How to Change a Word Document Into PDF Format

By Margaret Worthington

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If you want to change a Microsoft Word document (*.doc format) into an Adobe PDF file, there are a variety of options you have. If you want to go the official route, you can purchase Adobe Acrobat, which will place a button in Microsoft Word to export your documents as PDFs. However, if you want a free solution, there are online and offline solutions you can use to change a Word document into PDF format.

Change Doc to PDF in OpenOffice

Step 1

Download the free, open-source OpenOffice software suite (see Resources). This software package includes "Writer," a word-processing program that has PDF export capabilities. Once downloaded, install OpenOffice on your computer.

Step 2

Start the OpenOffice Writer program. Click "File," select "Open" and open the Word document you want to change into a PDF file.

Step 3

Click the "PDF Creator" button on the menu bar or select the "File" button and then select the "Export as PDF" option.

Step 4

Enter the settings for your PDF file, select a location to save it and click "Save." Your Word document will now be in PDF format.

Use an Online Converter

Step 1

Open a web browser and go to an online .doc to PDF conversion website (see Resources).

Step 2

Click the "Browse" button in the section of the website where you are asked to upload your Word document.

Step 3

Select the document and click "Open."

Step 4

Click the "Convert" button on the online conversion website and wait for the PDF file to be generated. Depending on what type of website you use, a pop-up may appear asking you to download the file to your computer or you may be given a temporary link to visit that contains your PDF file.

References

Writer Bio