2/10/23, 1:06 PM What does PDF mean and how do I save a file as a PDF? - Ask NWTC What does PDF mean and how do I save a file as a PDF? Answer PDF stands for "portable document format". Essentially, the format is used when you need to save files that cannot be modified but still need to be easily shared and printed. Today most devices have a version of Adobe Reader or can open a PDF in an Internet Browser. To save a file in .pdf format: 1. Open the document you want to save as a .pdf 2. Click the File tab 3. Click Save As (choosing Save As keeps your original version and allows you to save an additional copy in another file format.) 4. In the File Name box, enter a name for the file if you haven't already 5. Click the drop down arrow in the Save as Type box and click PDF (*.pdf) - If you don't see this as an option in the menu, make sure you have the free Adobe Reader software installed on your computer. 6. If you want the file to open in the selected format after saving, select the Open file after publishing check box 7. Click Options box for other available options 8. Click Save **You may also see an option to "Export" your document/file to a PDF in your File menu. You can use that option instead of following the "save as" instructions if you prefer. In addition, some programs allow you to choose Print and then select Save as PDF as the printer. Each of these methods will result in a new file in the PDF format. It is possible to open a .pdf in Microsoft Word to convert it back to the .docx format and edit it. The following dialog box appears: Related Can I save a PowerPoint presentation as a Word document or PDF? (/faq/212791) How do I print a .pdf file? (/faq/212722) What software can convert a PDF back to Microsoft Office? (/faq/212828) What is the difference between a pdf and jpg? (/faq/212902) What is a safe practice to save my files? (/faq/212700) How do I sign up for a study room? (/faq/212860) How do I cite a webpage in APA format? (/faq/229227) How do I share and let others edit my files on my OneDrive? (/faq/366802) I'm writing a paper in APA format. Do I capitalize the name of a drug? (/faq/212916) Computers/Mobile (/search/?t=0&adv=1&topics=Computers%2FMobile) Comments (18) 1. Well explained I now understand u you are a great teacher thanks by josy on Jan 22, 2016 2. Wow, thats a nice one. Thanks by Ochei on Apr 29, 2016 3. I don't have a PDF choice in the drop down box. What do I do? by B Ellis on Sep 06, 2016 4. I don't have a PDF choice in the drop down box. Is there another way to save my file as a PDF? by Kathleen Daly on Jul 02, 2018 5. BY GEORGE! Josy was quite correct in paying you a COMPLIMENT: You are indeed an OUTSTANDING teacher. Kudos to You, https://nwtc.libanswers.com/faq/212721 1/2 2/10/23, 1:06 PM What does PDF mean and how do I save a file as a PDF? - Ask NWTC Best, Russell by Russell Brahm on Jan 28, 2019 6. Thank you for sharing this info.I wish you share more and be more simplified.God bless you. by Jennifer on Aug 14, 2019 7. Can I email a completed PDF. I received a form to fill out on an attachment of an email for my doctor and I have it saved now just need to fill the form out and email it back Fran by Fran Hamilton on Apr 21, 2020 8. thankx by oday smadi on Jul 04, 2020 9. Helping by Suraj Kumar on Jul 05, 2020 10. Thank you for sharing information by MR SAM on Sep 10, 2020 11. Thank you. And Siri by Mark.Boudreau. My nickname is skid on Sep 10, 2020 12. Helpful indeed by Crosspolo on Oct 08, 2020 13. Thanks a lot. One of my problems has now been resolved. by Sugathakumar on Nov 02, 2020 14. Brilliant work by NSANZIMANA Emmanuel on Jan 06, 2021 15. How can I change a pdf file into a file that I can print out? by Penny burke on Jan 14, 2021 16. The full form of PDF is "Portable Document Format". by Gurwinder Singh on Apr 01, 2021 17. Akudos to you, very educative by Balikurungi Nickson on Jul 31, 2021 18. I learn & understand so much about pdf by Tlou Trans and Cleaning on Aug 30, 2021 Add a public comment to this FAQ Entry (/faq/212721/comment) https://nwtc.libanswers.com/faq/212721 2/2