How to batch convert multiple Word documents to PDF files

It is easy to convert a single Word document to a PDF using the Save As feature in Word. But what if you need to convert all Word documents in a folder into separate PDF files at once? This guide will show you how to batch convert multiple Word documents to PDF files in Word.

Batch convert multiple Word documents to PDF files with VBA
Batch convert multiple Word documents to PDF files with Kutools for Word

Batch convert multiple Word documents to PDF files with VBA

The following VBA code allows you to quickly convert all Word documents in a folder to PDF files at once. Follow these steps:

1. In Word, press Alt + F11 to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.
2. In the editor, click "Insert" > "Module", then copy and paste the following VBA code into the module window.

   Sub ConvertWordsToPdfs()
   'Updated by Extendoffice 20181123
       Dim xIndex As String
       Dim xDlg As FileDialog
       Dim xFolder As Variant
       Dim xNewName As String
       Dim xFileName As String
       Set xDlg = Application.FileDialog(msoFileDialogFolderPicker)
       If xDlg.Show <> -1 Then Exit Sub
       xFolder = xDlg.SelectedItems(1) + "\"
       xFileName = Dir(xFolder & "*.*", vbNormal)
       While xFileName <> ""
           If ((Right(xFileName, 4)) <> ".doc" Or Right(xFileName, 4) <> ".docx") Then
               xIndex = InStr(xFileName, ".") + 1
               xNewName = Replace(xFileName, Mid(xFileName, xIndex), "pdf")
               Documents.Open FileName:=xFolder & xFileName, _
                   ConfirmConversions:=False, ReadOnly:=False, AddToRecentFiles:=False, _
                   PasswordDocument:="", PasswordTemplate:="", Revert:=False, _
                   WritePasswordDocument:="", WritePasswordTemplate:="", Format:= _
                   wdOpenFormatAuto, XMLTransform:=""
               ActiveDocument.ExportAsFixedFormat OutputFileName:=xFolder & xNewName, _
                   ExportFormat:=wdExportFormatPDF, OpenAfterExport:=False, OptimizeFor:= _
                   wdExportOptimizeForPrint, Range:=wdExportAllDocument, From:=1, To:=1, _
                   Item:=wdExportDocumentContent, IncludeDocProps:=True, KeepIRM:=True, _
                   CreateBookmarks:=wdExportCreateNoBookmarks, DocStructureTags:=True, _
                   BitmapMissingFonts:=True, UseISO19005_1:=False
               ActiveDocument.Close
           End If
           xFileName = Dir()
       Wend
   End Sub

   

3. Press F5 to run the code.
4. A Browse dialog will pop up. Select the folder containing the Word documents you want to convert to PDFs, and click "OK".

   

All Word documents in the selected folder will be converted to separate PDF files.

Batch convert multiple Word documents to PDF files with Kutools for Word

If VBA code is hard to handle, you can try the "Convert Multiple Word Documents to PDF" utility of Kutools for Word. This tool simplifies the process, making it more accessible and efficient compared to manual methods in Word.

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.

      

Now, all .docx format documents have been successfully converted to PDF files.

Converting multiple Word documents to PDF files can be time-consuming if you handle them one by one using Word’s Save As feature. When you need to process an entire folder of documents at once, choosing the right approach can greatly improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Using VBA is a workable solution if you are comfortable with code. It allows you to select a folder and automatically convert all Word documents inside it to separate PDF files.
• Using Kutools for Word is a faster and more user-friendly option. It lets you add multiple files or folders and batch convert Word documents to PDF with just a few clicks—no VBA required.

By selecting the method that best suits your skill level and workflow, you can quickly batch convert Word documents to PDF files, saving time and avoiding repetitive manual work.

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