How to Convert an MS Word Doc Into a PDF for Free

By eHow Computers Editor

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Adobe's PDF file format is an industry standard for distributing documents. The PDF format retains a document's layout from one computer to another, and requires only the free Adobe Acrobat Viewer software to view and print. If you need to create a PDF, a number of free applications are available that convert from formats such as Microsoft Word to the PDF format.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Working copy of Microsoft Word
Free PDF conversion software

Step1

Find one of the many free PDF conversion applications. A simple Internet search on the terms "free PDF software" will turn up a number of options. To avoid potentially spyware-infested software, go to a software site like Download.com and perform your search.

Step2

Download an application. Select a location on your hard drive that is easy to locate.

Step3

Install the application. Almost all PDF conversion software installs a printer driver, which in some operating systems will require administrative rights. If your user account doesn't have sufficient rights, log onto your computer as an administrator and install the software.

Step4

Open your Word document. Print your document, selecting the printer driver installed by the PDF conversion software. Usually, the printer driver will have the same name as the converter.

Step5

Name your file. When prompted, type in a file name for your PDF and select a location on your hard drive. Some PDF conversion software will also let you enter additional information, such as the author's name, a file description, and keywords.

Step6

Create your file. Once you have entered the file name, location, and any other relevant information, the PDC converter software will turn your Word document into a PDF file. You can now post the PDF to a website, send it via email, or save it for future reference.