How to Convert a Word Document to TIFF, PDF or JPEG Format

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PDF (portable document format), TIFF (tagged image file format) and JPEG (joint photographic experts group) are standard image formats for sending information via email or uploading on the web. Microsoft Word does not contain native controls to convert your documents to PDF, TIFF, or JPEG. TIFF files typically are the largest of the three formats, with PDF falling behind and JPEG being one of the smallest.

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Step 1

A PDF driver is the same as a driver for a printer. Mac OSX allows native conversion to PDF. Select "File" in MS Word's menu bar. Select "Print."

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Step 2

In the bottom left corner, click on "PDF."

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Step 3

Select "Save as PDF."

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Step 4

A PDF driver is the same as a driver for a printer. Check to see if you have a PDF converter installed on your computer. To find out if you have a converter, in Word, select "File" then "Print."

Step 5

If you have a converter, it will be listed as a printer under the "Printer Name" section. It may be called Acrobat PDF or Cute PDF.

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Step 6

If you see the converter, select it as your printer. Then select "Print." Word will ask you where you'd like to save your new PDF. The document does not actually get printed, it gets converted to PDF.

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Step 7

If you do not have a converter, you have two options: download a converter or convert your document online. If you want to download a converter, several free converters are available online. These converters install a driver just as you might install a driver for a printer (see Resources). If you'd like to convert your document online, see Section 3.

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Step 8

Once you have installed a converter, in Word select "File" then "Print."

Step 9

Select your new PDF converter in the Printer Name section. Click "Print" and Word will ask you where to save the file.

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Step 10

Before using an online document conversion utility, consider that someone else will have a copy of the document. If your document contains sensitive material, it is not recommended you use a public website to convert it.

Step 11

To convert your MS Word document online, use a good conversion site such as zamzar.com (see Resources).

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Step 12

Under "Step 1" click "Browse" to select the Word document you want to convert.

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Step 13

Under "Step 2" choose the format to convert to "Select PDF."

Step 14

Under "Step 3" enter your email address. Zamzar will email you a link to the converted file at this address.

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Step 15

Under "Step 4" click "Convert." Your file will be uploaded to Zamzar's servers and converted. You will receive an email with a link to download the converted file. Please note that it can take several minutes before you receive the email, so be patient.

Step 16

TIFF and JPEG are image formats, just as a PDF is essentially an image of a document. Neither Adobe Acrobat Reader nor Microsoft Word allows you to save documents as a TIFF or JPEG. You will need an online or downloadable utility to help you.

Step 17

Go to zamzar.com (see Resources). Under "Step 1" and "Convert Files," click "Browse" and choose the Word Document you want to convert.

Step 18

Under "Step 2" choose the format you want to convert to"Select "PNG." PNG is a relatively new image format, and it's the only image format that Zamzar will allow conversions to from Word.

Step 19

Enter the email address where you'd like Zamzar to send you the download link. They will email you as soon as the conversion is complete. This is usually a quick process, but if it's a large file it could take a while.

Step 20

Once you have the email from Zamzar, click the link in the email and download the file. Now you need to convert the PNG file to JPG or TIFF format.

Step 21

Repeat the same process you used to convert the PNG file. Go to zamzar.com, select your PNG file, select "jpg" or "tiff." Enter your email address, click "convert" and wait for the email containing the link to your new file.

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