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By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-09-02

100 % Helpful

How to Convert Word to PDF on Mac - 5 Word to PDF Converters

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By Jenefey Aaron

2025-09-02 / Convert PDF

How to convert multiple DOCX files to PDF on a Mac? I need to send client reports quickly without opening each file one by one.

PDFs are the universal format for sharing, publishing, and printing documents. Word files can look different on different devices, but PDFs preserve fonts, layout, and formatting perfectly. On Mac, there are several ways to do this some free, some professional.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to convert word to PDF on Mac, with a clear comparison of all methods, including their pros and cons, so you can choose the best option for your needs.

Part 1. How to Convert Word to PDF on Mac – OCR & Batch

When it comes to how to convert doc to PDF on Mac, Tenorshare PDNob is the most complete and professional option. Unlike basic free tools, PDNob can convert hundreds of Word files at once, saving you time.

Its built-in OCR turns scanned documents or images into searchable PDFs and supports multiple languages like Arabic and Japanese. You can also edit text, add watermarks, protect files with passwords, and keep the original formatting intact. Lightweight and stable, it works even on older Macs.

PDNob PDF Editor Features

  • Batch Conversion: Convert hundreds of Word files to PDF at once.
  • Built-in OCR: Turn scanned documents or images into searchable PDFs; supports multiple languages (Arabic, Japanese, etc.).
  • Edit PDF s: Modify text, images, and pages directly within the PDF.
  • Add Watermarks & Passwords: Secure documents with passwords or add custom watermarks.
  • Preserve Formatting: Maintain fonts, layout, and images exactly as in the original Word file.
  • Lightweight & Stable: Works smoothly even on older Mac devices.
  • Fast & Reliable: Quick conversion without losing quality.
  • Professional Use: Ideal for businesses, students, researchers, and heavy document users.

How to Export Word to PDF on Mac via PDNob PDF Editor

  • Open Tenorshare PDNob. Click Create PDF from the left-hand menu.
    create pdf
  • Choose the option From File.
    create pdf from file
  • Select the file (like DOCX) that you want to convert.
  • Click Save to generate your new PDF.

Pros & Cons of Using PDNob PDF Editor

Pros:

  • Fastest method for single or batch Word-to-PDF conversions
  • Advanced OCR converts scanned files into searchable PDFs
  • Editing features: modify text, add watermarks, or protect with passwords
  • No formatting loss; preserves fonts, images, and layout
  • Lifetime updates and stable performance on all Macs

Cons:

  • Paid software, but highly worth it if you convert documents regularly

Best For : Businesses, researchers, students with scanned papers, users handling many documents.

Part 2: How to Convert Word to PDF on Mac Free – Print

Mac provides a built-in, free way to save Word documents as PDFs, making it easy to share files that keep their formatting and can be opened on any device with a PDF viewer like Preview or Adobe Acrobat. This method is perfect for quick, one-off conversions without installing extra software.

Limitations

  • Cannot convert multiple Word files at once
  • Hyperlinks may not always work
  • No editing, OCR, or compression options

Step-by-Step: How to Save Word File as PDF on Mac

  • Open the Word document you want to convert.
  • Click File in the menu and select Print.
  • mac preview print
  • In the Print window, click the PDF button to open the PDF options menu.
  • Select Save as PDF from the menu.
  • Choose a name and location for your PDF file. You can also add tags or fill in the Title, Author, Subject, and Keywords fields for easier searching later.
  • To protect your document, click Security Options and set passwords for opening, copying, or printing the PDF.
  • Click Save to complete the conversion. Your Word document is now a PDF.
  • convert word to pdf on mac print

Best For

  • Quick, single conversions
  • Users who want a free, no-download solution
  • Simple sharing of Word documents without formatting issues

Part 3: How to Transfer Word to PDF on Mac – Microsoft Word

For users searching save as PDF in Word Mac, Microsoft Word itself provides a straightforward way to convert documents without extra software. This built-in method is ideal for Office users who already have Word installed.

