How to convert .docx files to .pdf in Microsoft Word?

Converting a .docx file to a .pdf helps preserve formatting when the document is viewed on different devices. This guide introduces three practical methods: converting a single document using Word’s built-in Save As feature, quickly converting a document with Kutools for Word, and batch converting multiple .docx files to .pdf using Kutools for Word.

Convert a .docx file to .pdf using the Save As feature

Easily convert a .docx file to .pdf using Kutools for Word

Batch convert multiple .docx files to .pdf with Kutools for Word

Convert a .docx file to .pdf using the Save As feature

The standard method to convert a .docx file to .pdf is by using the Save As feature in Word.

1. Click File > Save As.
2. Select PDF from the file type drop-down menu.
   Tip: You can type the PDF file name in the input field above this drop-down box.
3. Click Save.

   

Office Tab

Tabbed navigation for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more—just like a web browser, with smooth switching in one window.

Free DownloadLearn More

Easily convert a .docx file to .pdf using Kutools for Word

With Kutools for Word, you can convert the current Word document to a PDF file in just a few clicks directly from the ribbon. Kutools saves time by eliminating the extra steps of Word’s Save As process.

1. In the Word ribbon, click Kutools > PDF and Word > Convert Current Document to PDF.

   

2. In the Please select a save path dialog box, choose a location to save the PDF file. If needed, edit the file name.

   

3. Click Save. Kutools will immediately convert the current Word document into a PDF file.

Batch convert multiple .docx files to .pdf with Kutools for Word

Kutools for Word allows you to convert multiple Word documents to PDF at once, saving time when handling large numbers of files.

1. In the Word ribbon, click Kutools > PDF and Word > Convert Multiple Word Documents to PDF.

   

2. In the Docx to PDF dialog box, follow these steps:
   1. Click Add Files to add individual Word documents, or use the drop-down arrow to add an entire folder (including subfolders, if needed).
   2. By default, PDFs are saved in the same folder as the original files. To change the location, uncheck the Save generated PDF files in the same folder as the original Word file option and click Browse.
   3. Once all settings are complete, click Start Conversion.

      

Converting Word documents to PDF is a common task, whether you’re sharing files, preserving formatting, or preparing documents for distribution. Microsoft Word’s built-in Save As feature works well for converting a single file, while other tools can help you finish the job more quickly when dealing with multiple documents.

• Word’s Save As option is suitable for converting individual .docx files to PDF with minimal setup.
• Kutools for Word provides more efficient options, allowing you to convert the current document with one click or batch convert multiple .docx files to .pdf at once.

By choosing the method that fits your workflow—single-file conversion or batch processing—you can convert Word documents to PDF more efficiently and avoid repetitive manual steps.

I hope you find this tutorial helpful. If you'd like to explore more Word tips and practical solutions, please click here to browse our full collection of Word tutorials.