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How to Make a PDF: A Comprehensive Guide

June 9, 2023 943 views

Do you want to make a professional PDF? File sharing and professional document creation are paramount, the need for creating visually appealing PDFs that display flawlessly on any device can be a daunting challenge. With an array of tools available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the right approach.

This comprehensive guide aims to provide clear answers, step-by-step instructions, valuable tips, and best practices to help users make a PDF that leave a lasting impression.

Part 1: How to Make a PDF by Printing

Converting documents to PDF through printing is a widely used and straightforward method. In case you don't have a dedicated PDF editor, converting documents to PDF via printing can be a viable alternative to consider.

1.1 How to Use Print to Make a PDF On an Office Software(PC&MAC)

We can easily use Microsoft Print to PDF feature on WPS Office and can also be used on our Mobile devices, here is how:

Step 1: Launch WPS Office on your device and open the document

Step 2: Click on the Menu at the top right

Step 3: Click on Print and then select Print again

WPS Office Print


Step 4: On the Print dialog box, click on the dialog box and select “Microsoft Print to PDF” and click on “Ok”

Microsoft Print to PDF


Step 5: Document can then be saved as a PDF on your computer, simply browse the destination folder and click on “Save”

Microsoft Print to PDF


Tips:
  • On your phone (Android or iOS), you can create a PDF using this method as well.

  • This is also possible with MS Office

1.2 How to Use Print to Make a PDF without Any Installation(iOS)

Here is how users can utilize the Print to PDF feature without any installation:

Step 1: Open photos app on your iPhone and click on select at the top right corner to select a photo or multiple photos

Step 2: Click on “Share” located on the bottom left corner

iPhone share


Step 3: Scroll down and click on “Print”

iPhone print


Step 4: Pinch outward with two fingers on the photo preview to save it as a PDF.

iPhone print preview


Step 5: Click on the “Share” again on the bottom left corner

iPhone view photo


Step 6: Click on the “More” icon

iPhone More option


Step 7: Scroll down and click on the “Books” icon

iPhone Share as book


Step 8: The photo will be saved as a PDF on the Books app

iPhone Books App


Tips
  • Save this PDF in a cloud storage service, such as iCloud or Google Drive, so that you may view it from a laptop or computer.

1.3 How to Use Print to Make a PDF on a Browser

Want to use the Print to PDF feature on your browser? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch your browser and open the document.

Step 2: Click on the print option at the top left of the screen or simply press “ctrl+P” on your keyboard

Print option on Browser


Step 3: On the Print Dialog box, click on the drop down box and select “Microsoft Print to PDF”.

Print option on Browser


Step 4: Press Print and save the document anywhere on your PC as a PDF

Save option on Browser


Tips
  • Even if you've already saved the PDF file, always save the original. Usually, editing is simpler.

Part 2: How to Use the Conversion Function to Make a PDF

When it comes to converting your existing documents to PDF, utilizing the "Convert" function is highly recommended. Unlike the "Print" method, the convert feature offers greater stability and reduces the risk of typographical errors.

With the convert function, you can effortlessly convert various types of documents into PDF format such as Word, Excel, PPT, TXT, images and others.

2.1 How to Convert to PDF on Microsoft Office

Here are some steps to convert PDF on Microsoft Office

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Office on your desktop and open the document

Step 2: Click on File on the top left corner of the screen and select “Ëxport”

Microsoft Office export


Step 3: Select “Create PDF/XPS”

Microsoft Office Create PDF/XPS

Step 4: Browse for location where PDF needs to be save and click on Publish

Microsoft Office save as PDF


Tips
  • Users can also save the document as a PDF by using the “save as” option”

2.2 How to Convert to PDF on WPS Office

Converting Documents into PDF on WPS Office is extremely simple, here is how:

Step 1: Launch WPS Office and select PDF.

Step 2: Select “Create PDF from the file” from the options.

WPS Office Create PDF from file


Step 3: In the open file dialog box, users can browse for the document that needs to be converted into PDF

WPS Office open document


Step 4: WPS Office will start creating and converting the document into a PDF.

WPS Office Convert to PDF


Tips
  • Multi-format is supported

  • Users can  also use “Export to PDF” function to convert documents into PDF

2.3 How to Convert to PDF Online

Users can also convert documents to PDF using WPS online tools, here is how:

Step 1: Visit WPS website to utilize their online tools or simple click on the link https://docs.wps.com/

Step 2: Users can convert several file formats into PDF, we will be selecting Word to PDF

WPS online Word to PDF


Step 3: Upload Word file you wish to be converted into PDF.

WPS online Word to PDF upload


Step 4: Download PDF file

WPS online Word to PDF download


Tips
  • WPS PDF online tools are compatible on PCs and mobile devices

Part 3. How to Create a Blank PDF Document

Follow these easy steps to create a blank PDF document on WPS Office:

Step 1: Launch WPS Office and select PDF.

WPS Office interface


Step 2: Select Create blank PDF from the options.

