How to Convert a Word Document to PDF (Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice)

By the PDFToolkitX team · Published October 25, 2026 · 5 min read

Converting a Word document to PDF is the final step before sending a CV, a report or a letter. The best method is usually already on your computer: the program you used to write the document. Here is how to do it in each common program, and which settings to watch.

Microsoft Word on Windows

Open the document and choose File → Save As (or Save a Copy).
Choose PDF as the file type.
Choose Standard for printing quality, or Minimum size (publishing online) for a smaller file.
Click Options if you want to export only some pages or create bookmarks from headings.
Click Save.

Microsoft Word on Mac

Choose File → Save As, select PDF in the File Format menu, and choose "Best for electronic distribution and accessibility" to keep links and structure.

Google Docs

Choose File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf). To convert a Word file with Google Docs, upload it to Google Drive, open it with Google Docs, then download it as PDF. Check the layout first, as complex Word formatting may shift slightly.

LibreOffice (free)

Choose File → Export as PDF. The export dialog offers many options, including image compression, which helps keep the file small.

On a phone

The Word mobile app can save or share documents as PDF from its menu. Google Docs on mobile offers PDF via share and export options. On iPhone, you can also use the print preview zoom trick: open the print options and pinch outward on the preview to get a PDF.

Settings that matter

Keep links clickable: exporting (rather than printing to PDF) generally keeps hyperlinks working.
Embed fonts: exported PDFs usually embed fonts automatically, so the document looks right on any device.
File size: large images are the main cause of heavy PDFs. Use "Minimum size" or compress images in the document before exporting.
Accessibility: options to include document structure tags help screen readers.

Why not just print to PDF?

"Print to PDF" works, but it can drop features such as links and document structure. "Save as PDF" or "Export as PDF" produces a better file.

After converting

Need to combine the PDF with other documents, such as certificates? Use Merge PDF. Got an empty last page? Remove it with Split PDF, or better, delete the extra empty paragraph in Word and export again.

Summary

Use your word processor's own "Save as PDF" or "Export as PDF" feature. It keeps text searchable, fonts correct and links clickable, and the "minimum size" options keep the file light.