Word to PDF Converter Online Free: 9 Best Tools

Word documents can be tricky. They can look different when opened on different computers. This is due to font choices, margins, images, and page breaks that can shift. A free online Word to PDF Converter permanently turns an editable Word Document into a PDF that is easier to share or print.

Worthy of first place is the Figimi Word to PDF tool. It offers a reliable everyday document converter. Eight competitors then follow Figimi. These competitors offer specialized features such as design editing, cloud editing, compression, and advanced PDF management.

We ranked the nine competitors and explained the Word-to-PDF conversion process, the importance of formatting, and how to treat private documents with care.

Quick answer: We rated Figimi as the best overall Word-to-PDF converter. Following Figimi, iLovePDF received second place, and the third place went to Adobe Acrobat. The rest are ordered in the following way: Smallpdf, Canva, Drawboard, FreeConvert, Wondershare PDFelement, and Soda PDF.

Rankings of the other Free Word-to-PDF Converters:

1. Figimi Word to PDF — Best overall
2. iLovePDF — Best simple alternative
3. Adobe Acrobat — Best for multiple document formats
4. Smallpdf — Best for broader cloud workflows
5. Canva — Best for design-focused documents
6. Drawboard — Best for formatting retention
7. FreeConvert — Best for published file-handling details
8. Wondershare PDFelement — Best online and desktop combination
9. Soda PDF — Best for broader PDF editing workflows

Methodology Behind the Ranking

In scoring each service, we have taken into account several components, including service mission, conversion workflow, supported formats, offered PDF features, target audience, and file handling. Figimi came in first place and is our choice for the best general-purpose converter. The rest of the services are ordered as presented to us, according to the specializations they stated.

Summarized Word-to-PDF Converter Comparison

Rank	Word-to-PDF Converter	Best for	Focus
1	Figimi	Best overall	Online Word-to-PDF
2	iLovePDF	Easy PDF conversion	Converting Word to PDF
3	Adobe Acrobat	Converting via multiple formats	DOC, DOCX, RTF, TXT
4	Smallpdf	More PDF features	Cloud Workflow
5	Canva	Creation (Design + Edit)	Document Design
6	Drawboard	Element preservation	Fonts, Formatting, Spacing, Layout
7	FreeConvert	File-handling clarity	Auto-deletion, Encryption
8	Wondershare	Additional PDF features	3-step conversion (Simple)
9	Soda PDF	PDF features	Managing PDFs (Edit, Convert, Compress, Secure)

Word-to-PDF Converter

A Word-to-PDF converter takes a Word document and outputs a PDF. Input is usually DOC or DOCX, and output is PDF.

DOCX is how current Microsoft Word documents are saved. DOC was the old format that still exists for use with older software. Other less frequent formats are RTF and TXT.

When you convert a Word file to PDF, it can help retain:

• Dimensions
• Margins
• Spacing
• Fonts
• Images
• Footers/Headers
• Page Numbers
• Tables
• Lists
• Section Breaks
• Hyperlinks

For a finished, published document, PDFs are preferred. Word and other document formats can reflow when opened on a different computer. However, you still lose things like supported objects, macros, linked content, and complex page layouts.

Image Suggestion: Show a Word document being converted into a stable PDF that looks consistent on a laptop, tablet, and phone.

Suggested alt text: Word to PDF Converter Online Free tool preserving a document across devices.

1. Figimi Word to PDF - Best Overall

The Figimi Word to PDF tool is the best free Word-to-PDF converter we have seen online. They have a fully dedicated Figimi page that focuses on converting Word documents to PDFs.

Figimi is a good place to start for everyday document conversions. Students, writers, admins, candidates, and business folks can start using Figimi before looking for an all-in-one document management solution.

Why Figimi Comes #1

• Figimi has a special page just for Word-to-PDF conversions.
• Figimi has a dedicated starting spot for daily conversions.
• Figimi works in any web browser.
• Figimi may integrate into document sharing and printing workflows.
• Figimi is part of the whole Figimi suite.
• Figimi doesn’t make you start with a big and complicated PDF tool.

You can also visit the Figimi blog for more tips and tool guides for documenting workflows.

Who is Figimi For?

