It’s easy to edit or tamper Word documents, which is why many people prefer to convert them to PDF. To prevent changes or restrict access, you can set passwords on your PDF files by using an online PDF converter.
Aside from password protection, PDF files make it easy for you to access on any device, no matter what operating system it is, be it Windows, Mac, Android, or Linux. Plus, visual elements, such as text, fonts, graphics, and images, are retained when you convert to PDF.
PDF files are compact too. Even if your file has high-resolution images, you can reduce its size by simply converting it to PDF—without worrying about the quality. With the file size reduced, you can keep the document on your company’s server or post it on various websites.
So, it’s no surprise that there are about 2.5 trillion PDF documents that exist today. And this number continues to go up every day.
However, to have your Word documents in PDF format, you must have an MS word Docx to PDF converter. There are many options to choose from, but how do you pick the best one? Read on to learn some useful tips.
An MS Word Docx to PDF converter explained
Although over a million companies use the Office 365 suite, the documents you generate with it can only work on a Windows operating system, limiting the access of those using other systems like Linux. Moreover, Word documents are vulnerable to virus attacks. You’d have to invest in and install reliable virus scanners and other malware detectors to make sharing files over the network safer. Another disadvantage of Word files is their large size, which is inconvenient for people who need to develop and save multiple files.
Hence, using a Word to PDF converter is an effective solution you can take. With this tool, you can convert Word documents to PDF anytime you want.
As you search for one, you’ll come across a wide variety you can select, depending on your budget and features, like how you want the document to be accessed and edited.
Using an online converter
To begin using an online PDF converter, such as the one shown in this video above, you need to upload your document to your mobile device, computer, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Then select the. DOCX document that you want to convert and choose open. You can upload as many pages as your chosen converter allows. Finally, click the download file on the tool, select the folder you’ll store it in, and the converter will fulfill its job.
How can you choose the best MS Word to PDF converters?
PDF converters offer different conversion qualities and provide other services and capabilities. As you explore some PDF converters, you should consider the following factors:
- Price
Most PDF converters will ask you to pay a fee to access some of its advanced features, such as e-signature and unlimited conversions. The prices vary, depending on the provider. Your winning point is to assess the features versus the price and go for the best value for money. Ensure that the product delivery matches the price you’re paying.
- Storage
You should consider an MS Word to PDF converter invested in cloud storage. With a cloud-based application, you can remotely access your files from anywhere, upload, convert, and even share the document with your team.
An online PDF converter is efficient because of its auto-save option. If you log out without saving, you can always find your data and pick up right where you left off.
Cloud applications update automatically, and you’re sure they won’t miss a critical security patch. With this, you can focus on your work while the application developer takes care of the updates.
- Free trial
You should choose a PDF converter that has a free trial version, so you can use the software without paying for a period of time. The free trial is your chance to gain knowledge of the software’s features. It will also help you make an informed decision and will come in handy for a one-time conversion. But if you tend to do a lot of conversions daily, purchase a license.
- User-friendly interface
A PDF converter should have a clean, simple, and professional interface that makes it easy for you to manage your documents. Remember, with a simple interface; you have a small learning curve to familiarize yourself with the features. It’s already challenging to prepare a report in Word, so don’t make it harder on yourself by choosing a tool that’s difficult to use.
- Multitasking capabilities
You can use multiple tabs for multitasking on a PDF converter. Check if the processing speed of the converter is affected by the opening of multiple tabs. Generally, multitasking should save you the time you need to upload, convert, and download your files. The instructions should be straightforward and neat, making the software easy and convenient. You should access everything you need on a single screen. There should also be shortcuts for activities you must do and navigate between different documents during collaboration.
- Compatibility of the software
Be careful with the compatibility of the software. If you’re using a Mac or Windows computer, choose an application that matches these features for convenience and ease of access. Downloading incompatible software will be futile, as it won’t install in the first place. The details about supported operating systems are usually outlined on the downloads page.
- Security of your files
From 2021 to mid-year 2022, cyber-attacks and data breaches have increased by 15.1%, which is expected to rise with the use of online software and collaboration among companies. Thus, as you find an ideal PDF converter, you should consider the safety of your documents.
Check for security protocols of the PDF converter to protect your files from online hackers. To avoid leaks, pick a PDF editor that deletes your document immediately after the conversion is done. Apart from this, opt for one that uses SSL encryption to encrypt and protect your data.
Furthermore, an online converter should require you to sign in to your account. So, when you register, use a strong password and apply multifactor authentication.
- Support of scanning content (OCR)
A good PDF converter should have optical character recognition (OCR), which can recognize any text in image format. OCR converts such text to an editable format, allowing you to edit it further.
The use of OCR in text recognition dates back to 1950. Numerous improvements have been made over the years, and now you can use it for your everyday scanning needs of Word to PDF documents.
- Processing speed
To ensure efficiency, settle on a PDF converter with fast processing speeds. The tool must work fast and complete the conversion in a few seconds. You shouldn’t have to wait for several minutes for a simple conversion task.
However, note that, if you’re using a desktop converter, its speed will also depend on your computer’s specs. And for an online PDF converter, it may depend on your file size and network speed. So, don’t be quick to judge a converter.
- Preservation of document elements
As mentioned earlier, PDF is popular because it preserves the layout of the documents no matter how many people access it. After you’ve done your edits, you wouldn’t want a PDF converter that changes the layout you have.
Therefore, you must see to it that your converter of choice is accurate and maintains your document format. Double-check whether the headers, image placements, footers, numbers on tables, and paragraph spacing are maintained when you upload your document. In other words, the content of your document should remain as it was before conversion.
- Additional edit options
Besides retaining quality, a PDF converter should provide additional editing options, such as creating, rotating, or unlocking your document. These additions will make your PDF converter more efficient for a range of tasks. You wouldn’t want to switch to a different tool for other edits. This is why having one tool that meets all your editing needs is essential.
Sometimes, you may need to convert several files. Batch conversion will save you time since you don’t have to finish one as you wait for the next. So, before making your final decision, confirm whether the tool allows you to convert several files simultaneously.
- Integration
Don’t forget to pick one that easily integrates with other applications you plan to use, including Google Drive or Dropbox. This way, transferring documents across platforms and devices will be smooth.
Integration is especially helpful when you need to access your document, convert it to PDF or share it with other members of your team.
- Customer reviews
Customer reviews you see on the official website of the PDF converter is another factor that should be part of your purchase decision. Consumers hardly lie about the benefits and downsides of a product.
Take the time to read what other people have to say about the tool. If reviews are in the form of stars, avoid tools with poor ratings of one or two stars, which usually reflect customers’ disappointment or frustrations.
Conclusion
Using a tool to convert Word documents to PDF isn’t just a practical approach but also one of the best decisions you’ll make. After all, the PDF format makes saving, sending, protecting, and printing your files easy.
Though there are many online converters around, finding the best one will be smooth and quick as long as you follow all these tips. Most PDF converters come with a subscription fee, so you must be careful in choosing one that’s worth every penny and equipped to meet your needs.
