Microsoft Word can export a document directly to PDF—no separate converter is needed for the basic task. Keep your editable DOCX, choose the export steps for your version of Word, and open the finished PDF to check its layout before sharing.
Save a Word document as a PDF in Word for the web
- Open the document and select File > Export.
- Choose Download as PDF for a clean copy, or Download as PDF with comments if the comments should be included. Microsoft describes the latter as including all comments. Review them before distributing a final copy. Microsoft’s Word for the web instructions explain the export choices.
- Confirm Download, then find the PDF in your browser’s downloads location.
Export a PDF from Word on Windows
- Select File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document > Create PDF/XPS.
- Choose a save location and open Options to review the available settings. Microsoft documents options for document structure tags and password encryption to restrict opening to people who know the password.
- Select Publish, then open the PDF and check it.
Menu labels can differ by Word release. If this route is not visible, use the PDF export or Save As controls available in your installed version. See Microsoft’s desktop PDF/XPS instructions for the documented workflow.
Save a PDF from Word on Mac
- Select File > Save As. You can also use the Save icon and choose Save As.
- Enter a filename that differs from the Word document’s name.
- Set File Format to PDF, then select Export.
Saving under a different name helps preserve the editable Word file. Microsoft cautions that replacing the original with a PDF means it cannot be edited normally in Word without specialized software or a third-party add-in. Word for Mac’s tagged-PDF workflow can retain document structure intended to help assistive technologies determine reading order and navigate the file. Microsoft’s Mac instructions cover the export process.
Export a PDF using Word on a phone or tablet
Microsoft documents this iOS route: select File > Export > PDF. The precise controls can vary by mobile app version, so follow the PDF export option shown in your copy of Word. Microsoft’s mobile PDF guidance describes the supported workflow.
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Choose settings for comments, accessibility, and protection
Decide whether comments belong in the PDF
Word for the web explicitly offers a download with or without comments. Choose the clean PDF for a final reader when review comments should stay out; include comments when you are deliberately sharing a review copy. Do not assume the same comment controls are available on every platform.
Improve accessibility before exporting
Run Word’s Accessibility Checker on the source document and address issues it flags. Where available, preserve PDF structure tags during export. Microsoft says tags help screen readers and other assistive technologies navigate content such as tables of contents, hyperlinks, bookmarks, alt text, and reading order. Tags are not a guarantee that every exported PDF is fully accessible: when accessibility matters, review the PDF’s reading order, links, headings, tables, and alternative text. Microsoft’s accessibility guidance covers preparation and tagged PDFs.
Use password protection only where the export options provide it
Microsoft documents password encryption among the PDF export options in desktop Word for Windows. The cited instructions do not establish that the same protection controls are available in Word for the web, Mac, or mobile, so check the options shown by your version rather than assuming they match.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the PDF before sending it
- Confirm page breaks, headers, and footers.
- Check images, hyperlinks, and any other important content.
- Verify whether comments or tracked review material appear as intended.
- For an accessible document, inspect reading order, headings, tables, links, and alternative text.
- Keep the original DOCX separately if you may need to make edits later.
Export instructions and available controls depend on the Word version; Microsoft’s guidance does not establish identical results for every version or document. Word for the web also supports saving documents as DOCX, PDF, or ODT; Microsoft notes that desktop Word is needed for some older formats. Microsoft’s supported-format guidance lists those web options.
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