How to convert Word to PDF without Microsoft Word

A CV, an application, a thesis or an offer – you are almost always asked to send it as a PDF rather than a Word file. The reason is simple: a Word document can look different on another computer, while a PDF looks the same everywhere. But what if you don't have Microsoft Office, or the document arrived on your phone? Here are four ways to turn DOC or DOCX into PDF, from the fastest to those for special situations.

1. Online conversion – works on any device

The fastest way, with no software to install:

1. Open Word to PDF.
2. Select the DOC or DOCX file (on a phone, from the Files or Downloads app).
3. Click "Convert to PDF" and download the finished document.

The conversion is done by LibreOffice on our server, with fonts that match the letter widths of the most common Word fonts (Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, Cambria), so line and page breaks stay as in the original. The file is deleted right after conversion. It works the same on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone.

2. If you do have Word

In Word choose File → Save As and pick PDF as the file type. Alternatively use File → Export → Create PDF/XPS. The result is the most faithful, because it is produced by the same program that created the document.

3. Google Docs

If you have a Google account, upload the Word file to Google Drive, open it in Google Docs and choose File → Download → PDF document. Keep in mind that Google converts the document to its own format when opening it, so complex layouts (tables, text boxes, special fonts) may shift slightly.

4. LibreOffice on your computer

The free LibreOffice suite opens Word documents and has an "Export Directly as PDF" button on the toolbar. A good choice if you work with documents often and don't want to pay for Office.

Making the PDF look exactly like the Word document

Whichever method you use, a few habits prevent unpleasant surprises:

• Use common fonts. An exotic font that exists only on your computer will be replaced with another, which can change how text wraps.
• Use page breaks instead of empty lines. Start a new page with Ctrl + Enter rather than pressing Enter repeatedly.
• Place images "in line with text" whenever possible – floating images are the ones that move most often.
• Always review the PDF before sending: page count, tables and headers.

What to do after converting

• Combine several documents (CV, cover letter, diplomas) into one file with Merge PDF.
• Lock a confidential document with a password using Protect PDF.
• If it also needs a signature, add it right away with Sign PDF.

And the other way – PDF to Word?

If you need to edit a document that you only have as a PDF, use PDF to Word. That direction is harder: simple documents convert very well, while complex layouts sometimes need a little adjusting.

In short

For a one-off need, online conversion is the fastest – nothing to install and it works on any device. If you have Word, use "Save as PDF". Either way, common fonts and a quick review of the PDF before sending make sure the document arrives the way you intended.