Skip to main content
M
Myriam25176861hqpa
Participating Frequently
July 8, 2022
Answered

Help! Why is the layout changed (lines, pages) when converting a .docx-file into a .pdf-file?!?

  • July 8, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 41848 views

Hi folks

My Word document looks great: the layout is perfect.

Then I convert it into a pdf document—and EVERYTHING has changed! As if the page format were another one (which is not the case: they are both A4).

My Word document changes between single column layout and two column layout (for pictures and boxes) and sometimes works with text fields. When exporting to pdf, the line break changes, the page break changes, text fields and photos move ...! Horrible.

What can I do to keep the layout worked hard for in Word 1:1 in the pdf file?

I lost hours trying to create a pdf document looking more or less correctly.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Test Screen Name

    Unfortunately, I lose the active links behind words... 😞 (see last upload)


    I understand that. My point was - and I will make it a question - if you use Word's SAVE AS PDF, do you see the same layout changes as when using SAVE AS ADOBE PDF?

    2 replies

    T
    Test Screen Name
    Legend
    July 15, 2022

    This is what Word does. It's not a tool for precise page layout. It will often change line and page breaks, especially but not only if you change printer. You can check this out by doing Save as pDF directly (not Save As Adobe PDF). This is a built in Word function, and it will likely show the same issues (or slightly different ones). 

      M
      Myriam25176861hqpaAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      July 15, 2022

      The MAIN difference when doing so on Mac is: links "hidden" behind words will not be actif anymore in the pdf. This is EXACTLY why I was ready to pay for Adobe Pro DC... 'Cos the free Mac application is not able to keep up active links behind words. 😐

      T
      Test Screen Name
      Legend
      July 15, 2022

      There are many advantages to Adobe's converter. But it first uses Microsoft's converter. Hence, I suggested you look at the result of Save in Word (not Save as Adobe PDF). I would expect to see the same layout issues when Word saves PDF directly.

      try67
      Community Expert
      try67Community Expert
      Community Expert
      July 8, 2022

      How did you convert it, exactly? What command did you use?

      M
      Myriam25176861hqpaAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      July 9, 2022

      In Acrobat Pro DC, I chose "create" and then "pdf from file" and chose my Word file.

      Is there another way I could do it?

      Important point: I need active links even if they are "hidden" behind a word. If not, I could just print as pdf (I am a Mac user).

        try67
        Community Expert
        try67Community Expert
        Community Expert
        July 9, 2022

        Strange, that normally works well. One thing to try is to open the file in Word and then use the Create PDF button under the Acrobat ribbon. See if that produces better results.

          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
          Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices