Compare Word Save as PDF, PDFMaker, and Print to Adobe PDF
Question details
The user wants to understand the differences between various Word to PDF conversion methods and determine which one preserves hyperlinks.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2010
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Converting a Microsoft Word document to PDF while retaining active hyperlinks and document structure.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to choose the best conversion method among Save as PDF, PDFMaker, and Print to Adobe PDF to achieve the desired PDF output quality.
Determine whether you have Adobe Acrobat installed, as the PDFMaker and Print to Adobe PDF options require it, while Word's built-in Save as PDF feature does not.
Use Acrobat PDFMaker to Preserve Hyperlinks
The Acrobat PDFMaker plug-in is the recommended method for converting documents if preserving hyperlinks, bookmarks, and document structure is your priority.
PDFMaker directly converts Word documents to PDF while effectively retaining interactive elements like links and bookmarks. However, note that it may not preserve dynamic objects such as fields and macros.
In Microsoft Word, navigate to the 'Acrobat' tab located on the top ribbon.
Click on 'Create PDF' to initiate the conversion process using the PDFMaker plug-in.
Use Word's Built-in 'Save As PDF'
Use this method if you do not have Adobe Acrobat installed but still need to export your document as a PDF.
Use 'Print to Adobe PDF' for Flat Documents
Use this method when you want to create a standard, flattened PDF without interactive elements.
Preserve Hyperlinks Using WPS Office's Built-in PDF Converter
WPS Office Writer includes a powerful, built-in PDF export tool that effortlessly converts documents while preserving hyperlinks, bookmarks, and formatting, eliminating the need for expensive third-party plug-ins.
- 1. Open Document: Launch WPS Office Writer and open your Word document.
- 2. Export to PDF: Navigate to the 'Tools' tab on the ribbon and click on the 'Export to PDF' button.
- 3. Configure Options: In the pop-up window, ensure the export options are set to include interactive elements, then click 'Export'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to PDFMaker and Print to PDF if I uninstall Adobe Acrobat?
If you uninstall Adobe Acrobat, both the Adobe PDF virtual printer and the PDFMaker plug-in will be removed from your system. However, Word's built-in 'Save as PDF' function will remain available.
Why are my hyperlinks not working after converting a Word document to PDF?
If you used the 'Print to Adobe PDF' method, the document is flattened like a physical printout, causing interactive elements like hyperlinks and bookmarks to be lost. To preserve them, use 'Save as PDF' or the 'Acrobat PDFMaker' plug-in instead.
Does Word's 'Save as PDF' feature require Adobe software?
No, the 'Save as PDF' feature is an internal function built directly into Microsoft Word and does not require any Adobe software or third-party plug-ins to work.
