How to Create a PDF (Step-by-Step Guide)

A PDF (Portable Document Format) is the gold standard for sharing documents because it looks the same on every screen. Here is how to create one from almost anything.

From Microsoft Word / Excel / PowerPoint

Since you create most documents here, saving as PDF is key.

1. Finish your document.
2. Go to File > Save As (or Export).
3. In the file format dropdown, select PDF (.pdf).
4. Click Save.

From a Web Page

Found a great article you want to save?

1. Press Ctrl + P (Cmd + P on Mac) to open Print.
2. Change Destination/Printer to "Save as PDF".
3. Click Save.

From Images

1. Use our Image to PDF tool.
2. Upload one or more IDs, receipts, or photos.
3. Download a single PDF document.

From Paper (Scanning)

1. Use your phone! (See our scan guide).
2. Or use a physical scanner > Scan to PDF settings.

Why Create PDFs?

• Security: Harder to accidentally edit than Word docs.
• Portability: Opens on phones, tablets, and generic PCs without installed fonts.
• Professionalism: It's the expected format for formal documents.

Now you can turn anything digital into a PDF.