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How to Fix Word 2021 Document Cannot Be Converted to PDF Issue
Question details
The user needs a solution to submit a document because a recipient's system fails to convert a Word 2021 research paper into a PDF.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Submitting a research paper to a journal where the journal's automated system fails to process or convert the uploaded Word document to PDF.
- Observed behavior
- The document opens and converts to PDF successfully on the author's computer but fails to convert on the recipient's system.
Ensure your document does not contain restricted custom fonts or extremely complex third-party formatting objects that may cause server-side conversion errors on other systems.
Save the Document as a Standard PDF Locally
Bypass the recipient's automated conversion issue by generating a standard PDF on your own computer and sending the finalized PDF file instead.
Instead of relying on the journal's system to convert the Word document, generating a standard PDF on your computer ensures the formatting remains intact and prevents third-party conversion failures.
Open your research paper in Microsoft Word 2021, click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner, and select 'Save As'.
Choose your desired save location and select 'PDF (*.pdf)' from the 'Save as type' drop-down menu.
In the PDF options located below the file type menu, select the 'Standard (publishing online and printing)' optimization setting.
Click 'Save' to generate the file, then send this finalized PDF directly to the journal for testing and submission.
Export Documents to PDF Flawlessly with WPS Office
If you encounter conversion errors or formatting issues in your current word processor, use WPS Office. It provides a built-in, highly compatible PDF exporter that ensures your research papers and documents are perfectly formatted for professional journal submissions.
- 1. Open the Document: Download and launch WPS Office, then open your Word document (.docx).
- 2. Access PDF Export: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Export to PDF'.
- 3. Configure and Export: Adjust the export settings to ensure high quality for printing and publishing, then click 'Export' to generate a flawless PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a Word document convert fine on my PC but fail on the journal's system?
The journal's conversion system may lack specific fonts used in your document, run an older version of the software, or struggle to process complex formatting features unique to Word 2021. Generating the PDF locally avoids these server-side limitations.
Does saving as 'Standard (publishing online and printing)' change my document layout?
No, this setting embeds the necessary fonts and ensures the PDF retains its exact layout and high resolution. It creates a slightly larger file size compared to 'Minimum size' but is ideal for professional printing and online publishing.
What should I do if the journal strictly requires a Word document upload?
If the journal strictly requires a .docx file and their system still fails to convert it, try simplifying the document by clearing complex formatting, embedding fonts via File > Options > Save > 'Embed fonts in the file', and re-uploading.
