How to Save a Document as a PDF File for Free

Click on the Icon in the Red Box

Many programs and websites require you to pay to convert documents into PDF files. OpenOffice, a free software program based on Microsoft Office, allows you to convert documents into PDF files for free. No payment is needed to download OpenOffice or to convert your documents to PDFs.

Things You'll Need

• OpenOffice software

Instructions

Download OpenOffice

1. Go to OpenOffice's website, openoffice.org. Click the "Download" tab. Click the first option, "Download Openoffice.org," to access its downloading location.

2. Click "Save File" when prompted. The save function automatically launches. If the download does not start, scroll down to "Starting Download from Link," and click the link provided.

3. Install OpenOffice. After it is downloaded, click on the saved file, and click "Next" until you reach the Install page. Click "Install" to install the application. Restart your computer after the installation is complete to finalize the installation.

Convert Your Document to a PDF

1. 

   Launch the OpenOffice writer. The Open Office writer is the blue icon listed under the OpenOffice folder in the Start menu.

2. Open your document. Click "Open" under the File menu. Then select the document, and click "Open."

3. 

   Click "Export Directly as PDF." This small icon appears on the bar below the Format menu. Click the icon, which prompts you to save the document. Name the document, and press the "Save" button.

4. Open the document where it was saved. If saved correctly, the document will show up in PDF format. If not, repeat the steps, and save the document again.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your document is in an editable format, such as .doc or .rtf.

Resources

• OpenOffice's Official Website