Don't waste time jumping from application to application to get a PDF version of your file. Print to PDF it, instead!
Learn how to Print to PDF from any program that can print!
Print to PDF is an easy way to save a document as a PDF.
Since PDFs can be opened on almost any device, and aren't the easiest to edit, it makes them a great format for sharing documents with others.
But, how do you Print to PDF?
It's actually pretty easy.
And since you can Print to PDF from any program that has a print function, it's a useful thing to know how to do.
We'll cover in step-by-step instructions the best ways to Print to PDF on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices like iPhone and Android.
"Print to PDF" is when a virtual printer is used to create a PDF of a file.
It comes in handy when you need to turn another file format into a PDF.
Print to PDF is an easy way to turn another file format into a PDF, or to flatten a PDF that's interactive.
Reasons to Print to PDF include:
Windows users have a built-in virtual printer that can be used to Print to PDF from any program that prints.
This includes Windows programs, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and browsers (Chrome, Edge, etc.).
In this example we'll use Microsoft Word. Try PDF Pro for free
1. Open a file in a Windows program.
2. Click File > Print or ([ctrl] + [p] on your keyboard).
3. Select Microsoft Print to PDF as the Printer.
4. Press Print.
5. Select a new name and location to save your PDF.
6. Press Save.
Printing to PDF on macOS is easy, and works on any program that has a print function.
Printing to PDF on mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Android devices is easy. Any app that allows printing can Print to PDF.
Depending on your device, the exact method may differ, but the steps will be similar.
Print to PDF lets you save any printable document or file as a PDF!
The best part is that the methods are similar regardless of the device that you use.
If PDFs are often the final format of your documents, then you'll want to invest in a PDF editor.
A good PDF editor lets you do more with your documents, like securing them with passwords or digital certificates.
For all things PDF, we recommend PDF Pro, our all-in-one PDF editor, converter, security tool, and more. Try PDF Pro for free
Other things PDF Pro can help you do:
We've compiled the most asked questions about how to Print to PDF, and answered them for your benefit.
Yes! You can Print to PDF from pretty much any program with a Print function.
Open the document in a program that can print > File > Print > select Microsoft Print to PDF or Save as PDF > Print/Save > Name and select a location to save the PDF > Print/Save.
Open a file in any Windows program > Print > Select Microsoft Print to PDF as the Printer > Print > Select a new name and location to save your PDF > Save.
Open your file in a Windows program > Print > Select Microsoft Print to PDF as your Printer > Print > Choose a new name and location to save your PDF > Save.
Open your file in the app or browser of your choice > Tap the Share icon > Print > Select Save as PDF (or Save file) as the Printer output > Save (or Print).
Open the file in the app or browser > Share icon > Print > Select Save file > Save.
If the document you're trying to print has restrictions or other security features that prevent printing, then you may not be able to print to PDF.
Microsoft Print to PDF is the virtual printer that comes built-in with your Windows computer. It's enabled automatically. To use it, select it as your printer from the Print settings dialog box.
