A PDF (portable document format) is often used to share documents and files. While you can also create PDF forms and edit these files with the right apps, these mostly read-only files are easily accessible and can be opened on most devices. Here’s how to create a PDF file to quickly and easily share files and documents.
Read more: Save a web page as a PDF file
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To create a PDF file, go to the Print options of the program you are using and change the printer destination to: Save as PDF. You can also use Microsoft Print to PDF if you are using a Windows PC. And if you have access to Adobe Acrobat, you can set the print destination to: Adobe PDF.
How to create a PDF file
Ankit Banerjee / Android Authority
You can use the Print function on any program, including browsers, to create a PDF file. For most apps and programs, visit Print, and under the Printer Options (which may also be called Print Destination) select Save as pdf. The steps may be a little different, but the idea is: Print > Save as PDF.
Some programs and apps have a few different options that you should be aware of. Of course, the print option works with any app/platform, except mobile, also listed below.
Ankit Banerjee / Android Authority
- Windows apps: In Microsoft programs like the Office apps, Edge, Paint, Photos and others you will see Microsoft Print to PDF as the option. Other third-party apps and browsers are listed Save as PDF also.
- Microsoft Word: When you’re ready to save a document, go to File > Save As > Browse(to select a folder), and under the Save as type options, select PDF. Depending on your Microsoft Word version, you may also see a more convenient Save as Adobe PDF choice.
Ankit Banerjee / Android Authority
- Google docs: If you’re using Google Docs, you can create a PDF copy of your document by clicking File > Download and select PDF document (.pdf). You can use this method on desktop and mobile.
- Android: You are searching on Android Share > Print. In some apps you will find Part by accessing the menu options using the three vertical dots icon. You can long-press an image or file in Google Photos and other apps to see the Part menu. Go to Share > Print and select Save as PDF as the printer option.
Read more: The best PDF reader apps for Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Saving a file as a PDF replicates a document more accurately. It may also contain metadata and other information that you may not want to keep. Microsoft Print to PDF captures what a printed page (just what you see) would look like and turns it into a PDF.