Convert Word document to PDF while preserving layout
The desktop version of Office can be configured with advanced settings using Save As or Export, while Word for the web can generate a basic PDF using File > Print. No additional software required.
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Who this guide is for and what to prepare
- People who want to convert editing docx into PDF for viewing and printing
What you need
- Save the document and check the change history, comments, links, and fonts
Check the print layout
Check page breaks, images, and table overflow in [View] > [Print Layout] and check Ctrl+S to save the docx. If you do not want to include comments, check the visibility and change history in [Review].
- Make print layout
- Browse pages
- Save the original document
Specify PDF format and range
On the Windows desktop version, select File > Export > Create PDF/XPS. Name the file report-final.pdf, and select the required range such as all pages or 2-5 pages in [Options]. For print quality, use [Standard].
- Open PDF/XPS creation
- Decide on the save name and location
- Select page range in options
Verify PDF with another app
Select [Open file after publishing], publish the PDF, and check its page count, table-of-contents links, Japanese text, images, and margins in a PDF viewer. The result should be a separate PDF whose page breaks match the Word document.
- issue
- Check the number of pages in a PDF
- Check links and text display
How to return when remaking
Return to the Word document without editing the PDF side, correct page breaks and fonts, and republish with the same name or a different name. In the web version, you can generate a PDF using [File] > [Print], but if you need detailed control such as bookmarks, use [Open in desktop app].
- fix docx
- Close existing PDF
- Republish and compare
Limitations and requirements
- The PDF is for distribution and I also save the docx for later modifications
Frequently asked questions
Change history and comments will appear in the PDF.
Use [Review] to accept or reject the changes, check the print settings markup output, and then republish.
Can I convert only some pages to PDF?
In the desktop version of the publish dialog, open Options and specify the page range.
Official sources and verification date
Sources checked: . Check the official sources below for changes to supported systems, plans and menus.