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Fix Word for Mac PDF Export Removing Image Colors
Question details
Users experience a loss of highlighted colors in embedded images when exporting a Word document to PDF.
- Product
- Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Exporting a document to PDF via Word for Mac using the 'Best for electronic distribution and accessibility' option.
- Observed behavior
- Highlighted colors in embedded images disappear in the final PDF, while the rest of the image renders normally.
Make sure to save a backup copy of your original Word document before converting it to PDF or opening it in alternative applications.
Use the 'Best for Printing' PDF Export Option
Bypasses the Microsoft online service that causes the electronic distribution rendering bug.
Word for Mac offers two PDF export engines. The 'electronic distribution' option routes the document through a Microsoft cloud service, which is currently known to drop specific colors from embedded images. Using the 'Best for printing' option uses the local macOS engine instead.
Open your document in Word for Mac, click on 'File' in the top menu bar, and select 'Save As'.
In the 'File Format' dropdown menu, choose 'PDF'.
Select the radio button next to 'Best for printing' instead of 'Best for electronic distribution and accessibility'.
Click the 'Export' button to save your PDF with preserved image colors.
Export Using Word for the Web
Utilize the web-based version of Microsoft Word, which processes PDFs differently and retains image colors.
Convert via Apple Pages
Use Apple's built-in word processor to open the Word document and export it to PDF without color loss.
Use WPS Office to Export High-Quality PDFs with Colors Preserved
If Word for Mac's PDF export options compromise your images or hyperlinks, WPS Office provides a highly reliable, free alternative. It features an advanced built-in PDF converter that perfectly preserves your original formatting, vibrant image colors, and active hyperlinks without relying on external cloud processing.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file.
- 3. Export to PDF: Go to the 'Menu' and select 'Export to PDF' to generate a flawless document with all colors intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the electronic distribution option in Word for Mac mess up my images?
This export option routes the document through a Microsoft cloud service to generate accessibility tags. This service currently suffers from a rendering bug that can unexpectedly drop certain highlighted colors from embedded images.
Can I keep my hyperlinks if I use the 'Best for printing' export option?
No, the 'Best for printing' option utilizes the macOS local print-to-PDF engine. While it correctly prints the images, it flattens the text and removes all clickable hyperlinks. You will need a dedicated PDF editor to add them back.
Does this image color issue happen on the Windows version of Microsoft Word?
No, this specific PDF export rendering issue is unique to the Word for Mac application when using the 'electronic distribution' export setting.
Will copying my content to PowerPoint fix the PDF export issue?
Yes, many users report that PowerPoint for Mac uses a different PDF rendering process. Copying your document content into a blank PowerPoint slide and saving it as a PDF usually preserves the image colors.
