While Microsoft Word is the go-to tool for writing documents on Macs, you might find yourself in situations where you need to convert a Word file to PDF. The need to convert from Word to PDF may arise due to several reasons. For instance, you may require to share the file with someone who does not use Microsoft Word or submit a document to a website that accepts only PDF formats.
In this blog post, we will cover three methods that you can use to convert Word to PDF on Mac. We’ll also go over some reasons why you may not be able to convert your file and provide tips on troubleshooting. Finally, we’ll provide additional tips and answer some frequently asked questions.
Video Tutorial:
Methods for Converting Word to PDF on Mac
Method 1. Use the Export Function in Word
Microsoft Word comes with an inbuilt feature to export documents in PDF format. This method is simple and straightforward.
1. Open the Word file you want to convert to PDF.
2. Click on "File" in the top menu.
3. Select "Export."
4. Click on "Create PDF/XPS Document."
5. Click on the "Create PDF/XPS" button.
6. Select a location to save your PDF file and click on the "Publish" button.
Pros: The built-in export feature in Word is quick and easy to use.
Cons: The functionality of this method is limited. You can only convert Word documents and not other file formats.
Method 2. Use Apple’s Print Function
You can convert your Word document to PDF using the print function on Mac.
1. Open the Word file you want to convert to PDF.
2. Click on "File" in the top menu.
3. Click on "Print."
4. Click on the "PDF" dropdown button in the bottom left corner of the print window.
5. Select "Save as PDF" and click "Save."
6. Choose the location where you’d like to save your PDF file and click on the "Save" button.
Pros: This method can be used to convert files from multiple applications, not just Microsoft Word.
Cons: The output quality may not be as good as the first method.
Method 3. Use an Online Converter
Several websites allow you to convert Word documents to PDF online. One such website is SmallPDF.
1. Open your web browser and navigate to SmallPDF’s website.
2. Click on "Word to PDF" button.
3. Select the Word file that you want to convert.
4. Wait for the conversion to finish.
5. Download the PDF file from the website.
Pros: Online converters are free, and the process is straightforward.
Cons: This method is not ideal for files containing sensitive information since you have to upload them online, which is a security risk.
Why Can’t I Convert Word to PDF?
1. Unsupported File Format
Not all file formats can be converted from Word to PDF. If you are attempting to convert a file format that is not supported, an error message will be displayed.
2. Missing Fonts
If the Word document you are attempting to convert contains fonts not available on your Mac, the conversion process may fail.
3. Corrupt File
If your Word document is corrupt or damaged, you may not be able to convert it to PDF.
Fixes
1. Use a Different File Format
If the file format you are attempting to convert is not supported, you can try saving the file in a different format that Word can export to.
2. Install Missing Fonts on Mac
You can install the missing fonts on your Mac to fix this issue.
3. Repair the Word Document
You can also repair the Word document using the inbuilt repair feature to fix corruption issues.
Additional Tips for Converting Word to PDF on Mac
– Make sure the Word document is properly formatted before converting it.
– Check the output PDF file to ensure that it is in the correct format.
– If you are going to convert many documents, it is best to use an automated tool to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I Convert a Password-Protected Word Document to PDF?
A1. Yes, it is possible to convert a password-protected Word document to PDF using the same methods described in this blog post. However, you will need to enter the password to open the document in Word first.
Q2. Can I Convert Multiple Word Documents to PDFs at Once?
A2. Yes, it is possible. You can follow these steps:
1. Open the folder containing the Word documents you want to convert to PDF.
2. Select all the Word files by clicking on the first file, holding down the shift key, and clicking on the last file.
3. Right-click on the selected files and choose the "Quick Actions" option.
4. Select "Convert to PDF."
5. Wait for the conversion process to finish, and the PDF files will be saved in the same folder.
Q3. Can I Convert PDF Back to Word?
A3. Yes, it is possible to convert a PDF file back to Word using a PDF to Word converter. One such tool is Adobe Acrobat.
Q4. What is the Best Method for Converting Word to PDF on Mac?
A4. The best method depends on your specific needs. If you only want to convert Word documents, the built-in export feature in Word is the best option. If you want to convert files from multiple applications, use the print function. If you have many files to convert and want to save time, an automated tool is the best option.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, we have covered three methods that you can use to convert Word to PDF on Mac. We’ve also explained some reasons why you may not be able to convert files and provided tips on troubleshooting. We hope this blog post has been helpful to you and that you can now easily convert your Word documents to PDF format.