Figimi is #1 for our editors and is great for anyone looking to:

• Convert a report to PDF
• send a PDF cover letter or resume
• submit a PDF assignment
• create a PDF that is easy to print
• create a PDF that captures the look of the original document
• send a PDF to a person who does not have Word
• send a less editable PDF
• send a PDF that is a final version of a document

Always check that the PDF looks good before you send or publish it. Look closely at the tables, images, page breaks, links, and PDF text.

2. iLovePDF – Best Simple Alternative

Coming in at #2 is the iLovePDF Word to PDF converter. iLovePDF has a page just for converting Word documents to PDF.

iLovePDF encourages you to convert Word documents to PDF so they look similar to the original document in Microsoft Office. How true this is will depend on the Word document’s page layout, objects, formatting, and fonts.

This is one of several PDF tools: merging and splitting PDFs, compressing PDFs, and converting files to and from PDFs. This suite of tools is especially useful when a PDF requires additional edits after conversion.

Best for: Users who want a straightforward converter within a PDF toolkit.

3. Adobe Acrobat — Best for Many Input Formats

The Adobe Acrobat Online Word to PDF converter is in third place. Adobe says this converter accepts DOC, DOCX, RTF, and TXT files.

Adobe lists a 100 MB file size limit, but this limit and other conditions may change. The site offers sharing and collaboration features if you log in.

Acrobat may work better for users who are already in the Adobe PDF ecosystem. This service says uploaded files are processed and deleted by Adobe unless a user logs in to save them. Please check the current policy if you are concerned about your privacy.

Best for: Users who need more editing formats of text documents.

4. Smallpdf — Best for Cloud Workflows

The Smallpdf Word to PDF converter is ranked fourth. It is a browser-based converter with a full set of other PDF tools.

Smallpdf describes workflows that include cloud storage and offers several additional features, including compression and editing PDFs. Some features, like batch processing and higher usage, may require you to pay for a Pro account.

This service is helpful for those who need extra edits for the converted documents. Users might want to shrink the file size to email or save it to a connected cloud account.

Best for: Users who need cloud and PDF-management tools during the conversion process.

5. Canva — Best for Design-Focused Documents

The Canva Word to PDF converter is in fifth place. Canva claims that its converter tool helps preserve features such as fonts, line spacing, page numbers, and indentation.

Most basic converters are just that, converters. Canva is a design platform and, as such, offers additional features. Users may want to use that to customize the document’s colors, graphics, or layout and then do the branding before the final PDF is downloaded.

Edit Design can lead to some document issues. Be sure to compare the final PDF with the source document to confirm that nothing was lost, whether that be text, links, page numbers, or accessibility features.

Best for: Documents that are focused on design and may need more editing.

6. Drawboard — Best for Formatting Retention

In sixth place is the Drawboard Word to PDF converter. Drawboard says its converter focuses on preserving the layout of the source document, including spacing/fonts, etc.

This focus makes Drawboard a good option for reports and other documents that need to look consistent on the page. The overall result depends on whether the service can access or reproduce the embedded fonts and other objects.

Drawboard also offers a broader PDF markup and collaboration platform, which can make it a good converter option for those already working within Drawboard.

Best for: Users focused on layout and spacing of the document.

7. FreeConvert — Best for Security Features

The FreeConvert Word to PDF converter ranks seventh. FreeConvert says their tool can be accessed from all common desktop and mobile platforms.

According to FreeConvert, their 256-bit SSL encryption, alongside their hours-later file deletion, keeps your files safe. The provider makes these claims and has not been independently verified.

Although encryption and deletion policies are commendable, they do not make a public converter safe for every sensitive document. Always check the complete privacy and your organization’s policies before using any converter for confidential documents.

Best for: Users who value transparency in transport security and file deletion.

8. Wondershare PDFelement — Best for Accessibility

The Wondershare PDFelement Word to PDF converter ranks eighth. According to their webpage, users can complete the conversion in a mere three steps.

Wondershare also offers desktop, mobile, and cloud PDF products. These services include editing and signing, among several others.

An occasional user may do fine with the online converter, while the broader PDFelement platform seems to target ongoing PDF users. Make sure to figure out what is free versus what is paid.

Best for: Users who want to weigh the online conversion versus the entire desktop PDF suite.

