Converting documents to PDF

  • Updated

While Scribd supports a variety of filetypes, occasionally some uploads may not retain all their original formatting. If you want to ensure your content appears exactly as intended, consider converting it to PDF before uploading. This gives you maximum control over formatting, preserving elements like fonts, layouts, and embedded images. Or, if your document isn’t already in a format supported by Scribd, converting it to PDF is the first step toward making it accessible to readers worldwide.

There are several ways to convert your document to PDF, and we've shared a few below. Please note: these products aren't listed in any particular order and Scribd doesn't endorse them in any way. You'll need to contact their teams if you have any questions or problems.

On the Web

  • Zamzar is a simple, free tool that can convert a variety of different file types into a PDF.

Print-to-PDF

There are several "print-to-PDF tools" available. These programs all work by installing a virtual printer on your computer. To convert a document, you use your software's Print function and select the virtual printer as the destination. Instead of printing the document to physical paper, these programs create a PDF from it. These programs can create a PDF from any document that can be printed, though hyperlinks and other active content generally won't work in the PDF documents they produce.

Some options for Windows users include:

All recent versions of MacOS have included a print-to-PDF driver. Simply click the 'PDF' button in the Print dialog box, then select 'Save as PDF' from the menu.

Office Suites

OpenOffice is an open-source office suite. Among its many features, it can open a variety of formats (including Microsoft Office formats) and save documents as PDFs. It's completely free to download.

Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace document apps can also export your documents as PDFs.

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