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 almost everyone
has a version of Adobe Reader or other program on their computer that can read a PDF file.

Important:  Once you have saved a document as a PDF file, you cannot convert it back to a
Microsoft Office file format without specialized software or a third-party add-in.

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,
which you an use instead of following the "save as" instructions if you prefer. 

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 is a safe practice to save my files? (/faq/212700)
What software can convert a PDF back to Microsoft Office? (/faq/212828)
What is the difference between a pdf and jpg? (/faq/212902)
How do I print from my USB drive? (/faq/212846)
 Can I save a computer document if I don't have my flash drive? (/faq/212689)
Why won't my PowerPoint print? (/faq/212912)
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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,
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.
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