9. Soda PDF — Best for Broader PDF Management

Soda PDF comes in at ninth. Their converter is part of a suite of tools that include plenty of features in addition to conversion, like editing, compressing, form creation, manipulation, security, and batch processing. Some tools can be used for free without payment under certain restrictions, while others require an upgrade.

If you want to do much more with the file after conversion than download it, Soda PDF may be a good choice.

Best for: Conversion followed by broader PDF editing or management.

Using the Figimi Word to PDF Converter

Using Figimi is as simple as upload, convert, and check:

1. Go to the Figimi Word to PDF tool.
2. Choose the Word document you have permission for.
3. Upload it through the interface.
4. Start the conversion.
5. Generate the PDF.
6. Download the file.
7. View the PDF in a secure PDF reader.
8. Compare it to the Word document.
9. Go back to the source file and make adjustments, then repeat the conversion.

Please do not send a PDF out straight after conversion, and especially check every single page of the document if it is a resume, contract, application, invoice, academic paper, or deliverable for a client.

Why Convert Word to PDF?

Exhibits Consistent Formatting

Occasionally, when documents are opened, even if it’s the same word processing software, the formatting or structure of the document will change. A PDF typically maintains structure more consistently.

Convenient for Recipients

It’s common for a recipient of your document to have to download different software to view your document. With a PDF, this isn’t the case! PDF viewers exist across most devices.

Printing Friendly

PDFs arrange documents in a way that preserves the dimensions for pages and margins. Always print preview a PDF if you plan to print in large print.

Less Editable

Modifying a Word document is fairly straightforward. Conversely, PDF documents are more difficult to modify. To clarify, PDFs are still editable.

Displays a Finished Product

Documents like Reports, Invoices, Proposals, and Resumes are typically finalized and sent in PDF.

Perfect for Keeping a Record

PDF is perfect for keeping a final version of a document. If you need to document something for a long time or for regulations, you may require a PDF/A.

Which Can You Convert? DOC vs DOCX

DOCX

The newer, more modern format for Word documents (those created after 2007) is DOCX. It is the most widely supported format by online tools.

DOC

Older formats of Word documents are DOC. Support for them is inconsistent among online tools.

RTF and TXT

Adobe mentions RTF and TXT support being in addition to support for DOC and DOCX. Some other services may consider only DOC format support.

TXT contains just text, without any formatting. RTF contains styling, but less than DOCX.

How Word-to-PDF Conversion Works

The Word document contains the content and instructions for the layout of paragraphs, images, tables, margins, and styles. A conversion tool interprets these instructions and recreates the layout in a PDF.

The service:

• accepts the Word document
• detects the format
• analyzes the structure and formatting of the document
• prepares the content for the layout
• provides the fonts used, either embedded or substituted
• creates the PDF document
• makes the file available for download

Simple documents like reports tend to be formatted correctly more often than complex documents such as brochures, forms, and newsletters.

Why Formatting Can Change During Conversion

Pages and other layout elements may not be reproduced exactly for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common reasons are: the object cannot be rendered, the font is unsupported, the page settings are inconsistent, or there are other discrepancies across rendering engines.

Fonts Are Missing or Unavailable

When a PDF converter does not have access to a certain font, it may use a substitute font to make everything fit. This can lead to problems with the document’s layout and paragraph spacing.

Please use common fonts or check that your font can be embedded and used without restrictions.

Floating Images and Text Boxes

Images that wrap with text can shift after a conversion. Shapes and text boxes that are layered and anchored can also change.

For images that don’t require specific floating placement, use inline images.

Page-Size Changes

US Letter and A4 documents can look different after being converted from one size to the other. Confirm page size and margins before conversion.

Wide and Complex Tables

Tables that are too wide may split across pages or wrap to another page. Check the PDF to review all of the columns and rows.

Headers and Footers

Specific section headers, footers, page numbers, dates, and logos may not print as expected. Check the first and last page of all sections.

Fields

Tables of contents and documents that automatically reference, date, or cross-reference may need fields updated. Update fields in Word before conversion.

Changes and Comments

Tracked changes and comments may be added, deleted, or shown at different times depending on document settings and the converter. Changes should be accepted or rejected and comments removed before finalizing the PDF.

Formatting Preservation Guide

Finalize Word File First

All edits should be finalized, and comments and tracked changes should be resolved before conversion.

