For most Word documents, use Save As or Export to PDF. Word’s document-aware workflow offers PDF-specific options, including accessibility tags and, depending on your version, print-quality and PDF/A settings. Use Print to PDF when your workflow requires the operating system’s print interface or a particular driver, then check the PDF itself: behavior can vary, and neither method should be assumed to preserve every link, layout detail, or accessibility feature.
How the two PDF methods differ
Word’s Save As or Export workflow creates a PDF from within the document application and exposes Word-specific output controls. The available options depend on your platform and Word version. Microsoft describes the desktop Office workflow in its Save or convert to PDF or XPS guidance.
Print to PDF sends the document through a print interface and the selected PDF printer or driver. That can suit a workflow built around printing, but the official material cited here does not establish that all operating systems and drivers handle links, structure, fonts, or layout in the same way. Check the output rather than relying on a general guarantee.
Choose based on what the PDF is for
General sharing
Start with Word’s Save As or Export to PDF. It is the sensible default for a Word document because it provides document-specific output options. Open the finished file and test important links and navigation.
#1 Best Overall
- INNOVATIVE CARTRIDGE-FREE PRINTING — No more dealing with lots of tiny ink cartridges; With this wireless document and photo printer each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 90 individual cartridges²
- LESS FREQUENT INK REPLACEMENT — Replacement ink bottles don't have to be changed nearly as often as ink cartridges¹; When you choose this combination printer, scanner and copier you can print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color³
- COLOR PRINTING — Up to 2 years of ink in the box4 (and with every replacement ink set) for fewer out-of-ink frustrations
- ZERO CARTRIDGE WASTE — By using an Epson EcoTank printer you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
- HOME PRINTER DESIGNED FOR RELIABILITY — The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Supertank Color Printer creates vivid, detailed prints and documents thanks to Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology; Fire off 10 ISO pages per minute1 to easily finish large jobs
Accessibility
Check the Word document before conversion, then enable document structure tags for accessibility when that option is available. Microsoft explains that tags help assistive technologies interpret semantic content and navigate elements such as headings, tables of contents, hyperlinks, bookmarks, and alt text in its accessible PDF guidance.
Tags do not fix inaccessible source content. Review the document with Word’s Accessibility Checker before exporting. If accessibility or regulatory compliance matters, also validate the resulting PDF with appropriate tools; choosing an export option alone does not establish conformance. Microsoft’s Word PDF Accessibility documentation describes semantic tags and heading or bookmark navigation for specified Word versions and release channels, so availability can vary.
Rank #2
- CARTRIDGE-FREE PRINTING — Print lab-quality photos, graphics and creative projects; Get vibrant colors and sharp text with Epson's high-accuracy printhead and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks
- INK BOTTLES — Save on photos1 and creative projects with affordable in-house printing; All-in-one printer allows you to print 4" x 6" photos for about 4 cents each vs. 40 cents with traditional ink cartridges1
- LESS FREQUENT INK REPLACEMENT — Replacement ink bottles don't have to be changed nearly as often as ink cartridges¹; Printer, scanner and copier lets you print up to 6,200 color pages³
- PRINT FOR LONGER — Up to 2 years of ink in the box² (and with every replacement ink set) for fewer out-of-ink frustrations with this wireless printer
- ZERO CARTRIDGE WASTE — Epson EcoTank printer helps reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills; Cartridge-free printer uses high-yield ink bottles; Each replacement ink bottle set is equivalent to about 100 individual ink cartridges⁴
Printing
When exporting from Word, choose the quality option suited to the job. Microsoft’s Office guidance describes a Standard option for publishing online and printing; inspect page breaks, images, and fonts in the completed PDF before sending it to print.
Archiving
If an archival format is required and your version offers it, select PDF/A. Microsoft describes PDF/A as an option intended to support consistent rendering later. Selecting it does not guarantee that every aspect of the original Word file is preserved.
Rank #3
- SET IT UP ONCE AND PRINT WITH CONFIDENCE. No complicated maintenance. Just easy, reliable printing you can count on.
- INK FOR YEARS. NOT MONTHS. Up to 2 years of ink included. Get thousands of pages of cartridge-free printing. More pages, less hassle
- KEEPS PRINTING WELL AFTER COMPETITORS HAVE QUIT. No complex maintenance. Sharper text, richer colors.[2] Only with HP Smart Tank
- PREMIUM SUPPORT - Strong technical expertise to solve issues faster
- THE LAST PRINTER YOU'LL EVER NEED. Enjoy years of refillable, cartridge-free printing.
A workflow tied to a print driver
Choose Print to PDF if a required process depends on the operating system’s print interface or a particular driver. Because driver behavior is not universal, verify the resulting file for the features your recipients need.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check in the finished PDF
- Prepare the source: If assistive-technology access matters, run Word’s Accessibility Checker and address issues in the document first.
- Export from Word: Use Save As or Export and select PDF. In supported desktop workflows, open Options and confirm that “Document structure tags for accessibility” is selected when needed. The exact route and available options vary across Windows, Mac, and web versions.
- Choose output settings: Select the available quality option for printing or file size, or PDF/A when an archival format is required.
- Inspect the actual file: Check page breaks, fonts, clickable links, headings or bookmarks, and reading order. For accessibility or regulatory work, use suitable PDF validation tools rather than treating conversion as proof of compliance.
For further detail on Word and PDF accessibility options, see Microsoft’s Microsoft 365 PDF Accessibility documentation.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Wireless Bluetooth Printer: Portable thermal printer compatible with iPhone, Android phones, iPad and tablet computers via Bluetooth. For smartphones, please download the "Nada Print" App. You can also connect to laptops and computers for printing using a USB-C cable. (Note: Laptops and computers can only be connected via USB and require the installation of a driver first. Bluetooth connection is not supported.)
- No-ink printing: Only supports US Letter and A4 size thermal paper.(Doesn't support regular paper) The no-ink portable thermal printer uses direct thermal technology, requiring no ink, toner or ribbons, making it environmentally friendly, cost-effective and time-saving. The thermal printer package comes with a roll of US Letter thermal printing paper. Note: When installing the paper, remember to switch the paper size switch on APP
- Clear Print: NDYIN N80 portable thermal printer adopts high-definition printing technology, with a 203DPI resolution to provide you with clear printing results. This mobile printer is compatible with roll paper, folded paper and tattoo transfer paper, supporting printing from your mobile phone PDF, Word, pictures and web pages anytime and anywhere. It is recommended to use our NDYIN thermal paper to achieve good printing quality
- Portable wireless printer for travel: The thermal printer is equipped with a built-in 1500mAh rechargeable battery, which can print 160 sheets of 8.5" x 11" thermal paper after being fully charged. It weighs only 1.5 pounds and is compact in size. This ink-free portable printer can be easily carried in a backpack or briefcase! It is perfect for business travel, cars, small offices, construction sites, schools and homes. You can print documents, contracts, invoices and boarding passes anytime and anywhere
- The N80 thermal printer has a wide range of uses. The package includes the N80 printer, a roll of US Letter paper(7m/roll), a user manual, a guide card, a type-C soft cable and a type C adapter. Note: The charging adapter is not included. Special thermal paper is required for use; ordinary paper cannot be used. This ink-free portable thermal printer is suitable for various scenarios such as home, school, travel, office, and outdoor, meeting the printing needs of different groups of people. This tattoo template printer is also compatible with tattoo transfer paper, making it an ideal choice for tattoo art
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
