Back to Knowledge BaseMicrosoft 365

    How to Print to PDF

    4 min read
    Updated 23 December 2025

    Why Print to PDF?

    PDF files:

    • Look the same on any computer
    • Can't be easily edited (good for final versions)
    • Are widely accepted for sharing
    • Are smaller than original files
    • Work without special software

    Print to PDF on Windows

    Method 1: Print Dialog (Works Everywhere)

    • Open your document/file
    • Press Ctrl + P (or File > Print)
    • In the printer dropdown, select Microsoft Print to PDF
    • Click Print
    • Choose where to save the file
    • Click Save

    Method 2: Export in Office Apps

    In Word, Excel, PowerPoint:

    • Click File > Export
    • Click Create PDF/XPS Document
    • Click Create PDF/XPS
    • Choose location and click Publish

    Method 3: Save As

    • Click File > Save As
    • Choose location
    • Change "Save as type" to PDF
    • Click Save

    Print to PDF on Mac

    Method 1: Print Dialog

    • Open your document
    • Press Command + P
    • Click PDF (bottom left)
    • Click Save as PDF
    • Choose location and save

    Method 2: Export

    In Office apps:

    • Click File > Export
    • Choose PDF format

    Creating PDFs from Emails

    Outlook Desktop

    • Open the email
    • Press Ctrl + P
    • Select Microsoft Print to PDF
    • Print and save

    Outlook Web

    • Open the email
    • Click the three dots (...) menu
    • Click Print
    • Choose Save as PDF or Microsoft Print to PDF

    Creating PDFs from Web Pages

    Chrome

    • Press Ctrl + P
    • Change Destination to Save as PDF
    • Click Save

    Edge

    • Press Ctrl + P
    • Select Microsoft Print to PDF
    • Click Print

    Tips for Good PDFs

    Before Creating

    • Check spelling and formatting
    • Ensure all content is visible
    • Preview before saving

    File Size

    Large PDFs take longer to share. To reduce size:

    • Use lower quality images
    • In Print to PDF, look for compression options
    • Remove unnecessary pages

    File Names

    Use descriptive names:

    • Good: "Project-Proposal-January-2026.pdf"
    • Bad: "Document1.pdf"

    Need Help?

    For PDF help, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.

    Was this article helpful?

    Still Need Help?

    If you are still having trouble, our support team is here to help.