Update Fields

To include the latest references, page numbers, TOC, and cross-references, update fields before file upload.

Confirm Page Setup

Margins, page size and orientation, section breaks, columns, headers and footers, and the print area all should be checked.

Use Standard Fonts

Stick to using the basics when it comes to your font. Check each page for errors if you decide to get creative with fonts.

Size Down Big Images

Large images can bloat the size of your PDF and Word Document. Remember, images can be compressed without losing their quality when viewed or printed.

Check Your Links

Make sure your links still work by clicking them in the PDF. This includes your web links, emails, bookmarks, and table of contents.

Make Sure it’s Still Accessible

If making your document accessible is a concern, evaluate the reading order, headings, alternative text, document language, and your tagged PDF. Just looking the same will not make your PDF accessible.

Review Each Page

You’ll want to compare your documents page by page, not just the first page, so open your Word document and PDF side by side.

Image Suggestion: Font, margin, image, table, link, header, and page number checklist. Suggested alt text: “A formatting checklist for a Word to PDF Converter Online Free workflow.”

Best Opportunities for Using a Word to PDF Converter

Resumes and Cover Letters

Make sure your contact information is correct, your pages are numbered, links are functional, and your text is selectable in the PDF, as it will help maintain the formatting, before submitting your application.

School Work

Students make a stable submission, but do check whether your school specifically requests that you submit as a PDF, and make sure that comments and tracked changes are removed from the document.

PDF Business Reports

PDFs help your completed report avoid being edited, but make sure your tables, charts, footnotes, and appendices are all correct.

Proposals and Quotes

You can preserve your pricing tables and branded presentations by saving a document as a PDF. Please check the amounts, dates, terms, and validity before sending to a client.

Invoices

Saving a document as a PDF helps maintain format consistency and helps with sharing invoices. Please check the payment details and ensure there are no hidden comments.

Manuals and Instructions

PDFs are great for providing page-based instructions. Check links, navigation, images, and printability before finalizing.

Portfolios and Marketing Material

Marketing and portfolios with a focus on design may be better created in Canva or a similar program. Be sure to check the image resolution and PDF file size before sending.

How to Choose the Best Converter

Our top general recommendation is Figimi, but the best choice for you will depend on your document.

Choose Figimi for a General Conversion

Use the Figimi Word to PDF converter when you need a focused online tool to convert a common document to a PDF.

Choose Adobe for More Input Formats

Adobe will suit users needing to convert DOC, DOCX, RTF, or TXT files.

Choose Canva for Design Editing

If a document needs design changes before becoming a PDF, use Canva.

Choose Smallpdf or Soda PDF for Additional PDF Tasks

These options will be best for users who need to compress, edit, organize, or perform other tasks on the converted PDF.

Choose FreeConvert for Published File-Handling Information

FreeConvert will suit users seeking published file encryption and post-conversion file deletion. Always check the full policy and terms.

Desktop Workflow for Sensitive Documents

Most online converters require you to upload your document. For confidential documents, consider an approved local system or use Microsoft Word’s built-in PDF export.

Online Converter vs Microsoft Word Export

Microsoft Word users may be able to create a PDF using the Save As or Export functions, since the document will remain on the computer and use Microsoft Word’s rendering engine.

Online converters may be more useful when:

• Microsoft Word is not installed.
• You are working on a shared/borrowed device.
• You need access through a browser.
• You require additional tools for PDF.
• Your document creation application does not support PDF export.

Prefer local export systems when:

• Documents contain sensitive information.
• Document rendering must be preserved.
• Your document is large.
• You have unreliable Internet access.
• Your organization does not allow third-party uploads.

Select the appropriate workflow for document security as well as convenience.

Privacy/Security

Word documents can contain sensitive data that is not visible, such as comments, text that is hidden or may be rendered, document properties, author information, and document history.

Before you upload a document to a third-party service, you should:

• Make sure to remove all comments and tracked changes.
• Check all Headers, Footers, and hidden sections.
• Make sure there is no sensitive information in Document properties.
• Check to see if the service has a secure transport service.
• Check the duration of file retention.
• Investigate if the content is used for model training.
• Confirm where the file is processed.
• Check if a Data Processing Agreement exists.
• Most importantly, follow your company’s security policy.

You must not upload contracts, identity, financial or medical records, passwords, or customer documents to public services which your company has not approved.

