There are many times we need to save a file to the PDF format. In both Windows and Mac, you can “print” to PDF, which essentially creates a PDF file.
Mac
With the file open (Word, Pages, etc.), click File/Print
- At the bottom of the print screen, click the drop-down arrow where it says “PDF”
- Click Save as PDF
- Click Print
- Give your file a name and choose the location where you would like to save the file
- Click Save
NOTE: Some newer Mac operating systems have encryption that blocks print to PDF. If the above instructions do not work:
- Open the PDF document in Preview
- Choose File > Export as PDF and save the PDF under any name.
- Open the saved PDF in Preview.
- Now select File > Print > PDF > Save as PDF
Windows
- With the file open (Word, OneNote, etc.), click File/Print
- Click the drop down box to choose the “Microsoft Print to PDF” printer
- Click Print
- Give your file a name and choose the location where you would like to save the file
- Click Save
Microsoft Print to PDF Printer not available? Make sure it’s enabled:
- Press the Windows + R key
- Type optionalfeatures.exe and click OK
- Scroll down and check to enable Microsoft Print to PDF
Still having issues? Add the feature as a local printer in Control Panel
- Follow the default prompts to add a local printer
- The “Printer” will be listed under Microsoft
Still need a bit of help? The friendly technicians at the Technology Help Desk in the Law Library are here to assist you.
Saving a File/Printing to PDF