How to Convert Word to PDF on Mac for Free

PDFs pretty much work everywhere—on Macs, PCs, tablets—so sharing files this way just makes flow easier.

Knowing how to convert Word documents to PDF on Mac is honestly a lifesaver. It’s the best way to keep your formatting and layout safe from weird surprises, ensuring everything shows up just right for anyone who opens it.

Here, I’ll walk you through 5 simple approaches for converting DOCX or DOC files to PDF. Each method fits a different style, so you can pick what is best for you.

Why convert Word to PDF?

Well, if you’ve ever opened a Word file on a different computer or phone, you’ve probably noticed things can get a bit quirky—maybe the fonts have changed, or the images are out of place. It’s frustrating. Converting your Word file to PDF pretty much locks in your formatting, so everything looks just as you intended.

PDF Candy

And about PDF Candy—it’s quite a versatile online platform for managing digital papers. Whether you need to transform, merge, split, or compress, it’s got you covered.

The best part? You don’t have to bother with downloading extra software. Just employ your web browser, and you can handle your tasks quickly and efficiently. For anyone who needs a reliable Word-to-PDF converter, it’s a solid choice.

How to turn Word into PDF on Mac with PDF Candy

1. Open the online Word to PDF converter through your preferred browser.
2. Upload your DOCX or DOC using the "Add file(s)" button or by using the drag-and-drop functionality. Alternatively, import documents from Google Drive or Dropbox.
3. Initiate the processing by clicking "Convert to PDF".
4. Once your PDFs are ready, the new window with the "Download file" button will appear.

Pros:

• The interface is straightforward and genuinely simple to navigate, so pretty much anyone can get the hang of it swiftly.
• Modification happens fast, even if you’re working with bigger files—which is a relief.
• If you need to turn a bunch of Word documents into PDFs, there’s a batch conversion feature. That definitely saves time.
• Your papers stay private; they’re processed securely and automatically removed from the server within two hours. That’s always reassuring.
• There are other handy tools on the site, too. For instance, you can set a password for your PDF without needing Acrobat, so only the right people can open it.

Cons:

• Batch processing is only available in the PRO version.

By employing PDF Candy on Mac, converting Word to PDF becomes a seamless task. Moreover, with the additional toolkit, you can satisfy almost any need in working with PDFs.

Zamzar

Zamzar is an online file converter that supports a wide range of digital media types, including documents, images, videos, audio, and more. Apart from the web platform, there is also a desktop application that acts as an extension. For instance, to use the DOC or DOCX to PDF converter, you don't even need to open the program or search for a website. All can be done with just two mouse clicks.

How to convert Word to PDF on Mac using Zamzar

1. Download and install the program on your Mac.
2. Through the "Finder", locate your file(s) that need to be converted.
3. Right-click on them to open the "Quick Actions" menu.
4. Find the "Convert to..." option with the Zamzar icon next to it. From the dropdown list, select "PDF".
5. The conversion will begin automatically. Once finished, the PDF documents will be located in the same folder as the originals.

Pros:

• You have a choice of using an online version or a desktop application.
• The Word to PDF converter is easy to navigate, making it suitable for users of all technical levels.
• By quickly processing conversions, this method helps you save time and effort.

Cons:

• The maximum number of free conversions is 25.

To summarize, choosing Zamzar as your Word to PDF converter for Mac is a convenient and efficient means with a user-friendly interface and speedy conversion process. This platform is highly favored by users even though it does have limits on the number of tasks that can be done for free.

Google Drive

Did you know that Google Drive offers a fast solution for converting Word papers to PDF format without the need for additional software? The cloud-based storage helps change the format in just two upload-download operations.

How to save Word document as PDF on Mac using Google Drive

1. Upload your Word to your drive.
2. Double-click it to open with the "Google Docs". If needed, make edits.
3. Proceed to the "File" menu and pick "Download". From the dropdown list, choose "PDF Document (.pdf)"

Pros:

• A super fast method if you don't need to make any changes to your document.
• At the same time, if adjustments are needed, like deleting a page, you can do so.

Cons:

• You have to have an account with Google.
• There's no batch processing for multiple files.

As you can see, using Google Drive for converting DOC or DOCX files to PDF is an easy way. This approach will be extremely beneficial when you're on the go or in a rush.

PDF Studio

PDF Studio is a desktop application for viewing, converting Word to PDF and editing PDF documents, too. It provides various features such as annotation tools, form filling, OCR (Optical Character Recognition), document merging, splitting, and encryption. Although it's not obvious, there is a way to convert Word to PDF with this program using its "Create PDF" tool.

How to make a Word document a PDF on Mac in PDF Studio

1. Download and install the software on your computer.
2. Launch the app. Under "Create PDF", select "From MS Office".
3. On the top toolbar, click "Save" or "Save As". In the popup window, you will be able to enter a new filename and specify the storing location.
4. Hit "Save" and access your PDF in the chosen folder.

Pros:

• The PDF software is essentially a comprehensive editor that allows you to make changes while converting Word to PDF: change text, add highlights. etc.

Cons:

• Paid DOC to PDF converter (although there is a free trial available).
• Some users may find the interface overloaded.
• Although you can upload multiple documents at the same time, you still will have to save them one by one.

All in all, PDF Studio is helpful software for converting Word files to PDF on Mac as well as performing other tasks with this format. With its diverse range of editing and conversion capabilities, it may attract users with various needs.

iLovePDF

iLovePDF provides a quick and user-friendly way to turn documents into PDF files online. This free tool works right in your browser, so there’s no need to install anything to get started.

How to convert Word to PDF on Mac using iLovePDF

1. Visit the official iLovePDF website.
2. Click "Select WORD files" to add your document or drag and drop it directly into the window.
3. Once the upload is complete, hit the red "Convert to PDF" button.
4. After the processing finishes, save the result.

Pros:

• Completely free and easy to use with no signup required.
• Supports drag-and-drop uploads and integration with Google Drive and Dropbox.

Cons:

• Free version has limits on size and batch operations.

As you can see, iLovePDF is a solid choice when you need a fast and hassle-free way to convert Word files to PDF on your Mac. It’s especially handy if you don’t want to rely on office software or cloud accounts.

DOC vs DOCX: comparison table

In short, DOC and DOCX are just two types of Word. DOCX has pretty much taken over because it’s more efficient and flexible. Still, you’ll run into DOC files if you’re dealing with older programs. No need to stress—both can be converted to PDF pretty easily, and most tools handle both without complaints.

Tips on converting Word to PDF on macOS

After saving your Word doc as a PDF, I’d recommend checking a few things:

• Hyperlinks & Bookmarks. Verify all your links and bookmarks are functional in the new PDF. Test them so users don’t get lost.
• File Size. Keep an eye on the PDF size, especially if you’re planning to share it. If it’s too large, compress it.
• Encryption. If your document has sensitive information, it’s a good idea to add password protection before sending it out.

FAQ

Does the formatting of my Word document remain intact after conversion to PDF?

In most cases, yes. Fonts, images, and layout typically remains intact, but sometimes complex elements like tables or embedded objects might not appear exactly as they do in Word.

Can I convert password-protected Word files to PDF?

Yes, but you’ll need to enter the password first to unlock the file before processing it.

Conclusion

Picking the right tool for converting Word documents to PDF on Mac empowers efficient document management. Whether opting for built-in tools, third-party applications, or online converters, each method offers distinct advantages tailored to individual preferences.

By exploring these four versatile approaches, Mac users can optimize their productivity and confidently navigate the diverse landscape of digital document processing.