Step-by-Step: How to Export Word to PDF on Mac

  • Double-click the Word file you want to convert to open it in Microsoft Word.
  • The File menu is located in the upper-left corner of your Mac’s screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
  • Choose Save As… from the menu options.
  • microsoft word save as
  • Type a new name for your PDF in the “Save As” box. Make sure it’s different from the original Word file name to avoid overwriting the document.
  • microsoft transfer word to pdf mac
  • Select the folder where you want to save the PDF file.
  • From the “File Format” menu, choose PDF. This tells Word to save the document as a PDF.
  • Click Export to save your Word file as a PDF in the chosen location. Your document is now ready to share, view, or print as a professional PDF.

Part 4: How to Save Word File as PDF on Mac Online Free

You can find reliable Word to PDF Mac free tools online that don't require downloads. These tools are perfect for quick conversions, letting you save Word documents as PDFs while preserving formatting, fonts, images, and layout. Below are two top choices:

1. PDNob Online Word to PDF Converter

PDNob Online is fast, secure, and accurate for converting Word files to PDF. It works entirely online, so there’s no installation required. Files are automatically deleted after conversion, ensuring your privacy, while formatting remains intact.

PDNob Online is ideal for anyone needing a fast, secure, and reliable way to convert Word to PDF without losing formatting.

How to Save Word Document as PDF on MacBook

  • Visit the PDNob Online Word to PDF Converter and click Get Started.
  • Click From Desktop and choose the Word file you want to convert.
  • pdnob online word to pdf converter
  • Click Convert to PDF. PDNob Online will process your file automatically.
  • pdnob convert word to pdf mac online
  • Click Download to save your PDF with original formatting preserved.

2. Adobe Acrobat Online Converter

Adobe Acrobat Online is a trusted choice for how to export Word to PDF Mac. It ensures professional results and preserves the original formatting of your document. The free version allows limited conversions, while advanced features require a paid upgrade.

How to Convert Word to PDF on Mac Free with Adobe Acrobat Online

  • Visit Adobe Acrobat Word to PDF Online
  • Click Select a file or drag and drop your Word document.
  • acrobat convert word to pdf mac online
  • Acrobat automatically converts the file to PDF.
  • Download the converted PDF or sign in to share it.

Pros:

  • Free and easy to use with no software installation
  • Works on any device with a browser and internet connection
  • Maintains document layout and formatting for professional results
  • Quick and easy for one-time or occasional conversions
  • Accessible anywhere with an internet connection

Cons:

  • Requires a stable internet connection
  • Limited file size or daily conversion quotas
  • Privacy risks for highly sensitive or confidential documents

Best For : Quick one-off conversions, users who want a free & no-download solution.

Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why is Word not converting to PDF on my Mac?

Word may fail to convert if the file is too large, contains unsupported fonts, or if your Office version is outdated. Try updating Word, reducing file size, or use a PDF editor like PDNob for reliable conversion.

Q2. How do I keep hyperlinks when saving Word to PDF?

When exporting, choose Best for electronic distribution and accessibility instead of Best for printing. This ensures all links remain clickable. Third-party tools like PDNob or Adobe Acrobat also preserve hyperlinks.

Q3. What’s the best free Word to PDF converter for Mac?

The built-in Print to PDF option and Microsoft Word’s Export feature are the best free methods. For batch conversion or OCR, PDNob PDF Editor offers more advanced features.

Q4. Is online Word to PDF converter safe?

It depends on the tool. Reputable services like PDNob Online and Adobe Acrobat auto-delete files after conversion. However, avoid uploading sensitive documents to unknown or untrusted sites.

Conclusion

Converting Word documents to PDF on Mac is essential for sharing professional, secure, and perfectly formatted files. For users who want the fastest, most reliable, and feature-rich solution, Tenorshare PDNob stands out. It handles batch conversions, preserves formatting, supports OCR, and offers editing and security options.

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