Year on year, by far the most common document file type found online is the PDF. In 2014, more than 75% of all document files on the web were in the popular Adobe format.
The reason this filetype is so popular is that is designed for reading, not editing. This means that it can be shared across different operating systems without any impact on how it looks or how the formatting displays.
The downside is that converting any documents you create into PDF format is not always all that easy.
So read on to learn how to save something as a PDF from the most popular file formats.
1. DOCX to PDF
The classic Microsoft Word document was for a long time the second most popular online document after the PDF.
And whilst its popularity has waned somewhat in recent years, it is still one of the most common forms of documents. The most recent versions of Microsoft Word make converting to PDF format a breeze. Simply click on the “File” menu, and choose “Export” which will give you the option to create a PDF automatically.
In older versions, click on “File” and then “Save As” before choosing PDF in the “Save as Type” box. If you are using Word Online, then you can use a little hack. Choose “Print,” but instead of selecting a printer, select the “Print to PDF” option. This will convert your Word document into a new PDF file.
If you don’t own a copy of Word, there are a number of free online tools that can help.
2. HTML to PDF
Whilst the PDF is the most common document format on the internet, the HTML file is the most common file type overall as this is the one used by the majority of web pages.
Converting an HTML web page to PDF is not so simple. You can use the Adobe Acrobat DC software to do it, but this does not come cheap. Alternatively, there are a number of websites, plugins or downloads that can do the job for you. Using an online option is probably the safest way to ensure you don’t download anything malicious, although this isn’t a great option if the content of the page is sensitive.
Alternatively, most modern browsers will give you the option to print a web page as a PDF, which creates a new PDF file of that page.
3. ASPX to PDF
ASPX files are Active Server Page Extended files that work with Microsoft’s ASP.NET framework.
Once again, there is no simple way to convert these web files to PDF without additional software. But by making use of an ASPX to PDF converter the process becomes a breeze. It even allows you add headers and footers to the finalized PDF document, as well as inserting your own page breaks for a cleaner looking final file.
You should remember that an ASPX file will no longer work as intended once it has been converted to a different file type.
4. XLSX to PDF
Another popular format is Microsoft Excel files, which have the XLSX file extension.
Thankfully, converting to PDF is fairly simple, provided you have the Excel software. For Windows users, go to “File” and then “Export” and choose the “Create a PDF/XPS” option. On a Mac, go to “File” then “Save As” and choose PDF as the file format.
If you don’t have a copy of Excel, then there are free document file converters online that can do the job for you.
5. PPTX to PDF
Microsoft Powerpoint is the other most common Microsoft file. These files usually have the PPTX extension.
As with Word and Excel, if you own the Powerpoint software, you can use it to convert your file to PDF. In Windows, go to “File” then “Export” and choose “Create a PDF/XPS” as your option. On Mac, selecting “File” and then either “Save As” or “Export” will allow you to select PDF as your file type.
If you are using the online version of Powerpoint, choose “Download As” and select PDF to create a new PDF version of the presentation. If you don’t have the software, then you’ll need to use one of the free online conversion tools.
6. EPUB to PDF
EPUB is a popular ebook format that can be read by e-readers such as Kobo, Nook, and Apple iBooks.
If you want to convert an EPUB file to a PDF, then you will need additional software to do it. The most popular is Calibre, which specializes in converting to and from ebook file types. This will let you convert an EPUB file into other ebook formats, as well as into PDF.
There are also many free online conversion tools and sites that can do the job.
7. MOBI to PDF
MOBI is the Amazon Kindle standard for ebook files.
As with EPUB files, you will need additional software or an online converter to turn a MOBI file into a PDF. Calibre is a great option once again as it was designed specifically for this purpose.
There are many other conversion tools and sites available online too.
8. Convert to PDF on Mobile
All of our conversions so far assume you are using a laptop or desktop.
It is possible to convert to PDF on mobile devices too. To turn a webpage into a PDF on an Apple device, hit the “Share” button (a square with an arrow pointing up from it.) Scroll along the bottom row of options and you will reach the “Create PDF” button. Tap this and save, and the job is done.
On Android, there is no equivalent process, but there are useful apps that you can download that can do the job.
Now You Know How to Save Something as a PDF
Now that you know how to save something as a PDF, all that’s left is for you to create some great content.
For more great tips and tricks regarding technology, business, and software, as well as in-depth and informative product reviews, please take a look around our site. We cover everything from digital electronics to refrigerators.
And don’t forget to come back again soon, as we’re always adding new content.
