How to Convert Word to PDF in Seconds (And Keep Your Fonts)
Converting a Word document to PDF sounds simple: open, export, done. But if you have ever sent a PDF and had someone say it looks wrong on their screen, there is more to it than that, and one setting causes most of the problems.
Why Word to PDF conversion sometimes goes wrong
The most common problem is font substitution: if your document uses a font that is not embedded in the exported PDF, whoever opens the file on a different device may see a completely different font in its place, shifting spacing and sometimes the whole layout. The second most common issue is image positioning, where floating images can shift during export. The third is tables spilling across pages when even one row becomes slightly taller during export. All three are avoidable with the right approach.
Method 1: export directly from Microsoft Word
If you have Word installed, this is the most reliable method since it converts directly from the source with full access to fonts and formatting. Go to File then Export (Windows) or Save As (Mac) and choose PDF. Before saving, open the export Options panel and make sure Embed Fonts in the File is ticked, this is the step most people skip, and it tells Word to include the font data inside the PDF itself.
Method 2: use a browser-based converter
If you do not have Word installed, or you are on a Chromebook or phone, the Word to PDF tool at tools.slaytic.com handles the job entirely in the browser: no download, no installation, no account. Upload your .doc or .docx file and download the resulting PDF in seconds. This works well for most standard documents; files with heavy custom formatting will convert most cleanly directly from Word.
How to keep your fonts intact
- Use system fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman where possible, since font substitution is almost never a problem with these.
- Embed fonts when exporting from Word, so the font data travels with the PDF.
- For designs where appearance is critical, some designers convert text to outlines before exporting, though the text is then no longer selectable or editable.
Fixing image and table issues before you export
For images, right-click each one in Word, select Wrap Text, and choose In Line with Text to anchor it to the flow rather than floating it freely. For tables, right-click the table, go to Table Properties, then the Row tab, and untick Allow Row to Break Across Pages if you want the table to stay together on one page.
Questions
Frequently asked
Why do my fonts change after exporting to PDF?
If the export did not embed the fonts, the PDF only references the font by name, and whoever opens it substitutes a different font if the original is not installed on their device.
Can I convert Word to PDF without Microsoft Word installed?
Yes. A browser-based converter like Slaytic Converter’s Word to PDF tool works without Word installed, directly from any browser.
Why does my table spill onto a second page?
A row set to allow breaking across pages, or a row that becomes slightly taller during export, can push a table past a single page. Disabling that row setting usually fixes it.