Formatting Issues

Fix Font Size Changes When Converting Word to PDF

Steve K Oct 16, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing inconsistent font sizes in the output PDF when automating Word-to-PDF conversions.

Fix Font Size Changes When Converting Word to PDF

Product: Microsoft Word (Office 2010)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Programmatically converting Word documents to PDF using the ActiveDocument.ExportAsFixedFormat method.
Observed behavior: The exported PDF file exhibits unexpected and inconsistent font size changes compared to the original Word document format.

Before you start

Verify that all required fonts are installed on the machine performing the conversion, and ensure you have a backup of your original Word document before running automated scripts.

Solution 1Recommended

Test Print-to-PDF vs. Export Methods

Comparing different PDF generation methods helps determine if the formatting bug is specific to the ExportAsFixedFormat function or the local print spooler.

By manually isolating the conversion methods, you can verify whether the code is at fault or if it is a rendering bug within the Office 2010 engine itself.

Test Native Export

Open the document manually in Word 2010, navigate to File > Save As, and choose PDF to test the native export engine.

Test Print to PDF

Go to File > Print, select 'Microsoft Print to PDF' (or a third-party PDF printer), and click Print to generate the file.

Compare Outputs

Open both resulting PDFs and inspect the font sizes to see which method preserves your original document formatting correctly.

Unsupported Version: Office 2010 has reached the end of support. Legacy rendering bugs related to PDF exports in this version will no longer receive official patches from Microsoft.

Solution 2

Upgrade Office or Change Automation Approach

Server-side automation using legacy Office versions is highly discouraged as it often leads to unstable document rendering and formatting errors.

Built-in PDF Tools

Convert Word to PDF Flawlessly with WPS Office

Avoid legacy formatting bugs and complex server scripts by using WPS Office to handle your document conversions. It ensures your font sizes, layouts, and styles remain exactly as designed without the need for additional plugins.

1. Open the Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the Word document you need to convert.
2. Access the Export Tool: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Export to PDF' from the dropdown list.
3. Configure Settings: Adjust your preferred export settings, such as page range or save location.
4. Export the File: Click the 'Export to PDF' button to generate your document with all font sizes fully intact.

Highly compatible with all Microsoft Word file formats (.doc, .docx).Built-in PDF export preserves original font sizes and layouts perfectly.Free, lightweight, and regularly updated for optimal performance.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do fonts change size when saving a Word document as a PDF?

Font size changes often happen due to missing fonts on the system, conflicting printer drivers during the conversion process, or outdated software bugs found in legacy versions like Office 2010.

Does the ExportAsFixedFormat method embed fonts automatically?

It attempts to embed them, but if a font is restricted by licensing or if the Office version has a specific rendering bug, it may substitute the font instead, altering its apparent size.

Is Microsoft Office 2010 still supported for bug fixes?

No, Microsoft officially ended support for Office 2010 in October 2020. No new security updates or bug fixes, including patches for PDF export formatting issues, will be provided.

Why is automating Office on a server not recommended?

Office applications were designed for interactive use by a single user. Automating them on a server can lead to deadlocks, memory leaks, and unpredictable rendering behavior like font size inconsistencies.

Document & File Issues