WPS Office interface


Step 3: Edit your blank PDF

WPS Office interface


Tips
  • Users can also create a blank document, edit it as per their requirement and then save the document as PDF

Part 4. How to Create a New PDF Document

Need to create a new PDF Document, but confused how to make one? WPS Office got you covered, here is how a new PDF document can be created:

Step 1: Launch WPS Office and select Templates on the left side of the screen.

WPS Office Template option


Step 2: Click on PDF

WPS Office PDF Templates


Step 3: Pick a PDF template of your choice

Step 4: Use the free PDF Template and edit it according to your needs


Tips
  • Users can create their own PDF template from scratch using advanced editing features on WPS Office

Part 5: Securing and Sharing PDFs

1. How to Compress a PDF

Step 1: Launch WPS Office and on the WPS ribbon, click on Tools

Step 2: Select “ PDF Compressor

WPS Office PDF tools


Step 3: Browse where the compressed PDF needs to be saved and click on “compress”

WPS Office PDF Compress


Tips

  • Reduce image quality, this could significantly decrease the file size

  • Remove unnecessary content

  • How to Password-Protect a PDF

2. How to Password-Protect a PDF

Step 1: Launch WPS Office and on the WPS ribbon, click on Protect

Step 2: Select Encrypt

WPS Office PDF Protect


Step 3: Users can protect their PDFs by setting up a Password

WPS Office PDF encrypt


Tips
  • Users can protect sensitive information

  • Create a password for your PDF using the same guidelines as for an email or computer password to protect it from uninformed assumptions.

  • Adding Digital Signatures to a PDF

3. Adding Digital Signatures to a PDF

Step 1: Launch WPS Office and on the WPS ribbon, click on Fill & Sign

Step 2: Select Sign, users can easily sign their documents.

WPS Office Fill & sign


Tips
  • Drawing a signature with Paint, saving it as an image, and adding it to a Word document is also an effective way to add an informal signature.

  • Sharing PDFs via email and cloud storage services

4. Sharing PDFs via email and cloud storage services

Step 1: Launch WPS Office and on the WPS ribbon, click the share icon on the top right of the screen

Step 2: Users can easily share their documents

WPS Office PDF share


Tips
  • Before sharing a file using cloud services, users can compress the PDF using WPS Office to ensure fast upload.

Part 6: Choose The Right PDF-Making Tools

1. WPS Office

WPS Office is not just a comprehensive office suite but also offers powerful PDF functionalities. With WPS, you can easily create, edit, and convert PDF documents, making it a great tool for managing your PDF files efficiently.

WPS Office Home


Top Features

  • PDF Tools: WPS Office includes powerful PDF tools for creating, editing, and converting PDF documents.

  • Cloud Integration: WPS Office seamlessly integrates with cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.

  • Collaboration: WPS Office enables easy collaboration on documents with its built-in sharing and commenting features.

WPS Office Collaboration


Free or Paid

WPS Office offers both free and paid versions. The free version includes many essential PDF features, while the paid version, known as WPS Office Premium, unlocks advanced capabilities and provides additional benefits.

Devices

WPS Office is compatible with various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This multi-platform support allows you to access and work on your PDF files seamlessly across different devices.

Pros

  • Robust PDF Editing: WPS Office offers comprehensive editing tools,

  • Seamless Conversion: With WPS, you can convert PDFs to popular file formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

  • User-Friendly Interface

Cons

  • Limited Advanced Features in Free Version

  • Due to the complexity of PDF formats, there might be rare instances where certain PDF files may not render correctly

2. Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat DC is a comprehensive PDF solution that provides a wide range of features for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents. With its intuitive interface and powerful tools, Adobe Acrobat DC is a top choice for professionals and businesses alike.

Adobe Home


Top Features

  • PDF Creation and Conversion: Adobe Acrobat DC allows you to create PDF files from various sources and convert PDFs to different file formats.

  • Advanced Editing: With Acrobat DC, you can edit text, images, and other elements in your PDF documents.

  • Collaboration and Review: It offers features for commenting, reviewing, and collaborating on PDFs with others, making it ideal for team collaboration.

  • Forms and Signatures: Adobe Acrobat DC enables the creation and management of interactive forms and supports digital signatures for secure document signing.

WPS Office Features


Free or Paid

Adobe Acrobat DC is a paid software with different pricing plans available, including subscription options with additional features and services.

Devices

Adobe Acrobat DC is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. It also has mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing you to work with PDFs on the go.

Pros

  • Comprehensive PDF Solution: Adobe Acrobat DC provides a wide range of tools and features for all aspects of PDF management.

  • Professional-Quality Editing: Its advanced editing capabilities make it suitable for professional document editing and modification.

  • Trusted Brand: Adobe is a well-established and trusted name in the industry, known for its quality software products.

Cons

  • Adobe Acrobat is a premium PDF tool and can be costly, especially for users who require only basic PDF functionality.

  • Due to its extensive features, Adobe Acrobat DC may have a steeper learning curve for new users.

3. Canva

Canva is a popular graphic design platform that offers a range of creative tools, including the ability to create and edit PDF documents. It provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both professionals and beginners.

Canva Home


Top Features

  • Design Templates: Canva offers a vast library of templates for various purposes, allowing you to create visually appealing PDF documents.

