How do I convert Word documents to PDF?
I can’t keep count of the number of times I have been asked to convert Word documents to PDF, so here is a whole post dedicated to the topic!
Video Guide
Before we begin – are you getting weird alt text on your document? You might have a bug you need to patch.
If you properly format your Word document – you can export an almost perfect PDF file that will be close to passing accessibility requirements. By making a Word document accessible, you cut the time to remediate a PDF by more than 90%. Need some guidance on how to make Word documents accessible?
Convert Word Documents to PDF: Step-by-Step
Step 1
Ensure that your Word document is fully accessible. This page will walk you through all the steps required for making a Word document accessible.
Step 2
Select File > Export > Create XPS / PDF Document
Step 3
Select the options button to adjust the settings before selecting publish. These options will ensure that you are exporting a tagged PDF.
Step 4
Adjust the options to reflect the following:
- Page range set to all
- Publish what set to Document
- Include non-printing information has all three checkboxes selected
Now validate
Open up your PDF and ensure there are tags in the document.
That’s it!
Now you can begin making your PDF document accessible which is much easier if starting with a Word document.
Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!
[…] Word to PDF Conversion […]
[…] Converting Your Microsoft Word Form to a PDF […]
[…] easiest method to properly embed links is to use MS Word to create your PDF. If your links are properly formatted in Word, and you properly create your PDF, the links will […]
[…] While the exact cause remains a mystery, the first step to preventing this issue is to regularly check the alt text on your images during conversion. Consider this a public service announcement to remain vigilant and ensure your image descriptions are preserved in the transition from Word to PDF. […]
[…] Proper PDF Creation from Word: Use built-in Acrobat toolbar in Word to convert documents to PDF. This preserves formatting and ensures proper […]
[…] When dealing with organizational charts, ensuring accessibility for all users is paramount. However, tagging these charts can present unique challenges, especially when transitioning from programs like Microsoft Word to Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. […]
[…] The conversion process from Word to PDF likely contributed to the document’s accessibility shortcomings. Despite minor oversights, addressing these issues required considerable effort and attention to detail. […]
[…] following this method, the page numbers will automatically be artifacted if you export the document as a PDF. This step ensures that the page numbers won’t interfere with the reading flow of a screen reader. […]
[…] Using this feature will ensure your document is accessible by screen readers. It will also remain accessible should you convert your Word document to PDF. […]
[…] 1. Converting Word Document to PDF […]
[…] will seamlessly link to their corresponding text within Microsoft Word. And when it comes to converting the document to PDF, rest assured that the footnotes will be correctly tagged, ensuring accessibility for all […]
[…] Conversion Challenges: The PDF’s accessibility issues stem from inadequate preparation during the conversion process from Microsoft Word. Solution: Prioritize accessibility considerations during the document creation and conversion process. Implement accessibility best practices in Microsoft Word to facilitate seamless conversion and improve overall document accessibility. […]