How do I convert a Word document into a PDF?

How can I convert a Word document into a PDF?

To convert a Word document to WORD 2010 into a PDF file, you need to follow these instructions consisting of 5 steps. This is how it works:

Open the desired document in Microsoft Word.
Click on "File" at the top left and select "Save as".
In the dialog box that opens, specify where the document is to be saved.
Select the "PDF" format under "File type" and click on "Save".
The Word document is converted into a PDF and is saved in the selected location.

To convert a Word doc into WORD 2013 and WORD 2016, 365 into a PDF, there is a method in five steps. This is how it works:

Open the desired document in Word
Click on "File" at the top left and then select "Export".
Click on the "Create PDF/XPS document" button.
A window will open in which you can specify the file name and the storage location. Make sure that "PDF" is selected as the file type.
Click on "Publish" to create the PDF file.

Why should I convert my Word file into a PDF?

The PDF reliably shows what will be printed later

Most people write their bachelor thesis / master thesis in the writing program WORD. It is advisable to convert this Word file into a PDF, as this is the best way to print it. Explanation: The Word format is an "open" format, i.e. roughly speaking, it can look different on every PC depending on the Word version and the print margins set. This is exactly what happens in the printing process and the printer delivers a different result than planned, with shifted paragraphs, headings at the end of a page, etc.

It can also happen that someone does not have the right font installed on their computer, so that Word simply selects a different one and distorts the result. The solution is: "PDF". PDF is a "closed" format. When someone opens a PDF file, they can no longer change it and it looks the same on every computer. What the viewer sees is exactly what the printer outputs. Lines or images that have slipped are impossible. A PDF is also virus-free. You can find instructions on how to convert a WORD file into a PDF file further up on this page.

Can I also convert my WORD doc into a PDF online or using a printer driver?

Yes, there are printer drivers and online tools for converting Word to PDF

The latest versions of Word (see instructions above) offer to save a WORD document as a PDF.

However, there are also other ways of converting a Word document into a PDF document. For example, with a PDF printer driver. Anyone who buys a new printer usually has a CD with a "driver" on it or downloads it from the Internet. This is a program that helps the computer to recognize the printer. If you buy ANOTHER printer, you will have to install another driver. The same applies to the PDF printer driver. Simply download it from the Internet and install it. Then open the Word document and pretend you want to print it (do not use the shortcut with the printer symbol, but go to "File", "Print...". Instead of the "normal" printer, simply select the PDF printer. The program asks where the converted PDF file should be saved. Simply select a folder (e.g. Desktop) and you're done.

Such printer drivers are available online everywhere. However, as things are constantly changing and some providers disappear and others are added, we will simply link a link to the appropriate Google search (Also in case a link directly to the download is out of date). Advantage: The file is created and saved on your own computer. Disadvantage: A printer driver must first be installed.

However, a Word file can also be converted into a PDF using an online tool. Simply upload the Word file, enter your e-mail address and send it or download the converted document. After a few minutes, the PDF document will be in your virtual mailbox. A link to the Google search is here. Advantage: No printer driver needs to be installed. Disadvantage: The Word document, which may contain confidential information, is stored on a third-party server.

Which programs can I use to open PDF files?

With Adobe PDF Reader or Foxit Reader

To be able to open a PDF, we recommend the Adobe Reader (can be downloaded free of charge). An alternative to this program is called "Foxit" Reader (also available free of charge). With both programs you can open and read PDF documents, but not change them.

By the way: A thesis often consists of a cover sheet, table of contents, text, etc. Many authors decide to design these documents individually and save them as PDF files. However, they should of course be printed as a single file at some point. There is an online tool for this: "PDF-Join".