  • Drag-and-Drop Editor: Its easy-to-use editor lets you customize and arrange elements within your PDF with simple drag-and-drop functionality.

  • Collaboration: Canva facilitates collaboration by enabling multiple users to work on a document simultaneously and providing tools for commenting and feedback.

  • Integration with Images and Graphics: You can easily import images, icons, and graphics from Canva's extensive library or upload your own to enhance your PDF designs.

Canva design interface


Free or Paid

Canva offers both free and paid subscription plans. The free plan provides access to a wide range of features, while the paid plans offer additional benefits, such as advanced templates and premium elements.

Devices

Canva is a web-based platform, accessible through a web browser on various devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. It also offers mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Pros

  • User-Friendly Interface: Canva's intuitive interface makes it easy to create and edit PDF documents, even for users with limited design experience.

  • Extensive Design Resources: The platform offers a vast collection of design templates, images, and graphics to enhance your PDF designs.

  • Collaboration Features: Canva's collaboration tools enable seamless teamwork and feedback sharing among multiple users.

Cons

  • Limited Advanced PDF Features

  • Design-Centric Approach

4. PDF24 Tools

PDF24 is a free online PDF tool that provides a range of features for creating, converting, and managing PDF documents. It offers a simple and straightforward approach to working with PDFs, making it a convenient choice for basic PDF tasks.

PDF24 home


Top Features

  • PDF Creation: PDF24 allows you to create PDF files from various document formats by simply uploading the file to their online tool or using their desktop software.

  • PDF Conversion: You can also convert PDFs to different formats, such as Word, Excel, or image files, making it easier to work with your documents.

  • Basic Editing: PDF24 offers basic editing features like merging, splitting, and rearranging pages within a PDF document.

  • PDF Compression: The tool includes options to compress large PDF files, reducing their size without compromising the quality of the content.

PDF24 home


Free or Paid

PDF24 is primarily a free tool, providing most of its features without any cost. However, they also offer a premium version with additional functionalities for users who require more advanced PDF capabilities.

Devices

PDF24 is available as an online tool accessible through web browsers on various devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Additionally, they provide downloadable desktop software for Windows operating systems.

Pros

  • Free to Use: The majority of PDF24's features are available for free, making it a cost-effective solution for basic PDF tasks.

  • Easy to Use: The tool has a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of creating, converting, and managing PDF documents.

  • File Compression: The PDF compression feature is particularly useful for reducing file size and optimizing storage space.

Cons

  • Limited Advanced Features

  • Cannot be used offline, requires an internet connection

Part 7: Why Do We Need to Make a PDF

PDF files have emerged as the preferred file format for a wide range of users, from professionals to students and individuals. The popularity of PDFs can be attributed to their numerous advantages that cater to the needs of everyone.

Here's why PDF is the ultimate file format for everyone:

  1. Time and cost savings: PDFs eliminate the need for printing and physical distribution, saving time and money.

  2. Universal compatibility: PDFs can be accessed and viewed on any device, allowing for flexibility and convenience.

  3. Document security: PDFs provide security features to protect sensitive information and ensure confidential documents remain secure when sharing them electronically.

  4. Preserved formatting: PDFs preserve the original formatting, fonts, images, and layout of a document, making it accessible on any device..

  5. Efficient file sharing: Compressed PDFs reduce file size without compromising quality, making sharing large files easier and saving storage space.

  6. Online document management: Online services like Adobe Acrobat enable users to convert files to PDF, merge documents, add annotations, and more, allowing them to streamline their digital workflows.

Based on the above advantages, we need to make a PDF, and we can use WPS Office to make PDFs,which is a powerful PDF solution tool.

WPS Office: Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

FAQs

Q1: Can I Convert the Image to PDF?

Yes, you can easily convert images to PDF format. There are various online tools and software available that allow you to convert images, such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF, to PDF. Here is how you can use WPS Office to convert pictures to PDF:

Step 1: Launch WPS Office and on the WPS ribbon, click on Convert

Step 2: Select Image to PDF

Step 3: Users can simply drag and drop multiple files or browse their computer for images to be converted into PDF

Step 4: Click on Convert to create a PDF.

Q2: What are some tips for making professional-quality PDFs?

To create professional-quality PDFs, consider the following tips:

  • Use high-resolution images.

  • Maintain consistent formatting

  • Include interactive elements

  • Optimize file size by compressing your PDF.

  • Proofread and edit.

  • Protect sensitive information

Q3: Can I share PDF files to other formats

Yes, users can easily convert PDF files to other formats. WPS Office provides free conversion of PDF files to other formats. Here is how users can easily convert their PDFs to other formats:

Step 1: Launch WPS Office and on the WPS ribbon, click on Convert

Step 2: Select the file format you want your PDF to be converted into

Step 3: Users can save their converted file along with other important factors before converting their PDF.

Summary

This article provides helpful guides on making a PDF, including conversion, editing, and security. WPS Office stands out as an exceptional choice due to its user-friendly interface, extensive features, and cross-platform compatibility. It offers outstanding performance, preserving formatting, adding security measures, and working across different devices. Discover the features of WPS PDF and experience the ease and efficiency of working with PDF files.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.