systems without issues.
There are many available options for converting a Word file into PDF using Windows 10, including free-to-use converter tools. This includes:
Use AdobePDFMaker for Windows
Once you download AdobePDFMaker, you will see some extra options appear within your Word document file. Here’s how to use this software to convert work into a PDF:
- Open your Microsoft Word document.
- Click the “Convert to Adobe PDF” button located on the Acrobat ribbon.
- Enter a file name and location for your PDF, and click “Save.”
How to Convert Word to PDF on a Chromebook
You can convert your files to a PDF format on your Chromebook using various software. Here are some options:
Use Word to PDF for Google Chrome
This free-to-install software allows users to convert their documents into PDF files by following these steps:
- Start by installing the Word to PDF software for Chrome.
- Upload your Word file onto the software.
- Download the PDF output file.
- Save your work.
Use 7- PDF Maker
Once you download this software, it’s easy as pie to start converting your Word files into PDFs. All you need to do is run the installment and then adjust your settings. Once this is done, your PDF file will be generated immediately.
Use Lumin PDF
Lumin can be installed onto your Chromebook from the Chrome Web Store. Once installed, it adds an icon to your app launcher, making it easy to access. You can convert your Word file simply by uploading it once it is open in your web browser. With Lumin, you can also share your PDF files directly from the software and in real-time.
How to Convert Word to PDF on an iPhone
If you’re looking to send a Word file through your iPhone to others, you may want to consider converting it into a PDF file first. This way, you don’t have to worry about formatting issues, among others.
Apple considered this when designing the iPhone and pre-installed a PDF conversion app. To convert your Word document into a PDF using your iPhone, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Find the Word document you wish to convert in “Files” or other file manager apps you may have on your iPhone.
- Select your file, then tap “Action” in the bottom left corner.
- Choose the “Convert to PDF” option, and the Word document will be converted instantaneously.
How to Convert Word to PDF on an Android
Unlike iPhones, Android does not offer a pre-installed option for converting files to a PDF format. For this reason, you will need to look into the right apps to use to achieve conversion. Here are some examples:
Microsoft Word App for Android
The Android version of Microsoft Word app allows users to create, edit and convert files from Word into PDF formats. This free app is a quick and easy way to ensure your documents are converted.
WPS Office for Android
With over one billion users worldwide, WPS office is by far one of the most popular conversion apps available, having even won the Google Play Best App Award back in 2015. The app is simple to use and converts your work within seconds. All you need to do is:
- Upload your Word file onto WPS.
- Choose the WPS file you wish to convert and select “PDF” as your format.
- Tap “Convert.”
Best Free PDF Converters in 2021
1. Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is such a popular PDF converter and reader that it has become synonymous to PDF format for many people! Using Adobe Acrobat, you can convert text, Microsoft 365 and image files into PDF. For converting your document into PDF, all you need to do is upload the file. The documents then automatically get uploaded to the Adobe Document Cloud. Soon, it becomes available for download. You do not need to sign in to Adobe for downloading the newly created PDF file.
What We Like
- The PDF can be stored online and can be accessed from anywhere
- It provides the users with a link to share the PDF with others
- Supports a large number of file format for conversion
What We Don’t Like
- The free version limits the PDF editing features
2. Soda PDF
The SODA PDF converter supports the easy drag and drop feature. This easy-to-use software ensures that the files that you upload for converting are secured. It’s a rival company of Adobe Acrobat and provides the best features to the users for free of cost.You can also use Soda PDF for converting files from different cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive. Once your PDF file is ready, you also have the option of sending it directly to your email. The desktop application of SODA PDF is also available, which can be used to edit, split pages, and even extract images from the PDF.
What We Like
- The online version of SODA PDF is feature-packed
- The PDF can be directly mailed
- Intuitive user-friendly interface
What We Don’t Like
- The desktop version is a little unstable
3. Lua
Lua is another free online tool to convert files from and to PDF such as PDF to Word and Word to PDF. When you are converting your files using Lua, you can be sure about its security. It uses SSL encryption for securing the file transfer. Further, after the conversion is done, all the files are automatically deleted from the server. Also, it operates entirely in the cloud and therefore, one gains access to use the PDF file converter from any device. All that one needs is a server.
What We Like
- Easy conversion with drag and drop feature
- High level of security for file transfer
- No need for installing any software
What We Don’t Like
- The PDF editor supports only basic editing features
4. iLovePDF
iLovePDF is the hot favourite PDF converter nowadays. It is completely designed to meet all your PDF requirements. All the tools in iLovePDF are available for free and just need a few clicks. The user-interface of iLovePDF is straightforward and easy to use. The service quality is great. Free features available on iLovePDF include merging, splitting, compressing, editing, and adding page numbers and watermarks. Further, it can be used for both unlocking and protecting the PDF.
What We Like:
- Simple and clean interface
- Powerful editing features are available for free
- Service quality is great
What We Don’t Like
- The security used to protect the files is unknown
5. PDF Converter
PDF Converter is your go-to solution for all your PDF conversion needs. The files that you convert using PDF Converter are protected with 256-bit SSL Encryption. Further, it gives you the option of manually deleting the files from the server for your own satisfaction. If you happen to forget to delete it, you still don’t need to worry! It will be automatically deleted in three hours.
Conclusion
When you convert a file to PDF, you get a PDF file which can be opened for reading and editing in Adobe® Reader®. PDF stands for Portable Document Format and it is one of the most popular digital formats used in the world today. This format is made popular by its capability to offer exceptional functionality and portability in an easy-to-use package that has features like typographic control and high compression ratios.