When you’re ready to share a new design with your coworkers, send a contract to your client, or create a user guide for your customers, one of the most reliable file types to use is the PDF.
Luckily, file conversion first-timers who don’t spend their work days on a computer can easily learn how to make a PDF file out of images, documents, and other file types. There are several methods for creating PDFs on your Mac, your PC, and online.
Let’s get into it!
What Is a PDF?
The Portable Document Format (PDF) is the industry standard file format for document sharing. Developed by Adobe Systems, a PDF is an exact replica of whatever file you want to duplicate, whether that be a photograph, text file, web page, graphic design, word processing page, or a screenshot.
When you convert documents to PDF, any future edits or alterations will leave a digital footprint. PDF files can be password protected and have editing or printing features limited by the document creator.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
To read a PDF file, you need to have programs installed on your desktop to open the file. Preview for Mac is a free program that comes with your computer.
For non-Mac users, Adobe Acrobat Reader is free and available to download online, but many computers come with it pre-installed. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader if you don’t have the software yet.
To make a PDF file on your own, use any of these methods to get started:
1. How to Make a PDF File in Microsoft Word
Many user products like Microsoft Office feature built-in PDF converters to make your life easier. The steps you take within Microsoft Word to create a PDF from your document will vary based on the version of the software you have, and what type of operating system you’re using.
For Microsoft Word on a PC
- Select File > Open to open the document you’d like to save as a PDF, or simply type a new document.
- Once your document is ready, select File > Save As. Then in the Save as Type dropdown, choose PDF.
- Select Save.
For Microsoft Word on a Mac
- Select File > Open to open the document you’d like to save as a PDF, or simply type a new document.
- Once your document is ready, select File > Save As, then under the File Format dropdown menu, select PDF.
- Name your document, then click Export.
For Microsoft Word (2007 or Earlier) on a PC
- Select File > Open to open the document you’d like to save as a PDF, or simply type a new document.
- Once your document is ready, select File > Save As, and then choose PDF or XPS. Perform the following steps in the Save Dialog box.
- Type a name for your new file under File Name.
- Under Save as Type select PDF.
- Select Open file after saving if you have Adobe Reader or another PDF reader installed and would like to immediately view your file.
- Under Optimize for, select Standard if you need to retain as high of quality as possible for printing. Or, select Minimum size if you won’t be printing the document and would prefer a smaller file size.
- After you’ve changed any Options you need, select Publish and you now have a PDF file.
Based on when you first purchased Microsoft Word, you may be required to install a free add-in that allows you to save any file as a PDF. Download and install the add-in by following the on-screen prompts, and then relaunch Microsoft Word.
2. How to Make a PDF File Using Print Feature on Mac
If you’re using a program other than Microsoft Office, you can still create a PDF file with any application that has a Print feature, like Preview.
- Open the file that you’d like to save as a PDF.
- Select File > Print.
- When the print menu appears, click on the PDF dropdown menu at the bottom-left corner. From the options, select Save as PDF.
- Name your file, select the location on your computer where you’d like to save it, and select Save.
3. How to Make a PDF Online
Users of PCs or Macs can use simple and free online converters to create PDF files. Do your research and make sure the programs don’t come with caveats or limitations.
Some converters will require your personal information for marketing purposes or may only allow a few PDF files to be created.
- Choose a converter like PrintInPDF or PDF Converter.
- Select Choose File or Browse to choose the documents you want to convert to PDF. Note that many online converters will limit the amount of documents you can convert at one time.
- Select Convert or Convert to PDF. Some converters may have multiple file-type options, so select PDF, and then wait for the conversion process to complete.
- Select Download or follow any on-screen prompts to download and save your new PDF files once they’ve been converted.
4. How to Make a PDF File with Shutterstock Create
Using our enhanced Shutterstock Create tool, you can transform any images you create into PDF files by following a few simple steps.
Here’s how to make a PDF file using Create:
- Open Create, choose a size for your design, then select a blank canvas.
- To import your own images, click the Images tab from the left-hand menu.
- Click Uploads and select an image from your computer or type in keywords to choose from our stock photo library.
- When you’re ready to export the image, give your image a name in the upper-right corner, then click Download.
- From the dropdown menu, select PDF and click Download again.
- Now you have a new PDF file to share and send!
Edit PDF Online
In order to edit PDF files, you’ll need to pay for Adobe Acrobat DC—Adobe’s PDF creation and editing software. Pricing plans vary based on the features you want, and if you plan to purchase the software individually or for a business.
If Adobe Acrobat is out of your price range, there are several low-cost or free software options for editing a PDF online. Read our PDF editing guide and modify the text or images within a PDF with ease.
Merge PDF Online
If you have several PDF files that you’d like to merge, you can learn how to combine PDF files by reading our guide on the topic. Whether on your desktop or online, you can merge PDF files with just a few clicks.
Want to learn more about image file types and file management? Check out these helpful articles:
License this cover image via Roman Samborskyi, omibomotu, arigato, and VikiVector.
