Save As PDF

Often I receive emails or visit websites with Word documents as attachments. This poses a problem if I am viewing the email from an Apple device or mobile device that does not have the Microsoft Software. Even many desktop/laptop computers do not have the Microsoft Office software installed. If you are sending information AND do not need the receiver to edit the document, then I find it best to send and post PDF versions of the file.

PDF noun
1. A file format that provides an electronic image of text or text and graphics that looks like a printed document and can be viewed, printed, and electronically transmitted.
Portable document format
In Word 2010 and 2013 it’s extremely easy.


Select File -> Save As -> Browse for the location on your computer to save to.

When the dialog box opens, in the SaveAsType select PDF then click Save.

You can still save a version in Word file format for editing but the PDF is best for email, and posting links or even as a text picture on the Internet. Most flyers I create are saved in two format types; one for me, and one for sharing. You can even save Excel, and PowerPoint slides as PDF files. I like to save presentation handouts as PDF files with 6 slides per page. Saving an Excel file with a chart is nice on a one-page handout also in PDF format. Check the options in the SaveAs section when you select PDF for the file type.




If you have an older version of Microsoft Office you can search for a plugin to Print to PDF. Instead of SaveAs you will select Print and print to a PDF file format. See plugins available at www.microsoft.com. Search for other types of file formats that may have plugins to save as PDF format also.