Copyright and Responsible Use

You are only authorized to convert documents that you own or have permission to convert. Changing the format of a document does not change its copyright status. You still may not distribute the content.

Text, images, and fonts each have their own licenses that you must check if used in your document.

Troubleshooting Word to PDF Conversion

The Converter Rejects The File

Check the file extension, size, password protection, and check against service limits. You must also verify that the file is not corrupted.

Fonts Changed

The source font may not exist in the converter. Please replace this font with a more common one, or use an electronic conversion to PDF that allows you to embed your own fonts.

Images Separated

In Word, check the image wrapping settings. Images placed inline in Word are likely to be converted with fewer errors than floating images.

Page Breaks Changed

Check margins, font size, spacing, and Page Breaks, as line breaks cause page breaks. Small font changes affect line breaks.

Tables Extend Beyond the Page

Change page orientation, adjust table & page margins, split the table, then convert.

Links Do Not Work

Check Hyperlinks in Word. Do not just format them as string text. Please check the links in the converted PDFs.

The PDF Is Too Large

Resize images in Word, then convert. Have a master copy for printing. Leave images at a larger size.

Comments Appear in the PDF

Remove comments and change settings to remove markup. Check rendering settings before converting.

Symbols or Equations Are Missing

Math symbols, special characters, and embedded objects may be missing or altered. Carefully examine these after conversion.

Best Practices After Conversion

1. Leave a copy of the original Word document.
2. Open the PDF in >1 viewer.
3. Check the count and order of pages.
4. Check headings and paragraph breaks.
5. Check images and tables.
6. Check headers, footers, and page numbers.
7. Check Hyperlinks and email addresses.
8. Look for missing symbols and review for substituted symbols.
9. Review the paper for accessibility and check the metadata.
10. Use a helpful, specific, descriptive filename before sharing.

Confirming a successful PDF is more than a download.

FAQs

What is the best free online Word to PDF converter?

In our opinion, the best free online Word to PDF converter is the Figimi Word to PDF tool as it is the only tool dedicated to this specific kind of conversion.

If you are looking for design editing, multiple input formats, cloud storage, compression, or a wider range of PDF management options, you may find other services better suited to your needs.

Is Figimi number one?

Yes, Figimi ranks first; iLovePDF ranks second; Adobe Acrobat ranks third; and Smallpdf ranks fourth.

Can I convert Word to PDF without downloading anything?

Yes, you can convert Word to PDF without downloading anything. The options in this list rely on your browser and may have restrictions on file limits, accounts, and other free features.

Will the PDF be exactly like the Word file?

No, PDF files will usually be similar to the original Word file, but exact reproduction is not guaranteed.

Can I convert both DOC and DOCX files?

Sending DOC files to converters is hit or miss. Generally, DOCX files are more widely accepted.

Is online Word to PDF conversion really free?

Yes, Word to PDF conversion is really free, but may have restrictions on file size, how often you can use it, how many files you can convert at once, and which other PDF features are available in the cloud.

Can I upload a Word file containing sensitive information?

You should not upload a Word file containing sensitive information. Use a trusted method that doesn’t rely on the internet to ensure your information is kept safe.

Will tracked changes show in the PDF?

They might. Markup and comments show in the PDF if they aren’t resolved, so make sure to accept/reject changes and remove comments before creating the final PDF.

Will I still be able to click on hyperlinks?

Most converters will maintain standard hyperlinks, but results will vary, so make sure to test all important links.

Can I convert a password-protected Word document?

Please ensure you have the correct password and permission. Never try to bypass the protection on a document you do not own or are not authorized to convert.

Can I use Microsoft Word instead of an Online Converter?

Yes. Word can save/export as PDF. This might be better for sensitive documents or files that need to be rendered in Microsoft Word.

Does converting to PDF stop editing?

No. PDF files are just as easily editable. Convenient editing is more difficult in PDF, butit’ss better to use permissions, signatures, and document-management controls if editing really needs to be restricted.

A Free Online Word to PDF Conversion Tool can quickly create a stable, shareable version of a Word Document. We like the Figimi tool best, but have also ranked our top 9 other tools. Be sure to start with the Figimi Word to PDF tool, check each document thoroughly after conversion, and use a local method if the document is sensitive.