Answer

PDF stands for "portable document format".  Essentially, the format is used when you need to save files that cannot be modified but still need to be easily shared and printed.  Today most devices have a version of Adobe Reader or can open a PDF in an Internet Browser. 

Save As PDF screenshot

To save a file in .pdf format:

  1. Open the document you want to save as a .pdf
  2. Click the File tab
  3. Click Save As (choosing Save As keeps your original version and allows you to save an additional copy in another file format.)
  4. In the File Name box, enter a name for the file if you haven't already
  5. Click the drop down arrow in the Save as Type box and click PDF (*.pdf) - If you don't see this as an option in the menu, make sure you have the free Adobe Reader software installed on your computer. 
  6. If you want the file to open immediately in the selected format after saving, select the Open file after publishing check box
  7. Click Options box for other available options
  8. Click Save

**You may also see an option to "Export" your document/file to a PDF in your File menu. You can use that option instead of following the "save as" instructions if you prefer. In addition, some programs allow you to choose Print and then select Save as PDF as the printer. Each of these methods will result in a new file in the PDF format.

It is possible to open a .pdf in Microsoft Word to convert it back to the .docx format and edit it. The following dialog box appears:

 

Comments (19)

  1. Well explained I now understand u you are a great teacher thanks
    by josy on Jan 22, 2016
  2. Wow, thats a nice one. Thanks
    by Ochei on Apr 29, 2016
  3. I don't have a PDF choice in the drop down box. What do I do?
    by B Ellis on Sep 06, 2016
  4. I don't have a PDF choice in the drop down box. Is there another way to save my file as a PDF?
    by Kathleen Daly on Jul 02, 2018
  5. BY GEORGE! Josy was quite correct in paying you a COMPLIMENT: You are indeed an OUTSTANDING teacher.
    Kudos to You,
    Best, Russell
    by Russell Brahm on Jan 28, 2019
  6. Thank you for sharing this info.I wish you share more and be more simplified.God bless you.
    by Jennifer on Aug 14, 2019
  7. Can I email a completed PDF. I received a form to fill out on an attachment of an email for my doctor and I have it saved now just need to fill the form out and email it back Fran
    by Fran Hamilton on Apr 21, 2020
  8. thankx
    by oday smadi on Jul 04, 2020
  9. Helping
    by Suraj Kumar on Jul 05, 2020
  10. Thank you for sharing information
    by MR SAM on Sep 10, 2020
  11. Thank you. And Siri
    by Mark.Boudreau. My nickname is skid on Sep 10, 2020
  12. Helpful indeed
    by Crosspolo on Oct 08, 2020
  13. Thanks a lot. One of my problems has now been resolved.
    by Sugathakumar on Nov 02, 2020
  14. Brilliant work
    by NSANZIMANA Emmanuel on Jan 06, 2021
  15. How can I change a pdf file into a file that I can print out?
    by Penny burke on Jan 14, 2021
  16. The full form of PDF is "Portable Document Format".
    by Gurwinder Singh on Apr 01, 2021
  17. Akudos to you, very educative
    by Balikurungi Nickson on Jul 31, 2021
  18. I learn & understand so much about pdf
    by Tlou Trans and Cleaning on Aug 30, 2021
  19. Simple as it's needed to learn. Great. Thanks
    by MARIA on Oct 07, 2023