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How to Print a Word Online Document Without Converting to PDF
Question details
The user wants to print or save a copy of a Microsoft Word Online document directly without having to convert it into a PDF file first, while preserving the original .docx format.
- Product
- Word for the web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing or downloading a copy of a Word document from a web browser when the local computer lacks the Microsoft Office desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- When saving a copy locally without Microsoft Word installed, the file icon appears as a WordPad file, though it remains in the .docx format and does not require PDF conversion to be printed or shared.
Ensure you have an active internet connection to access Word for the web, and verify that your printer is correctly connected and recognized by your web browser.
Print Directly from Word for the Web
Use the built-in print feature in Word Online to send your document straight to your printer using the browser dialog.
Word for the web allows you to print documents directly from your browser. This method bypasses the need to manually download and convert the file into a PDF before printing.
Log in to your OneDrive account and open the target document in Word for the web.
Click on 'File' in the top ribbon menu, then select 'Print' from the left-hand navigation pane.
Click 'Print' again to process the file. Your web browser's native print dialog will appear, allowing you to select your printer and print the document.
Download as .docx and Print Locally
Save a local copy of the document in its original .docx format and print it using any compatible word processing application.
Open and Print .docx Files Locally with WPS Office
If you don't have Microsoft Word installed on your computer and want to avoid WordPad's formatting limitations, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to effortlessly view, edit, and print your .docx files.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and follow the on-screen prompts to install it.
- 2. Open the .docx File: Right-click your downloaded Word document, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Writer.
- 3. Print the Document: Click the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner, select 'Print', verify your printer settings, and click 'Print'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my downloaded Word document look like a WordPad file?
If you do not have Microsoft Office installed on your computer, Windows automatically defaults to associating .docx files with WordPad. Despite the icon, the actual file format remains .docx and retains all of its advanced formatting.
Can I collaborate on a document if I only have WordPad?
WordPad does not support advanced collaboration features or complex document formatting. For collaborative work, it is best to keep the document in OneDrive and use Word for the web, or install a free compatible suite like WPS Office.
Does saving a copy from Word Online change my document formatting?
No, selecting 'Save a copy' or 'Download a Copy' retains the original .docx format perfectly. All your fonts, margins, and layouts are preserved, even if your local computer lacks Microsoft Word.
What should I use to open .docx files locally if I don't want to buy Microsoft Office?
You can use a free, robust office suite like WPS Office. It is fully compatible with Microsoft .docx files, ensuring that your documents open exactly as they appeared in Word Online.
