How to Fix Formatting Marks Appearing in PDFs Created from Word
Question details
Users are experiencing unexpected formatting marks, such as a hash symbol (#), appearing in headers or under logos when converting a Word document to a PDF file.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Converting or printing a Word document to a PDF format using third-party PDF creators like Adobe Acrobat.
- Observed behavior
- Unexpected symbols and formatting marks that are invisible in the original Word document suddenly appear in the exported PDF file.
Before troubleshooting, try printing the Word document to a physical printer to see if the hash symbol or formatting marks appear on paper. This helps isolate whether the issue lies in the document's settings or the PDF conversion software.
Save Directly as PDF in Word
Bypassing virtual PDF printers like Adobe Acrobat and using Word's native save feature can resolve compatibility-induced formatting glitches.
If you are using an older version of Acrobat (such as Acrobat X) alongside a newer version of Word, compatibility issues can cause rendering errors like hash symbols. Saving directly as a PDF from Word avoids this software conflict.
Launch Microsoft Word and open the document you wish to convert.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner and select 'Save As'.
In the file format dropdown menu, choose 'PDF (*.pdf)' instead of a Word Document.
Click 'Save' to export the file, then open the new PDF to verify if the formatting marks are gone.
Disable Track Changes and Formatting Marks
Hidden formatting marks, form fields, or active Track Changes in Word may be configured to display when printed or exported to PDF.
Update Your PDF Conversion Software
Updating your third-party PDF creator ensures it has the necessary compatibility protocols to render modern Word document elements correctly.
Convert Word to PDF Seamlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office features a highly compatible built-in PDF converter that flawlessly exports Word documents to PDF without adding unexpected formatting marks or requiring third-party plugins.
- 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your Word document.
- 2. Access PDF Export: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner, then hover over 'Export to PDF'.
- 3. Configure and Export: Choose your desired export settings in the prompt window and click 'Export' to save a clean, mark-free PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hash symbols appear only in the PDF and not in my original Word document?
Hash symbols or other marks can appear due to incompatibility between a newer version of Word and an older PDF virtual printer (like Acrobat X), or because hidden form fields and formatting marks are set to become visible when the document is processed for printing.
Does leaving Track Changes enabled affect my PDF conversion?
Yes, if Track Changes or markup is enabled in Word, the revision marks, comments, and formatting indicators may be forcibly exported to the final PDF. Be sure to accept all changes and select 'No Markup' before exporting.
How can I tell if the formatting issue is with Word or my PDF converter?
The easiest way to test this is to print the document to a standard physical printer. If the unwanted marks print on physical paper, the issue lies within the Word document's settings. If they only appear in the digital PDF, it is a conversion software compatibility issue.
