How to Fix Missing Acrobat PDFMaker Toolbar in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user needs to restore the missing Acrobat PDFMaker add-in to use the Convert to PDF command in Microsoft Office applications.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to quickly convert a Word document to PDF using the Adobe Acrobat ribbon tab.
- Observed behavior
- The Convert Word Document to PDF command is missing from the ribbon because the Acrobat PDFMaker add-in is disabled, missing, or unregistered.
Ensure that Adobe Acrobat is installed on your computer and completely close all running Microsoft Office applications before making changes to your add-ins or registry.
Enable PDFMaker from Office Disabled Items and COM Add-Ins
Use this solution if the add-in was automatically disabled by Word after a software crash or unexpected shutdown.
Microsoft Office applications have a failsafe feature that automatically disables add-ins if the application closes prematurely. Re-enabling the add-in from the Options menu usually restores the missing toolbar.
Open Microsoft Word, click the Office or File button, and select 'Options'. Click 'Add-Ins' on the left sidebar. From the 'Manage' drop-down list at the bottom, select 'Disabled Items' and click 'Go'.
Check the list for 'PDFMakerOfficeAddin'. If it is listed, select it and click 'Enable'. Close the dialog box.
Back in the Add-Ins menu, change the 'Manage' drop-down to 'COM Add-Ins' and click 'Go'. Find 'Acrobat PDFMaker Office COM Add-in', check the box next to it, and click 'OK'. Restart Microsoft Word to apply the changes.
Register the COM Add-in File in Windows
Apply this fix if the add-in file exists on your computer but Microsoft Word fails to recognize or load it.
Convert Word to PDF Natively in WPS Office
Skip the hassle of missing toolbars and complex registry fixes. WPS Office features a powerful, built-in PDF converter that allows you to seamlessly export any document to PDF without needing third-party plugins like Adobe Acrobat.
- 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office Writer and open the Word document you want to convert.
- 2. Access the Export Feature: Go to the 'Menu' at the top left corner and select 'Export to PDF', or click the dedicated 'Export to PDF' button on the toolbar.
- 3. Save as PDF: Configure your export options, such as page range or save location, and click 'Export' to generate your PDF instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the PDFMaker toolbar suddenly disappear from Word?
Microsoft Office applications have a built-in failsafe that automatically disables third-party add-ins like PDFMaker if the program crashes, closes prematurely, or experiences an unexpected system shutdown.
What should I do if PDFMOfficeAddin.dll is missing from my computer?
If the DLL file is entirely missing from the Acrobat PDFMaker folder, the software installation may be corrupted. You will need to repair or reinstall Adobe Acrobat to restore the required files.
Can I use the Acrobat PDFMaker add-in without having Adobe Acrobat installed?
No, the PDFMaker add-in is a proprietary feature of Adobe Acrobat. If you do not have it installed, you can use built-in 'Save as PDF' features or try a native alternative like WPS Office.
